Rookie Eric Rogers of Eagle River and 2009 champ Sebastian Schnuelle both officially withdrew Thursday. Rookie Tony Angelo of Fairbanks withdrew Wednesday after being unable to meet his qualifiers following the cancellation of the Copper Basin 300.
Schnuelle, who announced his retirement last year, had planned to run a team from Whitehorse musher Gerry Willomitzer’s kennel. Schnuelle was one of 53 mushers signed up for the Copper Basin 300, which was canceled last weekend because of poor trail conditions.
The field now stands at 25 mushers and includes four-time champion Lance Mackey. The race starts Feb. 4 in downtown Fairbanks.
Purse Party and food drops
Food drops, where mushers bring in dozens of bags filled with food (both dog and human) and other race necessities to be shipped to checkpoints on the trail, happens Saturday afternoon.
Since many of the mushers will be in town, what better time to throw a party?
At the Purse Party, the community can mingle with mushers and help raise money for 2012 Yukon Quest purse at the Ken Kunkle Community Center. All proceeds raised at the party go toward the purse prize money.
A price of $20 at the door includes an Alaska Brewing Co. collectible pint glass, food and live music. Doors open at 6 p.m. Saturday.
For more information, contact the Yukon Quest at 452-7954.
Contact features editor Suzanna Caldwell at 459-7504 and follow on Twitter @FDNMQuest.
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