FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TEAM DOUBLE DOWN 1st PLACE 2006
TEAM USA BOBSLED, 1st PLACE 2004
TEAM VAN HALEN, 2nd PLACE 2005

Says: THIS IS A RACE NOT A PARADE!

Ending weeks, months, possibly a year’s worth of speculation, last year’s Idiotarod victors, a team with members on the winning team of the inaugural New York City Idiotarod as well as the runners up in Idiotarod 2005, Team Double Down has shocked the racing world, opting not to participate in this year’s race.

Pressed for comment, team captain Luke Stiles uttered sounds that onlookers could only describe as guttural. He then proceeded to read Team Double Down’s manifesto to a crowd of supporters ending triumphantly, "This is a race, not a parade!"

Team musher Jared Tankel looked wistfully onto the horizon, "I remember when the Idiotarod meant something, when it was about booze, glory, blood and guts, and food fights. Now it’s all about booze, T.V. shows, procedural rules and food fights."

Team strongman Paul Rauen added, "When I was recruited for Double Down, things were different. Who knows if they'll even have to navigate their way through the streets of Chinatown."

Head tower/bodyguard Brian Ballantine said only three simple words, "Ride or Die," pausing to add a fourth, "Suckers!"

The team has pledged to its supporters that it will never forget the true spirit of the Idiotarod. While details remain sketchy, word on the street is that Double Down plans to reward the true winners of Idiotarod 2007; those that do indeed cross the finish line first.