Joey Sabin began running dogs in 2017 while working for Sven Haltman, and over the years, he’s spent many summers giving tours on glaciers for Alaska Icefield Expeditions (AIE), and more recently, in Seward for Dallas Seavey.
In 2020, he launched his own kennel based out of Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota.
Two years later, Joey made the move back to Alaska to focus full-time on racing.
He currently operates VOA Racing alongside his partner, Willoe Maynard.
Together, they care for a team of 31 sled dogs and one spirited Jack Russell named Stevie Nicks.
What is your full name?
Joey Sabin
Do you have a nickname?
Well my dad always called me Josephine
Do you have a kennel name?
VOA Racing
How old are you?
34
Where were you brought up?
Grandville, MI
Where do you live now?
Two Rivers, AK
How many sled dogs do you own?
31, 5 yearlings, some oldies, I will have 21 in the race pool this year, oh and a Jack Russel named Stevie Nicks.
How long have you owned sled dogs?
I got my first five in 2020 and had my first litter in 2021.
What races have you competed in?
Solstice 50, Wolftrack Classic, Copper Basin 300, Yukon Quest 300, and Yukon Quest 550
What’s your greatest achievement so far?
Yukon Quest 550.
Has it always been a dream to run the Iditarod?
Yes, at least it was always in the back of my head. Growing up one of my favorite movies was Iron Will. I also lived outside with my pet dogs pulling me around on my bike, rollerblades, skateboard, etc. In 4th or 5th grade we did a project on the Iditarod and I was interested. In 2017 I started running dogs and it definitely became a dream.
What made you decide that this year would be the year to sign up for the race?
I got Qualified last year and my Partner Willoe said I could.
What can you tell me about your team?
My team is mixed up with mainly 3-4 year olds and four 2 year olds. However, I have five yearlings and haven’t counted them out we will see who makes the team.
Do you have a website?
voaracing.com it is in the works, hopefully will be up and running soon.
Do you have sponsors?
I currently have one main sponsor this year Dave Turner with Racing Chaos. Last year Ivory Jacks and AIE Sponsored me.
Do you look up to a specific musher?
Sven Haltman he was a great Mentor
Have you handled for an Iditarod Veteran musher in the past?
Sven Haltman
Have you won any awards during a race?
Yukon Quest 550 I won the big chugger Award handed to me on a paper plate (art work was very nice). Not sure if that was a complement, but its hanging up in the living room.
What’s your favourite sled dog race?
The Yukon Quest 550 last year was a blast I really wish it was going on again this year.
How are you preparing for your first Iditarod?
Right now I’m focused on getting back in shape, I got a bit lazy and put on a few pounds so we have been going on runs as much as possible.
What do you think you can expect from Iditarod?
That its going to be awesome!
What’s the best advice you have received regarding mushing?
Just Run your race
Are you from a mushing background?
1st generation Musher
Do you have any friends who are also dog mushers?
Yes besides my hometown friends all my friends are dog mushers.
Is there a certain part of the Iditarod trail you are looking forward to? Like maybe the beautiful scenery from the Yukon River or the food from Takotna checkpoint?
Hopefully its the traditional route next year because Im sure the alaskan range will be a blast and of course the finish line.
Is there any part of the Iditarod trail you are nervous about like the Bering sea coast or the Steps?
Every time I race I get nervous but I feel the Yukon Quest 550 helped prepare me for the Iditarod. There was tons of jumble ice, high winds, and a lot of elevation change.
If for some reason you don’t make it to the finish line in Nome, will you try again?
100 %, I hope to run every year, as long as the dogs and myself are still having fun.
What kind of things do you like to do when not mushing?
Thats tough I don’t really do anything else. If I do get free time I like watching the Lions, Wings, Wolverines, and Tigers win.
What is your favorite food / drink?
An ice cold Modelo, with some street or fish tacos always hits the spot.
What’s your favorite music?
I like everything but you can’t go wrong with some Michael Jackson
What’s your favorite film?
Iron Will is still up there, but I’m more into tv shows. Game of Thrones, Outlander, The Wire, and Breaking Bad are a few of my favorites.
What’s your favorite book?
I don’t read, I might try this audiobook thing.
What’s your favorite city?
I don’t know yet somewhere I haven’t been.
What’s your favorite item of clothing?
The sweater my Girlfriend Willoe knitted for me.
Do you have a lucky charm?
I do not
Photos courtesy of Iditarod, Whitney McLaren & Joey Sabin
