No ESPY for Lance - 2008 Best Outdoor Athlete Goes to Scott Smiley, mountain climber - Scott Smiley was Blinded by a suicide blast in Mosul, Iraq, in April 2005, he hasn't let his injuries stop him from remaining in the Army, pursuing a master's in business administration at Duke University in North Carolina or climbing Mount Rainier in Washington state in July 2007. The 14,410-foot climb, which only half of about 10,000 annual climbers actually complete, according to the "Seattle Post-Intelligencer," earned Smiley a nomination as "Best Outdoor Athlete," for the 2008 ESPY awards.

While Lance didn't grab the Best Outdoor Athlete of the year he said it was a complete honor to be nominated and mingle with such great athletes. The 2008 ESPY's, hosted by Justin Timberlake was taped Wednesday night for rebroadcast Sunday night at 9:00PM ET. on ESPN.

The folllowing is a list of the winners in their respective categories:
Male Athlete: Tiger Woods, golf. Female Athlete: Candace Parker, Tennessee and Los Angeles SparksTeam: Boston Celtics Coach-Manager: Pat Summitt, Tennessee women's basketball Comeback: Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers Breakthrough Athlete: Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings Game: New York Giants defeat New England Patriots, Super BowlRecord-breaking Performance: Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers Championship Performance: Tiger Woods, U.S. Open Play: New York Giants QB Eli Manning's pass to David Tyree, Super Bowl Moment: Central Washington's Mallory Holtman and Liz Wallace, Western Oregon's Sara Tucholsky for sportsmanship Finish: Western Kentucky's Ty Rogers hitting buzzer beater to defeat Drake in first round of NCAA men's basketball tournament Upset: New York Giants defeat New England Patriots, Super Bow lSports Movie: "Semi-Pro"Male College Athlete: Tim Tebow, Florida football Female College Athlete: Candace Parker, Tennessee basketball Women's Collegiate Team: Tennessee basketballMale Action Sport Athlete: Shaun White, skateboarding/snowboarding Female Action Sport Athlete: Gretchen Bleiler, snowboarding Male Athlete With A Disability: Ryan Kocer, wrestlingFemale Athlete With a Disability: Shay Oberg, softball Male International Athlete: Rafael Nadal, tennis Female International Athlete: Lorena Ochoa, golf Baseball Player: Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees NBA Player: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers WNBA Player: Lauren Jackson, Seattle Storm NFL Player: Tom Brady, New England Patriots NHL Player: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins Bowler: Norm Duke Driver: Jimmie Johnson Fighter: Floyd Mayweather, boxingGolfer: Tiger Woods Jockey: Kent Desormeaux MLS Player: David Beckham, Los Angeles Galaxy Male Tennis Player: Roger Federer Female Tennis Player: Maria SharapovaTrack and Field Athlete: Tyson Gay Outdoor Athlete: Scott Smiley, mountain climber Arthur Ashe Courage Award: John Carlos and Tommie Smith, 1968 Olympic medalists Jimmy V ESPY for Perseverance: Kevin Everett, former Buffalo Bills tight endLike Nothing Else Award: George Martin walks across America

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Lance is nominated for a 2008 ESPY - We are thrilled to announce that Lance Mackey has been selected as an ESPY nominee for the second year in a row in the category of "Best Outdoors Athlete". The ESPY Awards are the one night each year where athletes from all sports join together to celebrate the best moments of the year. The ESPY Awards take place on July 20th at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, CA. The show is hosted by Justin Timberlake and promises to be extraordinary. Fans will have the chance to select the winners by voting online at Online voting continues through July 12 at 11:59 p.m. ET at either ESPYS.tv , or on mobile phones. All proceeds from the ESPY Awards and related events benefit the V Foundation for Cancer Research in memory of the late Jim Valvano.

The ESPY Awards is an annual sports awards event created and broadcast by American cable television network ESPN. Begun in 1993, the event confers eponymous awards, fully styled as Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, for individual and team athletic achievement and other sports-related performance during the calendar year preceding a given ceremony.

From their inception until 2004, the awards were chosen variously through voting by fans; sportswriters, broadcasters, sports executives, and sportspersons, collectively experts; or ESPN personalities. Award winners have been selected thereafter exclusively through online fan balloting conducted from amongst candidates selected the ESPY Select Nominating Committee.

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Lance autographs a patch for the "Larry" appreciation club designed by Sarida Steed-Bradley

68 Mushers head for
Iditarod HQ for Sign Up
As of Saturday June 28th, 68 mushers had signed up with a 100 musher limit. Mushers that do not make the cut off will go on a waiting list.

Arriving in style, Lance, Tonya and son Cain pulled up at Iditarod Headquarters in the Dodge Super Bee he won in last years Iditarod from Anchorage Chrysler Dodge.

Lance, along with many other mushers lined up to pay the $4,000 dollar entry fee for the 2009 Iditarod. "It's definetly a big chunk of change to put up when you have increasing prices in dog food, fuel and just everyday living expenses." says Lance "But, Iditarod is feeling the pinch as well. The money has to come from somewhere".

Lance spent the day talking to volunteers and fans and signing autographs.

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Lance & wife Tonya

THANK YOU
FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Mackey's Comeback Kennel would like to give a very special "Thank You" for your support with this years racing season. Without your support our kennel, would not be as successful as it is today. We have had another incrediable record year. It didn't come easy or without a lot of hard work and support from many of you behind the scenes. We can't thank you enough.
As with all sports and competitors, we are already thinking of how to improve our training and racing for next year. One way is to be at the top of the sign-up list in every race, which bring us to The Iditarod. The first day for the 2009 Iditarod sign-up is the 28th of June 2008. lt is important to sign-up early for many reasons. This years entry is $4000.00. This is a BIG expense for any kennel.

