Adam Stafford and Wyatt Hooper of Aitkin, Minnesota, are long-time snowmobile friends who decided about a year ago that they would like to try their hand at the famed Alaska Iron Dog race. This race bills itself as the “world’s longest, toughest snowmobile race,” and we believe anyone who has competed in this event or even followed it along on social media will agree. While the two friends are avid mountain riders, they have never competed in a snowmobile race together. So they started putting everything in motion to make this happen, and they put their trust in Arctic Cat snowmobiles.
They picked up their new 2025 ZR 600 RXCs from the race department in December and went right to work getting the sleds prepped for the task at hand. We spent a day in January running the Mississippi River with them as they were giving the sleds and their gear a final shake-down, 3 days later, they had their sleds loaded and en route to Alaska.
As of this writing, they have completed 1125 miles of the 2500-mile race course. 30 two-person teams began the race on February 15th, and 9 teams have scratched so far. Our Minnesota boys are still one of the 21 teams defying the odds and still racing towards the finish line this Saturday in Big Lake Alaska.
Everybody recognizes that even the most veteran Iron Dog race teams can get side-lined by this excruciating event at any time, but, we are checking Adam and Wyatt’s progress often and wishing them the very best as they keep moving closer to the finish line!
If you have not already done so, follow the Iron Dog race and all of its teams along here…Iron Dog Standings
Follow the Stafford/Hooper #23 team along on their social page at…. Stafford/Hooperirondogteam23
Racing on dirt looks awesome. I only wish I could be there. 🤣😂😆
I read on the interwebs they could’ve avoided the 70 miles of barren, snowless ground by starting and ending the race in Fairbanks but you know…. dirt is best for snowmobile racing.
These guys are presently in 18th. Place and currently on layover. 30 teams started the race, so not too bad for rookies to the race.
I see they didn’t make the Top 16. Did they not make the finish line ? Any update on their journey would be cool.
Nice guys! We had them in our dealership right here down the street from the work shop. Loaned some seats and tools for their wrenchtime… was hoping for a strong finish as i am a cat guy! Better luck next time!