Get to know the teams competing in this year’s race. Every rider who starts it is here, by class and by bib.
Photo: Heather Sottosanti
Aklestad / Olstad
Palmer, AK · Ski-Doo MXZ Comp 600
Since 2004 · 19 starts · 10 finished · 2 wins
Life long Alaskan born and raised in Palmer, Alaska. This will be my 22nd Iron Dog race. Love to fly, hunt, fish, dirt bike and snowmachine with my family. Wife Erin and two children Liam 10 and Finn 9.
Taylor / Anselment
Polson, MT · Ski-Doo MXZ XRS 600
Since 2016 · 3 starts · 2 finished
Born and raised in Alaska on the iron dog trail, this will be my seventh iron dog race
Baldwin / Williamson
Noorvik, AK · Ski-Doo 600 XRS Comp
Since 1999 · 4 starts
Born and raised in northwest alaska. With my family, i enjoy being outdoors on the kobuk river. i am a proud father of 4, Tyra, TeHana, Brenna Boo, Little Jim.
Booth / Barber
Willow, AK · Polaris cross country 600
Since 2021 · 3 starts · 3 finished
I started racing snowmobiles in 2016, and by 2019, I was competing semi-pro. I moved to the pro class in 2021. I’ve earned some significant victories, including the Valdez Mayor’s Cup (semi-pro) and Nome-Golovin 200 race 600cc. I love riding in some of Alaska’s most scenic and challenging areas, with my favorite spots being the coast of Nome, Kotzebue, and the rugged mountain terrain of Hatcher’s Pass. Racing has certainly presented its challenges—I've had my share of crashes—but each experience has only pushed me to become better. My riding style is all about staying light on the sled and letting the sled do the work for me, allowing for smoother handling and more control. When I’m not racing, you can find me hunting, riding dirt bikes, and spending quality time with my family, all of which help me stay grounded and focused on new challenges.
Barber / Lapham
Willow, AK · Polaris cross country 600
Since 2000 · 19 starts · 13 finished
I am a born and raised Alaskan with some Southern heritage. I live in Willow Alaska with my wife “Tammy” where we raised our 3 kids, Cody, Shana and Evan. Our family has been involved with Iron Dog since the very first race in 1984. We now have had 3 generations racing Iron Dog and it appears to be more to come. I am extremely thankful and excited about racing with my beautiful daughter "Shana" in this years Iron Dog. What a wonderful life. This will be my 20th race.
Booth / Barber
Nome, AK · Polaris Cross Country 600
Since 2022 · 1 start · 1 finished
Steffen Booth, 20 years old. Born and raised in Nome, works as an A&P Mechanic for Bering Air and is an avid outdoorsman. Started riding snowmachines at the age of 4, first cross country race at 15. Competing in most of Alaskas cross country races, thirteen so far; finishing top three in ten of those and a 11th place Iron Dog finish at the age of 16. Steffen fell for the thrill of racing at a young age, growing up around a race environment with his dad Evan, late brother Chase and many other racers that inspired him. Race goals are to always have fun, to learn and compete at the highest level.
Boylan / Leslie
Palmer, AK · Polaris 600 CrossCountry
Since 2017 · 9 starts · 7 finished
I was born and raised Alaskan and have been on a snowmobile since I was 9 months old strapped to my dad's chest. I grew up riding in Petersville with his family and friends. I still love getting back to my roots and riding with my dad and now with my daughter. I started racing snocross locally in 2006 and eventually traveled to race the ISOC series from 2009-2014. I love anything outdoors and with a motor: from hunting to motocross. I am always trying to improve myself on and off the sled.
Scalisi / Brewer
Nikiski, AK · Polaris Cross country 600
Born and raised Alaskan with a passion for the outdoors. I am a Pilot for the families Air Taxi and a father to one daughter. My racing career is only a few years in the making but it has grown into one of the most fulfilling journeys I’ve taken. Thank you Iron Dog and the great state of Alaska for this opportunity.
Carroll / Hollenbeck
Fairbanks, AK · Polaris Cross Country 600
Since 2024 · 2 starts · 2 finished
My name is Austin Carroll (Team #18) I was born and raised in Fairbanks, Ak I have been riding snowmachines my whole life and racing snow-cross, and cross country races for about 6 years. I’ve raced races such as the Iron dog, mayors cup, skwentna 200, and other races. I love to hunt and fish during the summer time and race/ride dirtbikes with my friends. I’d like to thank everyone who is supporting me and my teammate Corbin Hollenbeck.
Sindorf / Carson
Coalville, UT · Lynx Rave RE 600
Avid outdoorsman loves hunting and snowmobiling
Contento / Swenson
Fairbanks, AK · Ski-Doo MXZ XRS 600
Since 2025 · 1 start
I was born and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, where spending time outdoors year-round was a big part of my dad‘s life. He instilled that passion in us from a young age. Growing up, we always watched Iron Dog teams finish in Fairbanks, and this year I’m excited to be part of it myself. I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my friends and family, especially my fiancé, Shelley, for her patience and support throughout race season.
