Oil Patch Bits: Two lucky winners to wave the flag at Iron Dog race

Crowley fuels adventure, and as the official fuel distributor of the 2016 Iron Dog race, the company is giving residents in the Matanuska and Susitna valleys the opportunity to win a chance to wave the starting flag for the race and residents in Fairbanks the opportunity to win a chance to wave the finish flag. Each of the sweepstakes winners will also receive a $100 Shell gas card.

Billed as the “World’s Longest Toughest Snowmobile Race,” the Iron Dog starts Feb. 20 and runs more than 2,000 miles through some of Alaska’s most rugged terrain before ending on Feb. 28.

To be a part of this 33-year tradition and experience the adrenaline rush of starting or ending the race with a flag wave, residents should enter the sweepstakes online at crowley.com/irondog or in person by visiting Crowley’s valley location at 485 Outer Springer Loop; 6090 West Park Highway, or Fairbanks location at 170 E. Van Horn Rd. While no purchase is required, there is a limit of one entry per household. All entries must be received by Feb. 17, and winners will be notified on Feb. 18.

“We are pleased to be such an integral part of this spectacular race,” said Bob Cox, Crowley vice president. “Giving residents the opportunity to win a chance to start or end the race is a great way to reward and recognize our neighbors in the Valley and Fairbanks. We are all looking forward to watching and celebrating the athleticism, tradition and endurance that the race represents.”