Gary Eoff
The Iron Dog Race, Inc., Hall of Fame is dedicated to showcasing the rich and exciting history, along with honoring the men and women of the Iron Dog snowmobile event at both the recreational and competitive levels. The inductees of the 2025 Hall of Fame have provided countless memories as racers and race officials, they have supported our organization and racers financially and though encouragement, and provided industry information since the inception of our race. Their efforts have provided support for the foundation of our race and our sport.
This year, the Iron Dog Board of Directors inducted five new members.
“Congratulations to them all, and thank you for all you’ve given the Iron Dog Race.” – Mike Vasser, Iron Dog executive director
Gary Eoff
Gary Eoff’s name will forever be in the Iron Dog record book as a race champion – a feat he accomplished with partner and Hall of Famer Scott Davis in 1985. It was his one and only Iron Dog race, but one that launched a decadeslong career as trail breaker, volunteer, and race supporter. Eoff is being honored in this year’s Hall of Fame for the dedication he has shown to the sport outside of the rigors of racing.
“Gary is a real example of the tradition of racing in our state, and not to mention one heck of a partner,” Scott Davis said of their one-time win together. “After checking that racing box, Gary moved on to trail breaking for the race, riding everything from Bravos to 121 Cats to finally VK 540 long tracks. After that, he began flying support for teams.”
Eoff said some of his strongest friendships have evolved around the Iron Dog Race, making it easy to volunteer after his racing days were over.
“The one time I raced Iron Dog and won was the highlight of all my racing stuff that I did in the past,” Eoff said. “I’m sure when they write my obituary, that will be a line in there. But I enjoyed the trail break much more than the race.”
For about five years in the late ’80s and early ’90s, Eoff and a group of riders would help establish the trail prior to the race start.
“Every year, four to six of us would break trail because it was nonexistent,” he said. “Back in the early days, it would take seven days to get to McGrath. When we got better sleds, we could do it in four days.”
Eoff was one of the first pilots to offer race support in the early days of Iron Dog, when sometimes only three or four planes would be flying parts.
“You have friends who are still racing, and you are meeting new people, and you want to stay involved,” Eoff said. “This was a way to do that.”
Eoff assisted countless racers over his 20 years of flying support, helping six teams toward their victories. He said the call that he was being inducted into the Iron Dog Hall of Fame came from out of the blue.
“I’d only raced it once, and there were certainly guys that did way more than me, but it was a very pleasant surprise.”
Thank you, Gary, from Iron Dog Race, Inc., for your many years of contributions.