Team 29 scratches after rough start in Fairbanks
Danielle Levine works on her sled in Fairbanks after a mechanical problem stopped she and her father before they could even get started on the Iron Dog race course. (Courtesy Team Levine Facebook)
Team Levine, the duo who made history in 2019 as the first father-daughter team to complete the Pro Class Iron Dog race, saw their second effort thwarted before they could reach the first checkpoint.
The two left Fairbanks Sunday morning under sunny, frigid skies and barely were out of sight before Danielle Levine’s engine locked up. She and her father, Larry Levine, towed back to Fairbanks, where they spent the remainder of the day, unaided, making the needed repairs.
Late Sunday, the pair finally got going again, only to have Larry Levine take a tumble. The pair of misfortunes were enough for the team to decide that 2020 is not to be their year.
The Levines could not be reached for comment, but this post, from the Team Levine Facebook page, sums up Larry Levine’s thoughts:
“Could not be prouder of my awesome daughter. Sorry to not get us very far. Wished we would have gotten farther down the trail for all our friends, family and supporters.
“Dani rebuilt an engine without complaint. Ready to ride fast and far once repairs were made and unfortunately I hit something on the trail. Was all ready wiped out and afraid to push our luck. Nome and Big Lake finish not to happen for Team 29 this year. …
“Again thanks to my wonderful and awesome partner. Sorry I could not get farther down the trail. Love Dad”
The Levines make the fifth scratch in the first 24 hours of racing. Teams 27, 32, 15 and 3 also have scratched. Twenty-four teams remain on the trail.
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