The first day of the Iditarod sign-up includes a huge picnic for volunteers, you get to meet the mushers, eat a BBQ catered, win lot's of door prizes. I hope to see some of you there so I can thank you personally for your support.

By the way, for all of you visiting Fairbanks, I will be at the Alpine Lodge every Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday evening from 8 pm -10 pm, signing autographs and sharing trail stories through June & some of July. Call the Alpine Lodge before you drop by for any schedule changes at 907-328-6300. It's a great place to stay if you need lodging as well. Tell them Lance Mackey sent you.

                                                                     Thank you, Lance & Tonya Mackey

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Lance & new pups

Early Father's Day
for Zorro!!!
June 4th 2008

Zorro has had enough of the foo-foo treatment and has opted for returning to his old dog house deep within the 90 plus sled dogs in the Mackey dog lot.

The fur has grown back over the cracked ribs. There is only a hint of where the accident occurred in Zorro's hips, where he occasionally sits to rest them.

Zorro has something new to brag about as he returns to his team mates in the dog lot. The Mackey's announced that Zorro is the proud pappa of 9 healthy puppies.

Retirement is grand!

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...and how is Zorro? 05/11/08
Zorro is doing well. He continues to insist that outdoors is better than in.
He has a nice spot in the sun, just outside the familes front door where he
overlooks the entire Mackey kennel. A spot where Lance can closely watch his progress.

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ZORRO UPDATE: APRIL 30th 2008
Zorro improves daily, sunning on the Mackey's home porch. He continues to choose the outdoors over the comfort of a couch. Lance says "he has the mind of a 2 year old, he still wants to run and play, but his body reminds him that it is not possible yet." Each day he gains strength in his back and hips. He has the will power to heal and resume being the dog he once was.

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Lance Mackey & Ron Udd

Anchorage Chysler Dodge Presents Lance
with Key
Lance was all grins today. Like a teenager with his very first car. Lance received his 2008 Iditarod Dodge key, part of his winnings in this years Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

He surprised everyone by choosing a beautiful Dodge Charger instead of the traditional truck.

"It was a tough decision," Lance said with a twist of the head "but when I saw that pretty blue Doge Charger in the showroom, it was screaming at me" he smiled. "I have trucks for mushing, they just need some work, transmissons replaced or some cosmetic touches. This will be a better family car and better on gas".

"Ron Udd, owner of the Anchorage Chysler Dodge dealership, is an amazing guy for his continued sponsorship with Iditarod year after year". Lance says with pride, "He's my hero. The man just gives and gives".

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The Big Mackey !!!!!
Stand Aside MacDonalds. Alaska now has the "Lance Burger". Served at Mia's Cafe (22.5 Mile Chena Hot Springs Road - near Fairbanks ) and consists of 12 ounces of plain or garlic-seasoned beef - cooked rare, medium or well-done. It's topped with lettuce, tomatoes, fried onions, cheese, bacon, mushrooms and jalapenos on a sesame seed bun. The owner of Mia's cafe, Elliot Lowe says "Lance is a WINNER and we think his hamburger is too !!" $1 from the sale of every Lance burger will be donated to this exceptional musher.

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Zorro Continues to Mend - APRIL 17, 2008
With lot's of loving and fussing from the Mackey family, Zorro is doing amazing. "He still has his limits" says Lance " little baby steps each day. He's like me in this healing process. He does'nt want to sit around. He'd go crazy. So everyday he does what he can. He's standing for periods of time. When he gets tired he sits. I know it's frustrating for him. He's nine years old now, it's tough to bounce back from an injury when your older". explains Lance.

In Alaska's mid morning sun, Zorro enjoys sitting on the porch for a half hour over looking the dog lot where he once ruled. Then it's back to his cozy kennel indoors.

"It will be a slow transition to the house for Zorro. I think eventually he will take a liking to the couch life. We are thankful we still have him around, hopefully for many years to come. It's a real blessing." Lance says with a sigh of relief.

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"Zorro" photo by Jan DeNapoli

Zorro Update - April 8th 2008
Although weak and confined to a kennel, Zorro is happy to be back home amongst his kennel mates. Lance explains "his brain says I want to be back outdoors playing with the rest of the sled dogs, but his physical body says, not yet'.

"Zorro has been wagging his tail and tilting his head to the sky recognizing familar smells and sounds. We are all glad to see him home. The doctors say he must stay calm, no running, jumping or breeding for this stud for at least 4 months" says Lance.

Sincere thanks
for all your support!
There has been a tremendous response to helping with Zorro's medical bills and travel expenses. "People just helped us with open arms". Lance says with a heart felt sigh "We are so grateful to all the folks in Seattle and Tacoma, and all of those who sent us donations. Wonderful get well cards have been arriving in the mail every day with doggie cookies and blankets just for Zorro" wife Tonya adds."It's incrediable".

"We are at awe at the support and thank all of you for your help, it was one less worry on our minds as the days went by. We will never forget the kindness from so many". Lance and Tonya both said.

 

Mackey Makes the Top 25 List of Toughest Athletes
Lance Mackey is named on the top 25 list on Sports Illustrated CNN.com, taking #2
Read more....

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Update:Back Home - April 6th, 2008
Zorro has returned home and is wagging his tail. he is glad to be back in recognizable surroundings with his family and team mates.

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Iditarod champ dog heads home to begin retired life
By Bryan Johnson - 3/5/08 KOMO TV
The lead dog for Iditarod winner Lance Mackey is heading back home after receiving treatment at a Tacoma emergency hospital for what were described as potentially life-threatening injuries.

Read more...watch video clip.


