2026 Hall of Fame Inductees: Eric Quam and Robert “Mansey” Magnuson

Eric Quam: Two-time Iron Dog Champion, veteran racer, team supporter

Eric Quam’s Iron Dog résumé places him among an elite group of racers who have not only finished the race, but mastered it. A lifelong Alaskan, Quam first entered the Iron Dog in 1999, bringing a competitive drive shaped by years of racing before snowmachines became his primary focus. He started racing three-wheelers at age 14, and when that circuit disappeared, snowmachine racing became the next step.

Quam’s Iron Dog career includes two overall victories, first in 2008 with partner Marc McKenna, and again in 2015 with Scott Faeo. Winning once is career-defining; winning twice puts a racer in rare company. Across both victories, Quam showed what Iron Dog demands most: controlled speed, mechanical awareness, physical endurance, and disciplined risk management across thousands of miles.

Beyond the wins, Quam’s long-standing presence in the race community has been equally meaningful. Since his debut, he has supported teams, shared hard-earned experience, and stayed involved in the event whether starting the race or helping others prepare for the trail ahead. His Hall of Fame induction recognizes both his championships and his lasting influence as a competitor who understood that Iron Dog success is never accidental and never achieved alone.

Robert “Mansey” Magnuson: Volunteer, trail breaker, checkpoint lead, logistics and fuel support

If Iron Dog’s racers are the heartbeat of the race, volunteers like Robert “Mansey” Magnuson are its backbone. His involvement dates to the late 1980s, long before modern tracking, instant communication, or streamlined logistics. Over the decades, he became a constant presence in some of the race’s most critical and least visible roles. He broke trail into remote areas, helped establish and run checkpoints, and supported McGrath operations for more than 13 years, including trail breaking to Takotna and Poorman.

Magnuson also handled logistics that kept the race moving when conditions were difficult. He supported interior checkpoint operations and, during financially challenging years, personally flew fuel at his own expense to keep teams and checkpoints supplied. When problems hit late or under pressure, he was someone the race could rely on to step in and make it work.

His contributions were never about recognition. They were about responsibility and the reality that Alaska does not offer easy solutions. Hall of Fame induction honors Magnuson’s decades of service and the truth behind Iron Dog’s success: without dedicated volunteers willing to commit time, resources, and personal effort, there is no race to finish.

A Shared Legacy

Eric Quam and Robert “Mansey” Magnuson reached the Iron Dog Hall of Fame by different paths, one through championships at race pace and the other through years of work that helped keep the race possible. Together, they reflect what Iron Dog stands for: competition, commitment, resilience, and community.

The Class of 2026 reminds us that Iron Dog history is written on the trail and behind the scenes, and that every mile raced is supported by countless others who made it possible. Congratulations to Eric Quam and Robert “Mansey” Magnuson, and thank you for the lasting legacy you leave with the Iron Dog Race.