Martin Massicotte bib #5 of Saint-Tite, Quebec makes history and wins the 250 Can-Am Crown International Sled Dog Races in Fort Kent Maine with a time of 31:08:49. Massicotte has a perfect race record this season winning four of four races, this 250 Can-Am win is now his 11th first place finish in Fort Kent since 1998. He is the only musher to hold the title for 11 250 Can-Am wins. The 32nd annual race awarded $52,000 between the three races this weekend.
Racing began Saturday, March 1st with heavy snows as Massicotte left the Main Street Start at 10:10 AM – deep snow made the course difficult Saturday while winds challenged mushers with snowdrifts on Sunday. Monday was a bluebird day and the course was hard-packed and fast – Massicotte stated his spirits and morale were raised by Monday's trail conditions as he left Allagash Checkpoint to race 52 miles to the Lonesome Pine Trails Finish Line in Fort Kent, Maine.
The K-9 Preacher Award was presented to Franklin who has raced since he was 1.5 years old and will be 10 years old in May. Franklyn has raced six Can-Am Races and went into this race knowing it would be his retirement race. Racing on the team of Martin Massicotte, he is the rock of his team, the first dog to his feet after each rest. He mirrors the characteristics of MSP K-9 Preacher’s legacy: loyalty, courage, and dedication.
Bib #13 Florence Shaw won the Can-Am 100 on March 1st with a time of 09:03:38 marking the third Can-Am 100 win of her career.
Bib #14 Michael Bernier won the Can-Am 30 on March 1st with a time of 02:46:28.
Franklin and Martin receiving the K-9 Preacher Award Credit aParadis Photography
Martin Bib #5 champion Credit aParadis Photography