Update on "Zorro" - April 2, 2008:
Zorro is in Seattle with Lance and Tonya. The best news is, vets have completed an MRI and Zorro will NOT need back surgery at this time. He has a minor concussion, some bruising on the lung, 3 broken ribs, swelling, bruising & bleeding on the spine with one injured disc. Zorro is responding to things around him. They expect, with time, he will get feeling in his back legs and be able to stand and walk. Zorro will be released friday evening from the Seattle vet clinic to come home and begin his long road to recovery with veterinarians in Fairbanks. Zorro will need 6-8 months of care and therapy. Doctors are optimistic for his recovery.

March 31, 2008:
Many of you are aware that Lance Mackey's dog "Zorro" was injured during the 2008 All Alaska Sweepstakes when a snow machine collided with his team. Zorro was in the sled bag when the machine struck his sled. Zorro sustained 3 broken ribs, some internal bleeding, and spinal injuries. He is not able to stand or use his back legs. Doctors are considering flying Zorro to Seattle for spinal surgery. We will know more when an MRI is done on Zorro this afternoon.

A lot of you have been asking about helping with expenses associated with Zorro's vet bills. They already are $3,700 and the cost will certainly climb if he needs to be flown to Seattle for surgery.

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Final race results of the
All Alaska Sweepstakes March 26th, 2008
Nome to Candle & back

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HE'S DONE IT AGAIN!!!!
The Fox from Fox, Alaska is the 2008 Iditarod Champion

photo by Donna Quante

UPDATE ON "HOBO"
For all of you asking..."Hobo", one of Lance's key lead dogs, is doing just fine. He was on antibiotics for a few days from a dog bite to his leg (a puncture). Nothing serious. He has healed wonderfully!

He is getting plently of TLC. Shorts walks in the late afternoon, extra helpings of Red Paw dog food and many nose kisses. He'll be ready for All Alaska Sweepstakes if called upon.

UPDATE ON "LARRY"
Sweet and wild "Larry" is all good. No worries. The cut on his foot (the pad) was minor, just an abrasion. It is healing quickly and he, as always, is jumping and screaming to go.

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OUR 2008 DOG BOOTIE SPONSORS
Patricia E Hanson, Cindy Cronin, Susan Underhill, Virginia McGirk, Bill & Joy Klein, Ken & Karen Fletcher, Frederick Borchert, Donna Schumacher, Iris Cantlon, SledDoggin.com, Marks Marks pack; Inky, Mimi, Gus, Gracie & Noel, Helen Hegener, June Price, Barbara and Jerry Lake - Hampton, TN,, Marlene Phillips, Linda Parlee, Cynthia E Wyatt, Donna Quante, Tommy & Denise Thomas Lakeland,FL, Romayne Kelly - Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, UK, Lyndy Nothstine, Jane Leschallas - Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire U.K., Carol Shaw - Princeton, La USA, Quilted Faces Seattle, Wa USA, Jan Beckstrand, Frank Hauze, Anne Lalone, George & Emilia Felty, Candace Jahelka, Nicole Rasely, Dianne Toebe, Michelle Cogburn, Robert Bibber, Barbara Chekroun, Opal Krout, Marc Sidell, The Rosemann Family, JoAnne Woolever, Lorna Harland, Bird Goodwin, Kevin Adams, Laura Boykin, Lela & Marvin Criswell, Fort Collins, CO, Janet and Bob Valenta, Pandu ( the newfoundland) and Iris (the Valley Mutt) who dream of running the iditarod & Richard Walsh Family, Kerry Pride DVM, Molly Brown, Lyndy Nothtstine, Ann Marie Garritano, MushingPros Inc., Susan McCracken, PATRICIA TODARO, Jeanne Horvath, Joann Flora, Kath Christensen, Imogene Schaeffer, Dana Baldwin, Randy & Alice Brunk, Kathleen Stouder, Sandra Taylor, Joan and Ron Short Big Stone Gap, VA, Joyce Cullen

Thank you so much for your help!
... Lance

Lance Mackey is the
2008 Iditarod Champion
The crowd cheered as Lance made his way down front street. People lined the streets of Nome for the second year in a row to welcome Lance Mackey into town. Cheers and chants "Mackey, Mackey, Mackey" echoed in the night as Lance ran down chute with his champion dog team, shaking hands and thanking spectators for coming out to see him finish.

He arrived March 12, 2008 at 02:46:48. His total was time 9 Days 11 Hours 46 Minutes 48 Seconds with "Hansom" & "Larry" in lead.

Lance has now proven that it can be done...running 2 thousand mile races back to back. It's more than luck. He's got the dogs, the training schedule and more importantly he clicks with his dogs. He's proven it 2 years in a row. Running the Yukon Quest & the Iditarod and winning them both. A champion that can "Run with dogs"
and you can bet he did RUN with them this year.

Lance Mackey, the 2008 Grand Iditarod Champion with
lead dogs "Larry" & Hansom"
photo by Dean L. Sanders

Lance tends to his team in the 2008 Quest photo by Tonga Mackey

Lance gratefully
accepts Yukon Quest Banquet Awards
Lance Mackey accepted his $40,000 first place prize, the Dawson Award, 4 ounces of gold, the Golden Harness awards went to his 2 new up and coming sled dogs, "Rev" and Hansom". “These are the real athletes and superstars,” Mackey said before the pair donned gold harnesses and wolfed down a steak on stage. “They were the go-to guys when I needed them the most. ... Hansom’s the brains and Rev’s the speed.”

More importantly, Lance was awarded the "Veterinarian’s Choice Award". Lance was visibly choked up. To Lance, this is winning, really winning. An award chosen by the Yukon Quest’s team of 14 veterinarians for his superb dog care on the trail, the man they call “invincible”. Lance finished with 11 dogs, more happy healthy dogs than anyone else. Eleven dogs who came into checkpoints with wagging tails and eager to continue on to the next check point. “This means more to me than winning this damn race,” Mackey said, his voice breaking. “Thank-you very much.”

