Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Hall of Fame

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame recognizes individuals or groups who have made a long-term, positive impact on the motorcycle community.  

We honor our Hall of Fame members by telling the stories that showcase their contributions and accomplishments. In doing this, we hope to inspire our visitors and the riding community.

the Hall of Fame display is located in the lower level of the Museum. The exhibit includes various items, videos, and vehicles that celebrate and honor these great people.

Hall of Fame Class of 2023

1981 Moto Des Nations Team USA

The 1981 Moto Des Nations Team USA from the Honda factory was made up of team riders, Chuck Sun, Donnie Hansen, Danny LaPorte, and Johnny “O’Show” O'Mara.  The team managers were motocross legends Roger DeCoster and Dave Arnold. The 1981 Moto Des Nations team overcame impossible odds, shocked the motorcycling world, and made history with America's first victory at the Motocross Des Nations.

They won the Trophee Des Nations (250cc) on September 6, 1981, in Lommel, Belgium and then the Motocross Des Nations (500cc) a week later in West Germany.

Jay Allen

Jay Allen created the Legendary Broken Spoke Saloon and pioneered interactive motorcycling entertainment.  He is passionate about the motorcycling lifestyle and sport.  Over the last 25 years, he’s been able to create gathering places that appeal to a broad range of riders.

Jay also holds 52 land-speed records and is a great ambassador for the sport.  He looks forward to more opportunities to set more records this year at Bonneville.   

Chris Callen

Chris Callen has been involved with motorcycling for over thirty years.  He started with off-road racing and once he got his motorcycle license at 16, he never looked back.  He started Cycle Source Magazine in March 1997 from his motorcycle shop in Pennsylvania, with a borrowed computer and a throwaway camera.  He has grown Cycle Source magazine to a national publication.  Chris understands how to bring the stories, lifestyle, and history to life.  His weekly show on Facebook “Shop Talk” mixes motorcycling news, interviews, and events. 

Chris is also a well-known custom builder and musician.

Scott Jacobs

Scott opened his first gallery in New Jersey, and featured works by other artists.  After receiving an easel and acrylics as a gift, he experimented with several styles before settling into his signature style, photorealism.

In 1993, Scott Jacobs became Harley-Davidson’s first official licensed artist, with his painting, “Live to Ride.” He has created artwork for both the Sturgis Rally and Daytona Bike Week.

Scott’s artwork was first featured on the Sturgis Rally’s magazine in 1995, and that tradition continues to this day.   Scott is also a licensed artist for Ford, Chevrolet, Elvis Presley Enterprises, and the Marilyn Monroe estate.

Roland Sands

Roland Sands is a motorcycle designer, racer, and entrepreneur. In 2019, he was honored as the Grand Marshall of the Sturgis Rally.

Roland won the AMA 250 National Championship title in 1998.  He retired from racing in 2002 and focused on design and motorcycle customization as VP of Design at Performance Machine.   He founded Roland Sands Designs in 2005.  He has collaborated with many motorcycle manufacturers, building custom and concept bikes and parts collaborations.  In 2015, Roland pioneered the Super Hooligan National Championship series. 

Freedom Fighter: Russell Radke

Russell became involved in motorcyclists' rights in the mid-nineties when he became Chairman of the Confederation of (Motorcycle) Clubs in Nevada. He was a key member of the Nevada Association of Concerned Motorcyclists. His experience and effectiveness in the Halls and Chambers of the State Capital in Carson City NV led him to work in the federal political arena with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) in Washington D.C.

In 2014 Russell was elected to the MRF Board of Directors as the Sustaining Motorcycle Club Representative.  His leadership representing an ever-growing number of motorcycle clubs involved in the "politics of motorcycling" is impressive and very influential.

Russ’s 20-plus year membership with the Soldiers for Jesus Motorcycle Club and being a legislative powerhouse for nearly 30 years uniquely qualifies him to bring motorcycle club members and state motorcyclists' rights organization members together when working with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.

Kickstands Down: Bert Munro

Herbert James “Burt” Munro was a motorcycle racer from New Zealand. His entire life was dedicated to his two motorcycles, an Indian Scout and a his Velocette MSS.

He traveled ten different times to Bonneville. He set three records at the Bonneville Salt Flats.  One of his records still stands after 55 years.  His story was depicted in the movie “The World’s Fastest Indian” starring Anthony Hopkins.

Arlen Ness Lifetime Achievement Award: Donnie Smith

Donnie Smith has been building custom motorcycles for over fifty years.  He grew up on a dairy farm in Minnesota.  Donnie was passionate about drag racing cars and had a performance shop in Minneapolis.  After his uncle Elwood asked him to modify a motorcycle for him, Donnie was hooked.  Donnie, his brother Happy, and friend Bob Fetrow ran “Smith Brothers and Fetrow” and built custom frames. 

Donnie has built several iconic customs, including “Pandemonium”, “Headhunter”, and continues to build from his shop in Coon Rapids, MN.

Congratulations to each of these individuals!

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum
Hall of Fame Specialty Awards

There are five specialty awards in the Hall of Fame.

• Arlen Ness Lifetime Achievement Award
  The Arlen Ness Lifetime Achievement Award honors those who have greatly contributed to the world of motorcycling and have been recognized by many of the leading motorcycle-related organizations, their peers, and the general riding community.

• Founders Award
  This special designation is reserved for individuals who have played a special role in the founding, maintaining, and / or promoting the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame.

• Freedom Fighter
  The Freedom Fighter Award recognizes the sacrifices individuals across the nation, and world, have made to protect the rights of motorcyclists through their efforts in the political arena and in grassroots motorcycles rights organizations.

• JC “Pappy” Hoel Outstanding Achievement Award
  This award is reserved for individuals who have played a special role in the founding, maintaining, and / or promoting of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

• Kickstands Down Recognition
  Kickstands Down recognition is a posthumous recognition. It’s reserved for individuals who have made a significant impact on our industry but are not here with us today.

Hall of Fame Ring Sponsor // Nino 925

Frank Zubieta, Nino925 owner and designer, has had a life-long passion for creating superior lifestyle jewelry that spans from the edgy biker and ink culture to the more refined and growing custom design market.

An artist craftsman at heart, Zubieta specializes in turning the abstract into imaginative, quality jewelry and accessories that stand the test of time. For over 20 years, Nino925 has specialized in creating superior, handcrafted custom jewelry in .925 sterling silver, yellow gold, white gold, and platinum. Every piece is handcrafted and designed in the heart of the Los Angeles jewelry district.

Nino925 has gained worldwide exposure among those looking for unique jewelry that helps express their individuality – whether you are a biker, rocker, ink addict, weekend rider...you name it, you're just a few clicks away from finding that perfect piece. Nino925 designs are currently being worn by rock stars, celebrities, bike builders.

All pieces come with a satisfaction guarantee. Nino925 also fulfills requests for original designs for specialty retailers, private label, and motion pictures. All pieces are designed to last for many years of enjoyment and wear. For additional information or to request a custom design, call us at 1-877-Nino925 or email us at sales@nino925.com.

Thank you to our 2023
Hall of Fame Title Sponsor

Do you know someone who belongs in the Hall of Fame?

Nomination for Induction

This award is designed to recognize individuals or groups who have made a long term positive impact on the motorcycle community. Those selected will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Annual breakfast held each August during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Members of the Hall of Fame will also be honored on a perpetual basis at the museum.

Nominations are now open for the class of 2o24

*current members of the board of directors and employees of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum will be ineligible to be nominated or inducted into the Hall of Fame.