Driver Tim Tetrick picked up a win aboard a different kind of trotter during the Arctic Horse Race competition on Saturday (Dec. 14) in Rovaniemi, Finland.

The only North American driver competing in the first ever Arctic Horse Race challenge, Tetrick guided Finnhorse Pikku-Ryti to victory in the first leg of driving competition at Mäntyvaara.

"It's very special because of the tradition the Finnish horse has. To finally get to sit behind one...I warmed it up and it felt great. I really didn't know how fast I was going but he felt nice, very much a professional and he got the job done.

"These horses are so special to me...the places they've been able to take me and I finally got to drive a Finnish-blood, that's awesome."

When asked trackside if he was cold in his first trip to the Arctic Circle, Tetrick quickly dismissed the concerns regarding the temperature.

"I'm not cold, I'm nervous and I'm excited! Excited! EXCITED!" said Tetrick with a smile. "That's what racing does to me, I get excited about it. I can do it 4,000 times a year and I still love it. Every day I wake up, I love horses and the people have treated me just absolutely wonderful since I've been here and it's been an honour to be here."

While in Rovaniemi, the town that's known as the official home of Santa Claus, Tetrick was spotted talking to the jolly old elf and he revealed it had nothing to do with driving strategy.

"The kids...We talked making sure he'd be there Christmas Eve for my family."

While Tetrick started the day with a few off-the-board finishes, he did notch a third-place score in the second leg of the challenge and completed the three-race competition with 27 points to finish third just behind top local reinsmen Antii Teivainen (29) and Jorma Kontio (29). Teivainen won the second leg to break the tie with Kontio.

"I think everyone felt sorry for me and let me win that one. I've been driving aggressive. I got parked and the one made a break but it's a first time for me on the snow and ice so it's taken me a little bit to get used to it. I give the people that race here a lot of credit."