Lance tends to his dogs on one of two 6 hour layovers

The race opened its doors to a men's division this year for the first time and extended the trail from 120 miles to 200, making it a Yukon Quest and an Iditarod qualifier.

Temperatures were ideal for the dogs, at a crisp -20 for most of the race. The front runners encountered 65 mph winds as they passed through the last few miles of the Denali Highway near the finish line. One musher said she hunkered down and wrapped her arms around her handle bars to keep from getting blown off her sled. By the time the middle of the pack past through that area the winds had died down considerably, the only sign was multiple mounds of snow drifts dotting the trail. Two mushers had to scratch due to some dog issues, but remained on the trail to complete the 200 mile race route, driving their teams into Paxson late Sunday evening to a small cheering of spectators.

Lance was the fisrt to cross the finish line in the men's divison with a time of 33:44.

Complete 2007 Gin Gin 200 Race results:

Men's Division (1) Lance Mackey - 33:44 (2) Bill Steyer - 36:41 (3) Sonny Linder - 37:32 (4) Ed Hopkins - 38:11 (5) Sebastian Schnuelle - 38:24 (6) Mike Ellis - 39:09 (7) Mike Mayer - 39:20 (8) Danny Seavy - 39:30 (9) Sam Dietour - 39:44 (10) Andrew Davies - 41:01 (11) Rich Corcoran - 41:31 (12) Braxton Peterson - 41:32 (13) Jacob Dries - 42:09 (14) Rick Holt - 42:48 (15) Jeremy Matrishon -44:05 (16) Andreas Moser - 44:10 (17) Dave Treasure - 44:30 (18) Mike Barnett - 48:04 (19) Dale Curry - 50:59

Women's Division (1) Jodi Bailey - 33:24; (2) Zoya DeNure - 33:46 ; (3) Judy Currier - 34:50 ; (4) Molly Yazwinski - 35:48; (5) Michelle Phillips - 36:16 ; (6) Kelley Griffin - 38:29 ; (7) Casie Stockdale - 38:34; (8) Iris Wood - 41:37 ; (9) Julie Estey - 49:38 (10) Alyssa Quaile - 55:46; (11) Laura Davis - 55:46; (12) Carol Blevins - 57:08 ;

Scratched: Heidi Sutter & Rebecca Savadis

WHEN: October 27th 2007
WHERE: Alpine Lodge Fairbanks, Alaska
TIME: 5 pm till 9pm
TICKETS: $12.95 Adults/ $10.95 Children 12 & under. This includes a catered buffet dinner.
LODGING: If you are coming in from out of town, the Alpine Lodge is offering a special on rooms for $59.00 per night.

Enjoy a wonderful dinner at the Alpine Lodge with Idita-Quest Champion Lance Mackey. There will be door prizes and 3 fundraiser auctions - silent, Chinese & out cry.. Prepare to have fun and bid, bid, bid.

WANT TO DONATE? If you would like to help our fundraiser auction with auction items E-mail Tonya Mackey.

One day Clem was showing off a beautiful traditional native vest, hand beaded with custom buttons that she had made. Lance grinned at Clem with his glacier blue eyes “that’s a cool vest Clem, how does a guy like me get one of those?”. Clem replied quickly and rather sharply “Well my dear Lance, I tell you what, if you win the Iditarod, I will make you one”.

Several months later Lance Mackey did just that, he won the Iditarod, becoming the first musher to EVER win both long distance races, the Quest and the Iditarod in the same year. Clem was good on her word, Lance was like family to her by now. She asked a friend to tan her up an exceptional piece of elk hide and she began crafting Lance his very own Cheynne vest. A gift given for the most accomplished feats, a gift given with true and deep meaning and usually reserved for tribe members. Lance’s race record qualified. It wasn't easy sewing through that tough hide but she did. She even added some details that would be meaningful to Lance. Under each little leather flap was artwork depicting a winning race that Lance had acquired, the Cantwell Classic, the Sheep Mountain 150, the Yukon Quest and of course the Iditarod. When it was done she called Lance up “I have a gift for you next time you are in Cantwell”. Saying it casually so as not to spoil the surprise “I’ll be through that way next week” Lance responded. “What do you have?” he said with some interest. “something just for you, I think you will like it” and she quickly got off the phone.

When Lance walked into the café the following week Clem quietly handed him the vest. Cut from the hide of an elk, all hand sewn and hand beaded. It was beautiful and detailed with such care. Everyone in the café had their eyes on Lance as he slipped the vest over his shoulders. “wow’ Clem, I can’t believe it, I love it” Lance said with immense gratitude. Clem whispered to him “ this is a gift from the heart”.

Lance & wife Tonya at the ESPY awards in Hollywood

Lance stops to chat with Govener Sarah Palin photo courtesy of June Price

2008 Iditarod
Cloudly, rainy weather did not slow down festivities for the annual volunteer picnic and official first day to sign up for the 2008 Iditarod.

Lance along with 71 other mushers took advantage of the first day of sign up at Iditarod headquarters for the 2008 Last Great Race, even with the tremendous increase in entry fees. The cost roughly doubled this year to $3,000. A shock to manys mushers budget. Lance was 11th to sign up and younger brother Jason signed up 53rd for the 2008 Iditarod.

The ESPY Awards is an annual sports awards event created and broadcast by American cable television network ESPN. Begun in 1993, the event confers eponymous awards, fully styled as Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, for individual and team athletic achievement and other sports-related performance during the calendar year preceding a given ceremony.

From their inception until 2004, the awards were chosen variously through voting by fans; sportswriters, broadcasters, sports executives, and sportspersons, collectively experts; or ESPN personalities. Award winners have been selected thereafter exclusively through online fan balloting conducted from amongst candidates selected the ESPY Select Nominating Committee.

