Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally started in Sturgis, South Dakota on August 14 1938 by the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club who still own and operate the tracks, hillclimb and field areas that the rally is concentrated around. The first rally lasted 2 days and was focused on racing and stunts.

Related Topics:
Sturgis, South Dakota - August 14 - 1938 - Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club

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The founder is generally considered to be Clarence "Pappy" Hoel who is still honored in various ways by the crowd at Sturgis.

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The main focus of a motorcycle rally was originally racing and stunts. This

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could include half mile track racing (the first year in Sturgis, there were 19 participants), board wall crashes (intentional), ramp jumps and head on collisions with automobiles.

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The Sturgis Rally has been held every year, with exceptions during World War II

Related Topics:
Sturgis Rally - World War II

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In modern times, there has been a revitalization of motorcycling and a new group of fans that are interested in the old rallies. This has led to huge attendance numbers form classic rallies such as Sturgis - 514,951 in 2004.

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VH1 Classic's annual coverage of this festival includes interviews and performances as well as featuring rock videos. In 2005 as part of an ESPN SportsCenter promotion through the summer called "Fifty States in Fifty Days", the rally was chosen for a broadcast.

Related Topics:
VH1 Classic - 2005 - ESPN - SportsCenter

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