Nate Perkins
The Iron Dog Race, Inc., Hall of Fame is dedicated to showcasing the rich and exciting history, along with honoring the men and women of the Iron Dog snowmobile event at both the recreational and competitive levels. The inductees of the 2025 Hall of Fame have provided countless memories as racers and race officials, they have supported our organization and racers financially and though encouragement, and provided industry information since the inception of our race. Their efforts have provided support for the foundation of our race and our sport.
This year, the Iron Dog Board of Directors inducted five new members.
“Congratulations to them all, and thank you for all you’ve given the Iron Dog Race.” – Mike Vasser, Iron Dog executive director
Nate Perkins
Nate Perkins was born and raised in Nome, so he watched the Iron Dog evolve from its very first years to what it is today: the World’s Longest, Toughest Snowmobile Race.
“When Iron Dog came to town, it was just a normal thing for me to follow because I grew up snowmobiling and it just came natural,” Perkins said. “In 1988, I got actively involved with trail staking; I grew up in the country and knew the area well. I’d help with anything that needed doing.”
Each year, Perkins could be relied upon to help. He began assisting in the garage, escorting racers from the Nome checkpoint to the impound area, and eventually became Nome’s head checkpoint volunteer. He also served as race marshal for three years and continued to help out in Iron Dog headquarters after he retired seven years ago and moved from Nome to Anchorage.
“I just got to doing the math here the other day, and I was like, ‘It’s been 35 years’ of volunteering,” Perkins said.
Even now, Perkins continues to help as needed, whether it’s at the Safety Expo, tech inspection or setting up/taking down the start line.
“Snowmobiling has always been a big part of my life; it never gets out of your blood,” he said. “When I got the call from (Iron Dog President) Doug Dixon to let me know that I was going to be inducted, I was very humbled and pleasantly surprised; it’s a pretty big award.”
“Nate did everything I asked of him,” said retired logistic volunteer and Hall of Fame member Dave McKibbon. “From the late ’80s until he retired, he was the man to call in Nome. He’d step up and volunteer enthusiastically for any Iron Dog role – from trail-marking to checkpoint to race safety – everything to ensure a successful race.”
Iron Dog Race, Inc., thanks Nate for his long tenure of service to the organization.