Iron Dog snowmobile race loses primary sponsor, Tesoro, for 2010 race

Iron Dog snowmobile race loses primary sponsor

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The world’s longest snowmobile race has lost its primary sponsor.

Iron Dog executive director Laura Bedard says Tesoro Corp. has withdrawn its commitment as title sponsor for the 2010 race.

Bedard calls the decision disappointing but says race officials are grateful to Tesoro for the long partnership.

The race bills itself as the world’s longest, toughest snowmobile race. Todd Palin, the husband of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, has won the race four times.

The race is entering its 27th year. The 2,000-mile Iron Dog is scheduled to begin Feb. 21 in Big Lake and end Feb. 27 in downtown Fairbanks.