And then there were SIX champions gearing up for 2025 Iron Dog Race

Roster shifts as the World’s Longest, Toughest
Snowmobile Race stays true to its name

 Feb. 11, 2025 — The 2025 Iron Dog Race started with a roster packed with nine past champions. But in the past month, this competitive field has shifted significantly amid injuries and other complications. Past champions Todd Palin, Chris Olds and Nick Olstad have all withdrawn from this year’s race following injuries or medical issues that will sideline them this year. Then 2024 Iron Dog champion Cody Barber briefly stepped in for Team 19’s Travis Temple after Temple withdrew due to injury. A week later, and for reasons unknown, Shane Barber is now taking that spot. That leaves six remaining past champions from the original race roster – Tyler Aklestad, Mike Morgan, Cory Davis, Tyson Johnson, Robby Schachle and Brad George.

 “This is the nature of racing, and the realities of training,” said Iron Dog Executive Director Mike Vasser on Sunday. “This race and sport is grueling; fortunately, these competitors are all healing up, but this year they will have to sit the 2025 Iron Dog out on the sidelines.”

 As of Sunday, Team 10, Chris Olds and Ryan Sottosanti had withdrawn following a training injury with Olds. They will roll their entry into the 2026 race.

 On Feb. 5, Palin, gunning for his 30th race in his 60 years, said a medical health emergency surgery unrelated to racing or training has sidelined him for 2025 event. He and Team 49 partner Klinton VanWingerden decided to withdraw and, like Team 10, also roll their entry into 2026. Palin is fine and doing well, he told Iron Dog, but he will not be healed enough to be cleared by a doctor in time to make the start on Feb. 15.

 Prior to these withdrawals and announced earlier this season, Olstad nursed a serious injury that required him to withdraw for 2025. Tyler Aklestad has a new race partner, Aaron Loyer, and will stay in the race. 

 There have been other shakeups to the roster, too.

 Falling victim to a training accident recently was Joshua Knox from Team 32.  Filling in for Knox is Amos Cruise, from McGrath. He is racing with rookie with Louis Green. Cruise last finished the Iron Dog in 2021 with partner Barney Anselment. This will be his fifth entry in the Iron Dog Pro Class.

 “Team 10 and 49 held on to hope to race – they were waiting and hoping to get cleared,” Vasser said. “These guys are tough, and they want to race.”

 The late fill-ins deserve some credit, too, he added.

 “That shows some grit – hopping on a sled with short notice isn’t for the everyday human,” Vasser said. “Barber, Loyer and Cruise are tough guys, and their teammates, too – it’s exciting to see that ‘never quit’ attitude in our athletes!”

 Thirty teams are still in the running in the World’s Longest, Toughest Snowmobile Race.

This year’s Iron Dog Race is set to begin Saturday, Feb. 15, with the first Pro Class racers departing beginning at 10 a.m. 

 Official rosters with starting orders will be posted after the Racer Draw Banquet on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, at the Curtis Menard Center in Wasilla. Tickets are required to attend. For details contact the Iron Dog at 907-563-4414.

 For more on the race, and to see the race guide, which includes a tribute to Palin’s intended 30th running, click here.