Lance hits a line ball past 2nd base

Play Ball
What should have been a night of well known Alaskan athletes and celebrities enjoying an invite to a Glacier Pilots game at Mulchahy Stadium in Anchorage, Alaska, turned into a game of celebrity baseball.

It was Alaskan athelete appreciation night and the Glacier Pilots had a game lined up, only the opposing team had a conflict game and was unable to show. What to do? The organizers scambled to solve the problem. Asking the atheletes if they would consider playing a fun game with the Glacier Pilots. They agreed and the crowd cheered. Lance threw out the first ball and the game roared on. Govenener Sarah Palin, a good sport, played coach, cheering on her team mates as they slammed balls across the field. She even took her turn a bat.

Like a neighborhood evening ball game, friends playing friends. All smiles and playful jabs at opponets. No ones seems to remember the final score or for that matter who won. We do know that everyone had a good time.

More photos click here

In addition to the success of the celebrity visit, several pets found new permanent homes which made everyone happy. Home Depot manager Keith Blaha seen here with Lance Mackey was the man who organized the event. Thanks Keith!

Lance & Will Peterson chat at the KAKM studio in Anchorage, Alaska

Along with Lance, "Zorro" made a special appearance live in the KAKM studio. For those fans that have been worried about "Zorro's" health after he was dropped from this years Iditarod, rest assured "Zorro" is happy & healthy as a horse. He even left a nice deposit (#2) in the studio and marked darn near every tree behind the studio. Zorro is Lance's primary stud and has contributed greatly to the team. Zorro was lively, alert and a bit nervous with all the lights and indoor spaces - but was a great addition to the show.

Lance and his famous lead dog "Zorro"

Special thanks to Will Peterson (interim General Manager of KAKM) for inviting Lance to host the show.

During the live broadcast, Will received a call from the Iditarod Trail Committee who was proud to announce their Emmy award for their 2006 video "Mother Nature's Turn to Dance".

Congratulations!

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The 2007 Bib # 1 with Lance's autograph was auctioned off with a winning bid of $750.00

Lance helps with Wasilla fundraiser
Lance and Martin Buser teamed up with the Mat-Su community to help benefit the proposed $5 million upgrade of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough animal shelter. "As Tough As They Come" aired for the first time before a Mat-Su crowd Friday evening at the Machetanz Theatre. Lance received a standing ovation at the end of the showing.

A second playing will be Saturday at 2 pm. Tickets are $10 each.

Tickets can be purchased at the following locations;
Valley Performing Arts, Cottonwood Public Safety Building, Mat-Su Animal Care Shelter, Mat-Su Borough Building, Palmer, Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, The Machetanz Theatre is located in Wasilla Alaska at 251 W. Swanson Ave. Call (907) 373-8800 for more information. Map

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photo by K.Kastner

Fans of all ages and locations were on sight to meet the first ever same-year Iditarod and Yukon Quest champion. Lance was very gracious and autographed T-shirts, jackets, calendars and even a bundle of more than 25 cards and notes from an elementary school in Washington State.

Lance runs into musher Zack Steer & his family at the Palmer State Forest Service open house

Video by Scott Slone

Photo by Brenda Borden

See more interviews and updates at Dogsled.com

Lance greets Paul Gebhardt (video)
Lance under the arch (video)

Lance photo provided by www.cooldreams.net and available for purchase at www.duesouthphoto.com

Lance gives a thumbs up to the crowd

This 3 time Yukon Quest Champion is hoping to get to Nome in the top ten and if he can the number one spot. he says " I really need a new truck, every race I go to I have truck issues. For once I'd like to worry about something else besides truck repairs."

Lance is wearing "Lucky" bib #13 this year

Follow the race
Current Iditarod race updates

Quest Updates & Official web site

Temperatures reached a brisk twenty below today in downtown Fairbanks with the sun warming spectators who lined up along the trail to see the champ come in. Lance pushed his sled into town, his team looking fresh and strong and a grin only Lance can give, rolled across his frosted face. The crowd roared, proud friends and family cheered him on. "I've got a once in a life time team right now" Lance says with pride "It's totally unbelievable what these dogs can do, I feel honored to be part of this team".

Lance talks about his 2007 Quest

Lance at the start of the Cantwell Classic 200

2007 Kuskokwim 300 Mushers Set to Race
A star-studded field of racers will assemble January 20th, for the 27th run of the Kuskokwim 300 in Bethel. Included in the field of 22 mushers are 10 of last year’s top 15 Iditarod finishers, and numerous champions from the Iditarod, Yukon Quest, and Kuskokwim 300. Lance Mackey will be among them. The are 2 father/son teams, Martin Buser and his son Rohn and Mike Williams Sr and Mike Williams Jr are entered in this years race. There is a $100,000 purse to make it worth their while.






Click here to listen to Lance & the Kusko 300
         (MP3 2.65 mb)

Follow the Kusko 300 race

Lance with "Time To Eat Cafe" owner Clem

older news?...read here....

LANCE WINS THE QUEST!!!
For the second year in a row, Lance has grabbed the Yukon Quest title, arriving in Dawson City Feb 21st at 20:29

VIDEO CLIP OF FINISH

In "Mackey" style, Lance gave fans an exciting race through & though. Hans Gatt and William Kleedehn nipped at his heels at every checkpoint. Lance seemed to enjoy the chase and knew his dogs were up to the challenge.
Lance just grins ear to ear saying " I'm so proud of my dogs" "just look at them".They truely are the winners but it takes a musher like Lance to pull it all together and make a team "click" as well as they do. He has worked hard for this win.

His father, Iditarod legend Dick Mackey arrived in Dawson City Monday evening to surprise Lance at the finish line. He was awaiting news on Lance's arrival at the Dawson City checkpoint on Tuesday morning. This is definetly a proud day for the entire Mackey clan.

