With Doug Swingley out of the race, and mushers like Lance Mackey & Cim Smyth constantly leading or in the front of the pack, this could be a very different Iditarod than many people predicted. However, there is so much “leap frogging” going on right now with lead teams running on such different rest schedules, that we won’t see a true race leader until down the trail, perhaps not even until after the halfway point. Sorlie checked into Rohn 8th along with John Baker (7th) and about 10 minutes behind Sebastian Schnuelle (6th). John Baker seems to be running pretty tight with Sorlie, it will be interesting to see if and when these two separate. Even if Sorlie/Baker came in with more rest than Mackey, Lance is still carrying a little under 5 hours lead time on the Norwegian. Right now Lance’s real competition is right behind him. Martin Buser has got one heck of a team this year, after his less than impressive finish last year it looks like Buser is back for keeps this time. Back in January Martin won the competitive Kuskokwim 300 sled dog race, but it wasn’t his impressive finish over reigning Kusko & Iditarod champion Jeff King that had the other mushers talking, it was the fact that Martin’s 17 year old son Rohn took 4th place, showing the true strength of the families kennel.
We’ll be doing a podcast tomorrow and need your comments. Today’s Podcast question is about Doug Swingley scratching from the race. Tyrell Seavey at Ultimate Iditarod says word on the street is that before the race Dougie had thought of making this his last run, but we’ve heard that one before. Do you think this will make him more determined for next year? How does this effect your top ten predictions? What are your thoughts or commentary on the race so far? Give us a call toll free on our comment line: 866-731-6332 and leave us your thoughts. All callers who are featured in the podcast will be entered for an Iditarod/Nome prize pack.