Iron Dog Race Marshal Brian Webb says watching racers work on their sleds in the Nome garage is akin to viewing a NASCAR pit-crew in action. Not only to Iron Dog racers have to be tough enough for the conditions, but they also need to be able to make repairs at the halfway point with precision and speed.

“We’ve seen it all,” Webb says. “We’ve had engines rebuilt, we’ve had an S-module replaced; it’s amazing what these guys can do and how fast they can do it in.”

Indeed, one of the most exciting parts of Iron Dog takes place indoors, during this critical halfway point, where racers have a chance to check over their sleds, do any needed maintenance or repairs, and even receive outside assistance. Officials carefully monitor and time the racers as they work fast to try and improve their standings.

“It’s pretty impressive to watch,” Webb says. “What would take you or I five or six hours to repair, these guys can fix in just a couple of hours. Last year I timed a guy who did a ski change-out and a couple other minor things, and it was like four minutes – it was amazing.”

As racers reach Nome, they choose a repair time slot in the Nome garage, which includes a special viewing section for spectators to watch the pros wrench. Webb says most riders choose to let their sleds thaw overnight, get some rest and hit the shop first thing in the morning.

In the shop, their efficiency – or lack of it – adds an exciting element to the race strategy. A team that arrived five minutes ahead of another to Nome, for example, can lose that lead-time if they spend that many more minutes than their competitor working on their sleds. Meanwhile, South Anchorage High School media and communications students film and livestream the action for those who can’t be there.

“They will usually have someone writing, taking notes, keeping a running list of what’s going where,” Webb says. “It’s an organized process and they might just need to tighten belts or swap out new skis, but they go fast.”

In all his years in the garage, Webb says he sees a similar pattern: the front-runners tend to stay that way, and the newcomers tend to be a bit slower. After all, he said, when it comes to the Iron Dog there is no substitute for experience.

“If you’re not in the Top 10 to Nome, the chances of you winning are pretty slim,” he said. “The top teams, they just have it down.”

To watch the South High livestream coverage, go to www.irondog.org/race/watch.