Spotlight On: Crowley Fuels, Iron Dog 2020 Sponsor

Crowley Fuels is a longtime Iron Dog supporter and, as the event’s official fuel sponsor, the race couldn’t happen without them. Crowley not only understands the critical importance of getting fuel to a place that depends on it for warmth and transportation, but also getting it to the remote and rugged places through which the Iron Dog race passes. Partnering with Crowley Fuels just makes sense.

This longtime Alaska company, with roots dating before statehood, is much appreciated. Iron Dog thanks you for your continued support. Here’s to a successful and exciting Iron Dog 2020.

Q. Tell us about your business and what services you provide.

A. Crowley began serving the people and businesses of Alaska in 1953, consistently providing unique solutions to Alaska’s logistics and marine transportation challenges, as well as delivering fuel throughout Alaska. We are one of the unquestioned leaders in the Alaska fuel industry, providing transportation, distribution and sales of petroleum products to more than 280 communities across the state, overcoming daunting weather, geographic and logistical challenges to get fuel to even the most remote communities. Crowley understands the value of safe and reliable service with honest and competitive pricing, and is honored to serve the people, businesses and industries of our state.

Q. How long have you been an Iron Dog Sponsor?

A. This race will be the 20th year Crowley Fuels has served as the official fuel sponsor for the Iron Dog, the World’s Longest, Toughest Snowmobile Race, stretching nearly 2,400 miles across Alaska. This year, the course will pass through four towns served by Crowley, including Fairbanks, Galena, Nome and Kotzebue, allowing Crowley employees to man the checkpoints and refuel the snowmachines and the spirits of 60 racers.

Q. Why do you think supporting the Iron Dog is a valuable use of Crowley’s annual giving?

A. The great communities of Alaska allow us the opportunity to serve them at 19 terminals and countless communities around the state. Crowley feels honored to lend support to the race, which supports healthy, competitive culture and brings Alaskans together.

Q. How do you think the community benefits from the existence of the Iron Dog?

A. All the communities that support and embrace the race are united with a healthy and positive competitive spirit. The race unites Alaska communities, regardless of the distance or culture. The Iron Dog allows us to root for our cousins’ parents or close family or friends, and takes a little of the edge from the short winter days and long nights.

Q. Surely, many of your employees like to stay active in the winter, with snowmachining and more. Where do you like to ride and what else do you do in the winter?

A. Crowley’s Jeffry Coghill, Fairbanks terminal manager, who used to also work from Crowley’s Kotzebue site, answers: “I hit the trails downriver from Nenana and ride out in the Minto Flats area. I also like to ice fish out near Dune Lake west of Nenana and hit Cantwell from time to time.”

Q. What do you think of the revamped race this year, with the additional miles near Kotzebue and the Fairbanks start?

A. “The change and adversity allow for healthy growth to the race’s long and treasured history,” Coghill says. “It adds a new and exciting dynamic to the race, which perhaps in turn pushes the racers to new and exhilarating heights.”