The 2010 Iron Dog green flag will officially drop on Feb. 19, 2010, for the Recreational class, and again on Feb. 21 for the Pro class.
Race teams will experience exciting changes this year as the Iron Dog introduces an all new Staged Race. This race will incorporate skill, strategy and visibility like never before.
As in the past, layovers are essential and required. In steps to advance the competitive edge, Iron Dog has drastically reduced layover options; keeping only the most commonly used.
Safety has always and continues to be a vital concern for the Iron Dog. The Iron Dog prides itself on being not only the World's Longest, Toughest Snowmobile Race, but the safest. With some of the most stringent safety standards in the industry, the Iron Dog is the race to watch.
The Iron Dog will begin its 27th race this year with 96 participants and the community involvement across the state is the one of the most important aspects. Not only do each of the communities provide shelter, and a warm meal, they provide a spirit unlike any other. Each year these communities await the start of the Iron Dog. The Iron Dog has always been true to its Alaskan heritage and understands the economic impact it has. The commitment to these communities will continue.
The Iron Dog will celebrate its race finish at Pike's Waterfront Lodge this year. A downtown Fairbanks finish was planned, but the safety of the route into Fairbanks has forced race officials and the Iron Dog Board of Directors to make the difficult decision to finish at an alternate location.
Iron Dog has already begun reviewing alternative routes to bring the finish back to downtown Fairbanks in 2011.
For more information, log on to www.irondog.org.