Career goal is to maintain current level of involvement for another 20 years. I'm confident that I can win any race I enter if everything goes right. I'm comfortable just going and racing my best race without getting all caught up in a quest for an Iditarod trophy or the Stage Stop trophy. I would like to make the mushing sportsmanship hall of fame when I retire. The fastest dog team in the race, by definition.
Many personal traits are also necessary.
Unlimited financial resources are undeniably the most important factor. I am fairly insecure about the future of sled dog sports. The world is changing everyday. Global warming is a fact. Public opinion is swinging in the direction of animal rights activists.