Repesenting the next generation of a legendary mushing family, Patrick will take to the trail in the 2026 Yukon Quest Alaska. He has spent the last eight years cultivating a high-performance team built on the Mackey’s proven championship genetics. Located at Topnotch Comeback Kennel, Patrick and his father, Jason, have raised and trained over 50 exceptional dogs to meet the evolving demands of the sport. 

Jonah Bacon steps up to the YQA 750 this year, representing Nautique Sky Kennel. A Fairbanks local, Jonah’s journey began as an Iditarod volunteer before he started training under mentor Deke Naaktgeboren. Now in his fourth year, Jonah is driven by a respect for mushing history and the solitude of the Yukon River.

Based in Two Rivers, Alaska, Josi Shelley runs There and Back Again Sleddogs alongside her husband. Her path to the Yukon Quest Alaska began in Ohio, where she first discovered dog power by skijoring on rollerblades with her pet Husky. Today, that childhood hobby has transformed into a full-fledged passion for professional competitive mushing.

Jason Mackey of TopNotch Comeback Kennel carries forward one of the most storied legacies in mushing history. Born into a family that "lives and breathes" the sport, Jason is the son of Iditarod co-founder and 1978 champion Dick Mackey, and brother to champions Rick (1983) and Lance Mackey (the only four-consecutive-year winner). With 45 years of racing experience, Jason is now ushering in a new era with a rebuilt kennel and a premier bloodline that is truly Top Notch. 

A lifelong musher with roots in Noorvik, Jeff Deeter has been racing since age 15. A veteran of the Iditarod, Copper Basin 300, and Knik 200, Jeff achieved a 12th-place Iditarod finish in 2021. Together with his wife, KattiJo, he operates a premier mushing tour business while continuing to compete at the highest levels. Jeff’s racing philosophy prioritizes canine health, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for the Alaskan wilderness. 

Keaton’s path to the Yukon Quest Alaska is a testament to how quickly the Alaskan wilderness can capture your heart. Originally arriving in 2021 for a summer job as a Denali Jeep tour guide, a chance encounter with neighbor Jeff King at Husky Homestead sparked a deep fascination with distance mushing. After years of balancing university semesters with every available break spent on the sled, Keaton’s transition from fan to competitor is now complete.

Photo Courtesy of: https://iditarod.com/race/2025/mushers/1152-Keaton-Loebrich/