Nicolas Petit grew up in Normandy and always loved animals. He moved to New Mexico in 1992, where he finished high school and then to Alaska because he “loved snow.” He adopted “Ugly”, a gorgeous Alaskan Huksy, put a harness on him and the adventure began. Nic traveled all over the state and began racing while working with Jim Lanier in Chugiak.

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In 2011, Jim’s hip gave him trouble, so Nic took Jim's famous team of "Northern Whites" to Nome. Later, Nic lived in Girdwood, working with Dario Daniels, whose training techniques live on through his calm mushing demeanor. Over the years, Nic and his team of furry “kids” became decorated athletes winning races across Alaska and placing as high as 2nd in Iditarod. In 2019, Team Petit moved to Big Lake where the Alaska Dogstead was born.