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!

2010

70th Annual Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally with 466,769 in attendance!