Winter 1999-2000 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Frank Teasley, Race Director, (307)734-1163
Darla Worden, Media Relations, (307)672-3818

International Rocky Mountain Stage Stop Sled Dog Race Increases Purse

Jackson Hole, Wyoming--October 19, 1999--The International Rocky Mountain Stage Stop Sled Dog Race (IPSSSDR), the largest sled dog race in the lower 48 states, will increase its purse from $100,000 to an estimated $120,000 for the 2000 IPSSSDR announced Race Director Frank Teasley. Dates for the 11-day race through 14 Wyoming communities are January 29 through February 9, 20000.

"I feel that from the race's inception we had mapped out the race's goals, timelines, and growth-going into the fifth year, we are right were we want to be," said Teasley. "By increasing the purse, we are continuing in our effort to set the mushers up to be successful."

A qualifying event for the Iditarod, the race has attracted world-class mushers including Jeff King, Alaska; Bruce Lee, Alaska; Jacque Phillip, France; Hans Gatt, Austria; Dan MacEachen, Colorado; Rick Swenson, Alaska; and Susan Butcher, Alaska.

"The field for the 2000 race is already 2/3 full," says Teasley. "I expect that in a short period we will reach our limit of 30 teams." With its unique Stage Stop racing format, the race stops in a different Wyoming community each night. Towns host festivities for mushers and spectators ranging from junior dog sled races for children, dog parades, ice sculptor contests, banquets, carnivals and fishing derbies.