Pappy Hoel Speed Classic Flat Track Racing Slated For Sturgis 2017

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All riders attending Sturgis should make sure that the Pappy Hoel Speed Classic is on their list of must do items for the week.

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PAPPY HOEL SPEED CLASSIC

Flat Track Racing In Sturgis Comes Full Circle

Sturgis, South Dakota, March 16, 2017 – On a dusty summer day in 1938, local Indian motorcycle dealer J.C. Hoel set the wheels of history in motion when he promoted a flat track race at the Sturgis Fairgrounds. History comes full circle this year as the Pappy Hoel Speed Classic returns to the same historic dirt track where it all began. The event set for August 3-5, 2017 in downtown Sturgis kicks off a full week of racing during this year’s Rally.

“For Sturgis Rally founder J.C. ‘Pappy’ Hoel, the focus for the Rally was always on racing,” says Tigra Tsujikawa, Marketing & Development Director for the Sturgis Museum & Hall Of Fame. “From Johnny Spiegelhoff’s win on an Indian back in 1938 until today, flat track is an integral part of Sturgis history. We are honored to partner with the White Plate Motorcycle Club and Steve Nace Racing Promotions to present The Pappy Hoel Speed Classic, sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association.”

A full slate of racing with top Professional, Amateur and Vintage classes will be at the Sturgis Fairgrounds. As a three-time AMA Track Racing Organizer of the Year, Steve Nace Racing Promotions strives for perfection. “The objective of the AMA All-Star Series is to bring a professional show… we are known for having great tracks and rider safety is always our number one concern,” says Nace.

In 1938, the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club – coincidently founded by “Pappy” as the father of the Rally was affectionately known by racers and Rally goers alike – hosted a Gypsy Tour through South Dakota’s majestic Black Hills. The first “Black Hills Motor Classic” brought out 200 participants. Pappy and his wife, Pearl, provided camping behind their shop on Junction Avenue. “Weenies, Sloppy Joes, potato salad and watermelon for dessert, is what Pearl and the other Gypsies ladies served that first year,” says Tsujikawa. The riders washed their free meal down with iced tea or coffee, served in a tent behind the Hoel’s garage.

“The Pappy Hoel Speed Classic is the perfect way to start the 77th Sturgis Rally, but it is only part of the program,” she notes. Displays, entertainment, swap meet and more are being hosted by the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum throughout the week, culminating with the Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony presented by Strider Sports. “However, just like Pappy Hoel envisioned back in 1938, flat track racing is the focal point that brings it all together as we have come full circle.”

The Induction is being held August 9th at the Lodge at Deadwood in Deadwood, South Dakota. Breakfast tickets are available for a $45 donation, tables of eight for $350. Tickets are available by calling the Museum at 605.347.2001 or they can be purchased online at:

http://www.sturgismuseum.com/shop/hall-fame-breakfast

For more details on the races and to register to compete, contact www.stevenaceracing.com

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About The Museum: The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame’s mission is to collect, preserve and interpret the history of motorcycling; honor those who have made a positive and significant impact on the sport and lifestyle; and pay tribute to the heritage of the Sturgis Rally. Our vision is to continue as a world-class museum offering comprehensive and educational exhibits and showcasing rare and unusual motorcycles significant to our history and our sport. The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame stands out because of the fact that we not only document the history of the machines, we document the history of the people who have shaped and changed the sport and lifestyle. This will be a resource and inspiration for future generations. Honor the Ride… Build the Legacy!

About The Pappy Hoel Speed Classic: For Sturgis Rally founder J.C. “Pappy” Hoel, the focus for the Rally was always on racing. From 200 spectators and 9 racers in the summer of 1938, the Rally brought in more than 800 riders the following year and the race became highlight of barnstorming competitors in the uniquely American sport of Flat Track. The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall Of Fame is honored to partner with the White Plate Motorcycle Club and Steve Nace Racing Promotions to produce the The Pappy Hoel Speed Classic.

About Steve Nace Racing Promotions/All Star National Flat Track Series: In 2010, Daytona Motorsports Group purchased AMA Pro Racing from the American Motorcyclist Association. DMG was going to do away with the Hot Shoe Series at that time. With encouragement and support from both AMA and DMG personnel, Steve Nace Racing Promotions took over the former Hot Shoe Series and renamed it the All Star National Flat Track Series. “We are currently in our 7th season and the series has grown each year,” says Nace. “The objective of the All Star Series is to bring a professional show to new fans and new venues at a reduced cost. We offer classes for Experts, Pros and A level Amateurs at the All Star Series events. The show is designed to last 3 hours – this makes it a very spectator friendly show.” For more information see www.stevenaceracing.com

About The White Plate Flat Trackers Association: Since 1980 the White Plate Flat Trackers Association has been dedicated to the preservation of the names and history of the Professional Expert motorcycle flat track racers. Born on the multitude of horse tracks which sprang up across a youthful America, flat tracking has long been a staple of the motorcycle racing diet. Since early in the century, the dirt ovals of a thousand county fairgrounds have beckoned to generations of youthful riders intent on testing their skills on two wheels. From this environment of speed, skill and daring sprang the first “White Plate Flat Trackers.” Join the White Plate Flat Trackers for some bench racing and take some memorable hot laps around the track: http://www.wpfta.com

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