The Iron Dog depends on its sponsors, who play a critical role in supporting the race, not only through financial giving, but also time, expertise and donations. The race requires the successful coordination of planners, volunteers, racers and community members to be pulled off without a hitch, and our sponsors are often at the front of the line, ready to help. 

Iron Dog wants to thank these sponsors who support the World’s Longest, Toughest Snowmobile Race, and help you get to know them a bit better. Here, we talk with Chris Graeber, general manager of Hatcher Pass Polaris in Wasilla.  

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

A. Hatcher Pass Polaris has been in business for more than 25 years. We have two locations: one in Willow and one in Wasilla. (Contact them at hatcherpasspolaris.com, (907) 495-4639 in Willow or (907) 373-4639 in Wasilla). We sell Polaris products exclusively. We sell the Polaris snowmachines, Rangers, Razors and ATVs. We are a full-service dealer with factory-trained mechanics and the largest parts department in the state.

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

A. We have been a sponsor of the Iron Dog race since 2010.

Q. Why did you decide to become an Iron Dog sponsor?

A. We are passionate about snowmachining in the state of Alaska and wanted to support the World’s Longest, Toughest Snowmobile Race.

Q. Do you snowmachine? If so, where are your favorite places to go /things to do in the winter?

A. Yes we do snowmachine, and our favorite place to ride is Hatcher Pass.  

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

A. We feel that what wins on Sunday sells on Monday. That’s an old racing quote from way back. We support the sport of snowmachining in all different aspects in Alaska. If we don’t support the sport it might not be around in the future.

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

A. It supports snowmachining in our community.

Q. What are your hobbies outside of work or off the sleds?

A. Riding Polaris Rangers in the backcountry.

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

A. We think it’s great that Iron Dog has changed things up a little bit. It will be interesting to see how the staged race works this year. We love the fact that it is going to new communities on the coast. It will be great to have the finish in Willow, where our original store was opened over 25 years ago.