FJ Chalke & Vale Motors Isuzu proudly announces its sponsorship of local resident and esteemed customer John Binding, member of The Alaskan Malamute Working Association (AMWA), as he competes in the World Sleddog Dryland World Championship in November 2024.
The Alaskan Malamute Working Association, host of the WSA Dryland World Championship 2024, anticipates participants from over 20 countries, bringing together hundreds of sled dogs for an unparalleled display of canine athleticism and teamwork.
In early June, Ross Fowler, Business Manager at FJ Chalke & Vale Motors Isuzu, and Jordan, Sales Specialist, joined John for a dry run training session at Henstridge Airfield in Somerset. Accompanied by the impressive Isuzu D-Max Arctic Trucks AT35, the team witnessed the power and intelligence of the sled dogs firsthand.
Ross Fowler commented: “The dogs were incredibly intelligent and powerful. Their size can be quite intimidating, but they are beautiful creatures with nothing to fear. It was truly a fun and eye-opening experience.”
John Binding, a longtime member of the AMWA and owner of five Alaskan Malamutes, explained how the dry sled run works: “We use a three-wheeled cart called a rig, which the team of harnessed dogs is connected to via a gang line and pulls from the front. The only control over them is through voice commands. For one-dog teams, purpose-built scooters and mountain bikes can also be used, which the dogs pull from the front.”
Binding highlighted the dogs’ enthusiasm for their work: “The dogs genuinely enjoy working in harness. They get very excited and can be noisy, eager to go. Stopping them can be fun. It’s all about knowing your dogs and their capabilities. You work as a team, competitor, and dog alike.”
The Isuzu Arctic Trucks AT35 builds upon the formidable D-Max V-Cross, sporting 35-inch tyres and elevated Bilstein suspension. With a pedigree of extreme capability, the AT35 does not compromise on comfort and luxury features including dual zone climate control, premium leather upholstery, 8-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and a 9-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Together, both the Malamute and the AT35 symbolise unmatched strength and resilience, representing a commitment to conquering extremes, be it through the raw power of nature or the refined capability of human engineering.