Lance tells the story to Quest & family

The next challenge for this determined, well oiled musher and dog team, the Iditarod sled dog race starting March 4th in Anchorage!

FIRST INTO PELLY CROSSING
Feb. 20, 12:00 am
Mackey arrived into Pelly at 9:41 pm YKST.  With a barking dog team, lunging into their harnesses, Mackey smiled and said 'That's the sound of success right there!'.  Mackey told checkpoint volunteers he was staying, but not for long. 'I'm going to feed the dogs and myself and get out of here.' PELLY CROSSING VIDEO

Yukon Quest vist their official web site for race updates.

Mackey sets record with sizzling run from Eagle By ERIC GOOLD, Staff Writer DAWSON CITY, Yukon--Weather has been tearing up the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race trail this year.

Lance Mackey took his turn Thursday. The defending champion absolutely scorched the trail on the 150-mile run from Eagle, obliterating the previous record for the run by about five hours before bedding down in this historic gold rush town for his 36-hour mandatory layover.

Quest Race Finish to be altered
Quest website : February 17, 2006
Race Marshal Mike McCowan announced early Friday morning that the 2006 Yukon Quest will not follow the traditional Yukon Quest Trail to Whitehorse. At 1:00 pm (local time), the Race Marshal, his judges and the mushers remaining in the race will attend a closed-door meeting in Dawson City to brief mushers on the revised trail routing. At 2:00 pm (local time) the regular mushers' meeting will take place in the Dawson City Checkpoint. This meeting is open to the media and general public, and the Race Marshal will announce the decision regarding the revised trail routing.

FIRST INTO DAWSON: At 2:45 Yukon time, Lance Mackey entered the town of Dawson and officially signed in at the checkpoint at 2:47 pm Yukon Time.

Race Marshall, Mike McCowan was first to greet Lance at the finish line while the veterinarians looked over the team.  When asked how his run from Eagle was, Lance replied 'Long!  It felt a lot shorter going the other way last year.'  Reporters also asked Lance if being first into Dawson was a big deal for him.  Mackey replied, 'It's a great feeling, but the big prize it at the end of the race.  This is great, but it's just icing.'
Lance will win the 'First Into Dawson' award if he finishes the race.  The winner is awarded 4 ounces of gold donated by Dawson residents Joe and Wendy Fellers to celebrate a great run and to wish the mushers luck on the trail ahead.
Lance reported no problems in his ascent up and over American Summit, commenting only that it was a bit windy as was the rest of the trail into Dawson.  'I get cold easily,' remarked Lance, 'especially in the wind.  I didn't want to move because everytime I did, the wind would find an opening and chill me to the bone.'
Mackey's dogs looked great as they rolled in the snow and accepted encouragement and congratulations from Lance with wagging tails and bright eyes.  Within minutes, most were barking and lunging in their harnesses to continue down the trail.
Yukon Quest vist their official web site for race updates.

QUEST VIDEO: Lance Mackey at Mile 101. A short description of his run from Angle Creek. 15 sec/ 2 meg Video: Peter Kamper Click Here

Live web cam of Quest Start
The camera seems to be very busy, you may not be able to connect!



2006 Yukon Quest:
The "Toughest Sled Dog Race in the World" starts Saturday, February 11th at 11a.m. AKST. We plan to bring you some additional coverage of the Lance's race as it happens. For official information and an introduction the Yukon Quest vist their official web site.

At the Top of the World, in the Yukon-Alaskan Interior, an epic event takes place every year that few people from "down south" have experienced. Covering 1000 miles between Whitehorse, Yukon Territory and Fairbanks, Alaska during the depths of the Arctic winter, the Yukon Quest is the "Toughest Sled Dog Race in the World."

The Yukon Quest Trail follows historic Gold Rush and Mail Delivery routes from the turn of the 20th Century. Once a travel highway of the Northern frontier, the trail comes alive each February with the breath of hundreds of sled dogs. Teams of one human 'musher' and 14 canine athletes, travel for two weeks, racing through some of the last pristine wilderness remaining in North America.

KLONDIKE 300 SLED DOG RACE - SATURDAY JANUARY 21, 2006 TUG BAR BIG LAKE, ALASKA
The 14th running of the Klondike 300 Dogsled race got underway without a hitch and on time. 400 plus dogs and 30 mushers hit the trail from the Tug Bar in Knik. Follow Lance as he races to the finish line (BIB #17)
Click here for race updates

LANCE HOLDS BACK HIS TEAM AT THE START OF THE 2006 COPPER BASIN 300

Update: Nov 17, 2005
Lance reports he is doing great and thanks everyone for their good wishes. He is healing nicely and of course was out running dogs
the next day. Lance says he will be in great shape by the time the Sheep Mountain 150 sled dog race starts, scheduled for Dec 17-18. "I have no worries, I feel 100% better since the surgery" Lance says with a strong & confident voice.
Check back for updates! We will keep you posted.

Surgery on finger goes well - Lance's wife, Tonya reports "Lance is doing good" he will have to protect the wound for a few weeks until it heals but he should be ready for the Sheep Mountain 150".

Lance Scheduled
for Surgery:
Lance has been fighting an annoying pain in his left index finger for sometime. Doctors determined that it is a result of nerve damage related to his cancer several years ago. Continuous exposure to the cold has resulted in frostnip damage which has added to the problem.

Lance will have to have the finger amputated at the knuckle. Surgery is scheduled for November 9th at the Soldotna Hospital. This will put him out of training for several weeks but Lance vows to be ready to defend his Sheep Mountain 150 title December 17 & 18.

Speaking of cancer, Lance is approaching his 5th year cancer free. A blessing in itself. He is feeling good and weighs in at a record 185 lbs. (He eats like a horse) Keep his good health in your thoughts and prayers and join us for our much needed Mackey Racing team fundraiser November 12th.

