Mackey surprises fans, competes on Alaska Raceway Park oval track

PALMER — An unexpected guest surprised race fans at Alaska Raceway Park Saturday evening.

Legendary musher Lance Mackey traded his dog sled for a race car, and wowed spectators with a win in the 25-lap legends race on the park’s third-mile asphalt oval.

“The crowd went nuts,” Alaska Raceway Park spokesperson Heather McGee said.

McGee said Mackey’s appearance at the Butte-area speedway was completely unexpected.

“Total surprise,” McGee said. “I was in the tower at the time, and we didn’t have any idea who was in the No. 7 car.”

It wasn’t until chatter was heard over the two-way radio from the pit that anyone knew the identity of the driver of the black and green No. 7 legends car was in fact Mackey, a man best known for winning the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race four times.

McGee said once they figured out the driver was Mackey, everyone in the tower looked at each other in amazement.

As soon as it was announced to the spectators, McGee said, the crowd roared.

Mackey’s success on the trails translated to his first appearance on Alaska Raceway Park’s oval track. The Fairbanks-area resident came from the back of the pack twice to win the race. McGee said Mackey started the race at the back of the pack. At one point during the race, McGee said, Mackey and another driver, Mike Thomas, who finished as the runner-up in the race, were penalized and moved to the back of the pack. Both made their way to the front once again, with Mackey beating Thomas for the win.

McGee said it’s not unusual for drivers to show up unannounced on race day and compete, especially interest in the park’s brand new oval continues to build. But it is unusual to see a driver with Mackey’s fame appear, she said.

McGee said, after the race, Mackey appeared ready to make a return visit to the Butte-area speedway.

The legends event was among action during the park’s third Whelen Oval Race of the season, part of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series. In other action, Dana Pruhs of Anchorage captured the title in the 30-lap feature race in the late models class. Pruhs finished ahead of runner-up John Klayum of Palmer, and Anchorage’s Justin Creech, who finished third.

David Elliot, of Wasilla, finished first in the 30-lap feature race of the baby grands class. Alex Schwochert, of Big Lake, was second and Paul Houston finished third.

For more results and points standings, see raceak.com.

Alaska Raceway Park will be celebrating the holiday weekend with four days of racing. The park will feature its Tesoro Oval Race Friday. The Tesoro Junior Dragster Olympics, King of the Street and Gambler’s Bracket drag racing are scheduled for Saturday. Action Sunday and Monday will include the Tesoro Top Eliminator, Pro-Nostalgia and points drag racing.