I picked Buddy to win the Rondy until this happened on day two. I’m not sure it warrants a DQ, but he should have been a little careful what he said in front of all those ppl. while passing Luke. Luke never filed a protest either so that raises even more questions. However he did, scratch from the race.
Video submitted on Flickr
Bud Streeper "hits" Luke Sampson
From Buddy’s Facebook Page
February 27, 2011
Fur Rondy World Championship
Statement from Blayne Streeper on events in the 2nd heat of the race.
Yesterday evening following the second heat of the Fur Rondy, I was informed by the Race Marshall that I was being disqualified from the race for unsportsmanlike conduct.
This incident happened on Cordova Hill as I caught Luke Sampson. I hollered, “Luke Trail Luke,” several times. He did not hear me and as my leaders reached him and attempted to pass he jumped off his sled and started running along side, interfering with my leaders.
As my team caught and passed Luke at the top of the hill I slapped his arm to get his attention and hollered, “Luke, Pay Fu—ng attention!” The way it was perceived by some in the crowd was that I was assaulting Luke. I felt that as an experienced driver that I had an obligation to advise this driver of his failure to pay attention and that he caused a safety risk to my team and that of others. At the finish of the race the Race Marshall came to me at the truck asking what had happened and that a trail official had phoned her and stated that I had punched Luke and yelled profanities. The Race Marshall also contacted Luke Sampson, who refused to file a protest.
I feel that the Race Marshall has over reacted on this incident and the penalty of disqualification from the race is too severe. I know the safety of our dogs is of the first concern for all of us. The dogs are defenseless and count on us to care for and protect them.
I regret using profanity during the race and apologize to all of the fans that I may have offended and to my friend Luke Sampson.