Johnson / Covault
Soldotna, AK · Polaris Cross Country 600
Since 2022 · 3 starts · 2 finished
The 2025 Iron Dog Race was one for the books, lots of obstacles both natural and medical. True grit and one heck of a partner allowed us to finish the race. At the finish line I announced I was done, once again. My original goal was to finish one race and be done. Here comes round four! When you have a partner as good as Trent Johnson and the support of our amazing wives and crew, who am I to deny another attempt when it’s Trent’s dream. He deserves more than I could ever give. So here is to 2026 Iron Dog!! A huge thank you to all our sponsors, family, and friends that stand behind me year after year. Top 10 we are coming for you!!!!
Weisz / Davis
Wasilla, AK · Ski-Doo MXZ 600
Since 2022 · 3 starts · 1 finished
Tom is a born and raised Alaskan, who grew up playing hockey, hunting and fishing. He lives in Wasilla with his fiancé Miranda and three dogs. He is a foreman for QAP in the summers and spends his winters riding trails and mountains. This is his fourth Iron Dog race.
Dohrn / Schaack
Elgin, MN · Ski-Doo MXZ 600
Since 2021 · 3 starts · 2 finished
I’m from Elgin, Minnesota. I’ve raced Cross Country snowmobiles in the lower 48 for 16 years. I have raced three Iron Dogs and finished two times. I am a heavy equipment operator in the local 49. I have a very supportive wife Alyssa and two sons Layton and Weston. In the offseason I enjoy hunting, fishing, riding dirt bikes and road bikes.
Esmailka / Esmailka
Kaltag, AK · Polaris 2026 Cross Country 600
My name is Devon Esmailka, I grew up in a little village of Kaltag, AK along the Yukon. My Dad and uncles have done this race in 1999 and got 3rd place and rookie of the year. This year race will be special as I am doing it with my younger brother Kenneth. This will be second generation of Esmilka Brothers.
Esmailka / Esmailka
Kaltag, AK · Polaris 2026 Cross Country 600
My Name is Kenneth Esmailka, this is my First Iron dog, I'll be racing with my older Brother Devon, I grew up in a small remote area, along the mighty Yukon. it'll be a special run for us this year as my dad and uncle ran it in 1999 and got rookie of the year.
Farley / McDaniel-Farley
Nome, AK · Lynx Rave RE 600
Since 2008 · 3 starts · 3 finished
A lifelong resident of Nome, Chugie is returning to snowmachine racing to support his oldest son, Kevin. He and his wife, Jessica, have two sons, Kevin and Benjamin. Outside of riding, he owns an auto shop, works as a maritime captain, and spends much of his time organizing snow machine racing in Western Alaska. An avid outdoorsman, Chugie brings his mechanical expertise and passion for Alaska’s wilderness back to the race trail this season.
Gabryszak / Gabryszak
Willow, AK · Ski-Doo MXZ-XRS
I was born and raised in Alaska at our family’s remote lodge on the Yentna river. Snow-machining and watching the iron dog became a huge part of my life. I live in Willow, Ak with my wife Julia and our 4 children, Bruce 12, Imogen 9, Snow 6 and Danny 3 We operate a freighting service serving the Yentna and Susitna rivers. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, being out on the trail and working on our remote cabin.
Gabryszak / Gabryszak
Chugiak, AK · Ski-Doo Mxz-xrs 600
I grew up in Alaska at a backcountry lodge-Yentna Station. I was raised riding and rebuilding snowmachines. I've always wanted to race the Iron Dog, but I never had time until now! I've worked drill rigs, ran coffee shops, and now in the cannabis industry. I also volunteer my free time to help the Yentna River community alongside Adam. But of all the hats I wear, my favorite is "Dad"! I live in Chugiak, AK, with my wife, Ashley, and our four daughters: Roxie-20, Amani-13, Sydaleigh-12, and Rooney-1.5 and we are expecting another girl Jan’26!
Moore / Gossett
Wasilla, AK · Polaris Cross Country 600
Since 2024 · 2 starts · 2 finished
Tim flew support for Team 16 Gossett/Wood in 2023 as his wife Hillarie became an Iron Dog Veteran before becoming one himself in 2024 with partner Joseph Gugel, finishing in 7th place as rookies of the year. In 2025 Tim and Hillarie ran together finishing in 11th place as the first husband/wife team to finish the Pro class. While Iron Dog 2026 wasn't part of the plan, when good friend Chad Moore pitched the idea it was too enticing to pass up.
A bib is a team and the letter is the rider: 7a and 7b both ride under bib 7. Teams are not always two riders, and bib 99 carried eight Ambassador riders in 2026.