3rd Annual Mackey
Racing Team Fundraiser
Yukon Quest/Iditarod Racing Team

The seventh-place Iditarod finish, he said, "means more to me than the Quest (victory). I'll never ever forget this as long as I live.''

Lance with wife Tonya and Iditarider

Anchorage 2005 Iditarod Start Warm & Sunny
March 5th 2005
Race day started out with with a bit of rain, but gave way to warm (38 degrees above zero) partly cloudly skies. Lance proudly signed autographs and chatted with everyone as teams, one by one, headed for the start line of the cerimonial start. With a sincere ear for what the fans were asking. Lance was enjoying every minute of the attention he was receiving since he took first place in one of the toughest sled dog races, the Yukon Quest,a little more than a week ago. All eyes are on on his team for a good top ten finish.

Tommrow they are off to Willow, Alaska for the restart of the 2005 Iditarod.

Listen to Lance at the banquet - Click Here

2005 Yukon Quest Rookie of the year and more!
It was no surprise that the rookie of the year would go to champion Lance Mackey at the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race finishing banquet Sunday night.

Golden Harness: Went to Mackey's lead dogs Hobo Jim and Larry, a dog who normally runs in swing, Mackey said, but ran out in front for roughly 700 miles of the Yukon Quest. The harnesses and steaks are given to the winning team's lead dogs in honor of their loyalty, endurance and perseverance throughout the race. The harness were donated by Cold Spot Feeds and the steaks were donated by the Westmark Hotel.

Photo courtesy of Yukon Quest

Both, dogs and musher are savoring this first place finish of the 2005 Yukon Quest! Tomorrow, Lance says with a grin, "I will refocus on whats in store for us on the 2005 Iditarod" starting March 5th in Anchorage, Alaska. For more information on the Yukon Quest Click Here

ANGEL CREEK - An enthusiastic Lance Mackey was the first to run into Angel Creek, Alaska with ten frisky looking dogs. At 8:12 p.m. Wednesday, Mackey was greeted in this last Checkpoint by a large crowd of supporters, including a surprise visit from his father, Dick Mackey the 1978 Iditarod Champion.

Lance first to arrive in Circle:
02/22/05 YQ Media update
An all amped up Lance Mackey arrived in Circle City with 10 dogs, at 01:45 AST Tuesday, February 22, still excited and still trying hard to remain calm about the race he finds himself in. He reported to waiting media and fans that the pace was set early by Sam Perrino and is maintained now by those in the front pack. His only concern was how to stay focused through his excitement about a lead position.

Hugh Neff came in to the checkpoint soon after at 02:06 with 10 dogs and William Kleedehn at 03:56 also with 10 dogs. Jon Little arrived at Circle at 6:28 and left just 12 minutes later for the run to Central.
Click here to follow the Yukon Quest race updates

The field is now narrowed to 16 competitors
02/18/05 Yukon Quest media release
Dogs and drivers are getting some well deserved rest in the old Paris of the North. Here, handlers take over for their mushers and care for the dogs who rest in straw-filled tarp-tents. Dogs will receive a complete physical examination by Race Veterinarians during the Dawson City layover, before hitting the trail to the Alaskan border following historic mail routes to the Finish Line in Fairbanks. Lance is in running an average of 4.87 mph (7.79 km/h) with 11 dogs. He is in 5th place. After taking his 36 hour layover in Dawson, Lance can leave this checkpoint at 03:39 Feb-19-2005.
The following mushers have scratched from this years race; Kelley Griffin, Catherine Pinard,Marcelle Fressineau, Martin Massicotte & Daniel Bourassa

Photo by Carsten Thies © 2005

Lance & The Yukon Quest Takes Off
Feb 14th 2005
It's still early in the 1,000-mile race running this year from Whitehorse, Yukon to Fairbanks, Alaska with about 900 miles left. Leaving the start line in 8th position Lance is now holding 3rd place with 14 dogs running about 10 miles per hour. Joining the list of talented rookies is Lance Mackey. If a rookie pulls into the finish chute in Fairbanks first it would only be the second time in Quest history. Lavon Barve won his only Quest in 1994. Mackey--a cancer survivor--has placed 36th and 24th in the Iditarod, but more notable is he comes from a family of long-distance mushing greats. His father, Dick Mackey, is one of the founding fathers of the Iditarod and won the race in 1978 and his brother, Rick Mackey has won both the Iditarod and Yukon Quest. Mackey is entered in both races this year.

Lance takes 5th place for Copper Basin 300 - Jan 11 2005
40 mushers that entered the CB300, 21 opted to scratch. This race is well known as "The Toughest 300 Miles in Alaska". No doubt this year was one of the more challenging. Thigh high open water, frigid temperatures and punchy trails exhausted mushers & dogs alike. Many mushers were running young teams that were not ready for this kind of weather and trail conditions. Lances' dogs are older and have been there done that. An experienced team maneuvers mentally & physically better when the going gets tough. Lance Mackey was able to place 5th for this years CB300. Not pushing the team, letting them set the pace as they prepare for the Quest and the Iditarod this year.

