RALLY HISTORY Timeline
Brief history of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY TIME LINE
1936
Clarence "Pappy" Hoel purchased an Indian Motorcycle Franchise in Sturgis, SD. The Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club was formed.
1938
The Rally Begins…The first Sturgis Rally, known as the Black Hills Classic was held on August 14th with a race of 9 participants and a small audience.
1942
Due to gas rationings in support of the war efforts the Rally did not take place.
1949
For the 1st time, Sturgis Main Street is blocked off for a 2 hour awards ceremony.
1961
The Jackpine Gypsies introduce the Hill Climb and Motocross races.
1964
One block of Main Street is officially closed for motorcycle parking over the course of the 3 day event.
1965
The Rally moves to a 5 day event.
1974
The first temporary vendor set up in the Sturgis Auditorium.
1975
The Rally evolves to its present 7 day event
.
1979
The City of Sturgis begins licensing temporary vendors. 9 vendors licensed.
1983
City Park is closed to camping due to fire outbreaks.
1986
Local man, Tom Monahan, donates the artwork of the Official Rally Logo to the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce.
1988
117 vendors licensed in the City of Sturgis.
1989
Sturgis Rally Founder, Pappy Hoel passes away at the age of 85.
2000
The Sturgis Rally saw the largest attendance exceeding as high as 600,000 people.
2002
The City of Sturgis formed a city department within the city government to take the place of all prior contract labor hired to promote and organize the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
2006
The 66th Anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was celebrated!
2008
68th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally!
