Thirty-one teams have entered into the 2026 Iron Dog Pro Class snowmachine race, including three teams with ties to Nome.
Nome resident and veteran racer Chugie Farley will team up with his rookie son, Kevin McDaniel-Farley. Nome’s Steffen Booth, who was the youngest to ever race the Iron Dog in 2022, will team up with veteran Evan Barber of Willow. Barber’s father, Shane Barber of Willow, will also return to the race as a veteran in Team 39, paired with his rookie daughter Shana Lapham. Mike Morgan, who is also originally from Nome is also set to return with Bradley Kishbaugh as his teammate.
The 2,500-mile race — billed as “the world’s longest, toughest snowmobile race” — is scheduled to begin in Big Lake on February 14, 2026, with racers passing through Nome before finishing in Fairbanks on February 21.
KNOM Radio will cover the race offering exclusive coverage for our listeners. Follow us on social media – our handle is @knomradio.
A fun Alaska fact, just in case you think we misspelled “snowmobile”: in Alaska, they are called snowmachines to reflect their utilitarian, even essential, role in Arctic life versus their mostly recreational use in the Lower 48.