To see race results visit the Copper Basin 300 web site - http://www.cb300.com

Lance Mackey WINS
Sheep Mountain 150 Sled Dog Race --- DA NEWS - 12/19/04 7:30 pm
Lance Mackey of Kasilof Alaska won the inagural Sheep Mountain 150 sleddog race early Sunday afternoon (Dec 19th). His winning time of 1 day, 1 hour and 2 minutes was almost an hour faster than that of 2nd place Jason Young, also of Kasilof. Young passed 3rd place finisher Gerry Willomitzer of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, in the final 5 miles to beat Willomitzer by 30 seconds. For their efforts Mackey won $1,800 (1st), Young won $1,350 (2nd) and Willomitzer won $900 (3rd). Winning the Sheep Mountain Lodge Sportsmanship Award was Eagle River musher Meagan Mackey (no relation to Lance or Jason Mackey). The Sheep Mountain 150 is a 12 dog maximum, 8 dog minimum, no substitutions. Most aspects of the race follow "Iditarod Rules". For race rule details & race route visit www.sheepmountainlodge.com


Double Distance for 2005
September 19th 2005
Lance Mackey is offically signed up for the 2005 Yukon Quest, saying, "I have always wanted to do this race." The Quest runs 1,600-kilometer from Fairbanks to Whitehorse. Deep snow, extreme temperatures and longer distances between checkpoints make up the bulk of the Quest. Mackey explains "Training for the Quest will be much different than my Iditarod schedule and so will my pick of dogs. It will definetly be a challenge for us and I'm am excited about trying it." But that's not all.. "how can I NOT do the Iditarod?" Lance sighs. "it's in my blood. I will be signing up for that in the next few days". This could be Lance's year. His dogs are young and proved themselves worthy in the 2003-2004 season. He will have 2 teams entered in the Knik 200, Copper Basin, Klondike, Tustemena and the Kenai PSDRA sled dog race. Lance explains "Having a good handler has allowed me to train up 2 strong teams this year and give me twice as many to choose from." Sponsors have stood behind Lance, allowing him to put his best foot forward, he just couldn't put together such a team without their finacial support. Another positive factor in Lance's life, is his health, cancer free for 4 years now. "I'm feeling GREAT, honestly. " Keep your eye on this guy, he definetly has his eye on top finishes for 2004-2005.


Thankyou!
I would like to thank my sponsors and supporters for being part of our 2004 Iditarod race & pre-season races. Your support is a major part of our kennels success. We are again planning to race the 2005 Iditarod. Iditarod sign-up began in June, we are hoping to raise the $1,850 entry fee soon. If you wish to help, please send donations to:

Mackey's
PO Box 1162
Kasilof, Alaska 99610

The Goose Bay 120
DANEWS Feb 8th 2004
Lance grabbed 4th place in the 2004 Goose Bay 120 this weekend. With 18 inches of fresh snow on the trails slowing teams to a snails pace at times. Temperatures were unseasonably warm at 20 degrees above zero.The Goose Bay 120 dog sled race is a 120 mile fun run from the Tug Bar/Goose Bay Inn to Yentna Station (60 miles each way), with a mandatory eight hour layover in Yentna Station. Lance says" He's ready for the big one" "The dogs are pumped and lookin' good". The 120 has become a great training race for other prestigious races, including the Iditarod. The late, great Joe Redington ran the 120 on his 80th birthday. Mandatory gear include: 3 Gallon Functional Cooker , Axe (22" Handle, 1 ¾ lb Min.) Cold Weather Sleeping Bag (5 ½ lb Min.) , Snow Shoes, Dog Drop Lines – 2 Minimum, Dog Food – 1 lb Per Dog Minimum at Start , Eight Booties per Dog, Mushers must have a minimum of 4 booties per dogs to finish (booties may be in use) A 12 dog maximum & 8 dog minimum for this race makes it manageable and fun trip. Teams must finish with a minimum of 5 dogs in harness. The top five places are 1st: Dean Osmar; 2nd: Rick Townsend; 3rd: Ryan Redington; 4th: Lance Mackey; 5th: Tim Osmar. All mushers are in, but complete race results were not available. Check back for complete race results and times.

Lance takes 3rd in the Tustumena 200
The twentieth running of the Tustumena 200 Sled Dog Race is complete. Cim Symth took first place with Lance grabbing third. In addition to mushers from Alaska, Canada and the 'lower 48', recent years races have drawn entrants from as far away as Germany, Japan, Switzerland and Spain. This is a fun dog sled race through the beautiful Caribou Hills on trails that switch back, climb and challenge the seasoned athletes. Unique to the T200 is a policy which allows mushers not wanting to race the full 200 miles the opportunity to enter as an Amateur Class Musher. Unlike the Pro Class, Am Class mushers don't compete for a share of the purse; they run only the first half of the race; they don't receive any 'qualifying miles'; but, they have a lot of fun, gain experience, (so do the younger dogs) and see some beautiful scenery. Amateur does not mean inexperienced. Any musher not wanting to run the full distance may use this option. (Even former champions, who may use this as a 'proving ground' for younger dogs looking to move up to the 'A' squad.) Spectators can see the dog teams and mushers at the Tustumena Lodge (mile 111 Sterling Hw. Kasilof) and the Clam Shell Lodge mile 118 Sterling Hw. Clam Gulch).
Click here for race results & times

Lance Mackey takes 2nd in "Clam Gulch Classic"
By DA News - Jan 05, 2004
56-miles though the Kenai Pennisula's Caribou Hills. Tough trails, frigid temperatures ranging from minus 15ƒ to 10ƒ above. The Clam Gulch sleddog race took off. This is a 2 day event starting and finishing at the Clam Shell Lodge. Lance reported his dogs did very well. "I expect alot out of my dogs and they did well, I am proud of them". His time, 4 hrs. 22 minutes, just 10 minutes behind defending champion Dean Osmar, who placed first with a total time of 4 hrs and 12 minutes. "Now I focus on the Copper Basin 300 coming up this weeknend." Lance said. "It's a really tough one" mushers commonly call this "The Little Iditarod" because it carries many of the traits that the legendary Iditarod race dishes out. "I think were ready for it." says Lance. Weather for the Copper Basin 300 will be cloudy with a chance of snow. Temperatures remaining 15 to 20 below. Brrrr! That will put frost on your nose. Good luck and safe trails Lance.

Lance takes first place in the Chugiak 50 mile race