Sled dogs return for race excitement

If you’re not up at the lake this weekend, you’ll be missing out on some of the best fun around as the Priest Lake Sled Dog Races return to the U.S. Forest Service airstrip in Priest Lake for another weekend of great racing.

Sponsored by Hills Resort and Elkins Resort, on Feb. 2-3. Teams as large as eight dogs and as small as one dog will compete in this fun and competitive event. The event is free to spectators and registration is required to compete.

The drivers meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, with races beginning around 9:30 a.m. Satruday and continuing through the early afternoon. The drivers meeting will be at 8 a.m. Sunday with races beginning by 9 a.m. and continuing through the afternoon.

Race categories include:

- Sprint: eight-dog Sprint (9 miles), six-dog sprint (5.7 miles), four-dog sprint (4.7 miles), three-dog sprint (4.7 miles), novice sprint (2.4 miles)

- Skijor: skijoring (4.7 miles), novice skijoring (2.4 miles)

- Distance: eight-dog mid (20 miles), six-dog mid (20 miles), other/teddy bear (1 mile), pee wee (Saturday only)

All classes except pee wee include a $10 refundable bib fee on return of bib.

Registered breed recognition is offered in each class with certificates for registered breed team placing first, second or third in each class.

Drivers can pick up their packets at the race site on Saturday, Feb. 2, before the drivers meeting. The drivers meetings are mandatory.

There will be no race day entries and entries must be received by Jan. 30.

Also, there will be no class changes allowed after Jan. 30.

Volunteers are needed to help with spotting, even for one class, as well as with other positions. If you might be available to help, please contact Ann Yanecek at ayanecek2018@gmail.com

Pacific Tri State Alliance race rules to be followed. For a copy of the race rules go to cascadesleddogclub.com.

Information: Dan Hanks at 502dan@msn.com