STURGIS, S.D. – Sturgis residents filled the Commission Room of the Erskine Building Thursday for a community forum hosted by A.M.A. Racing officials.
The officials hosted the meeting in hopes of changing public perception by answering questions about a controversial flat track race proposed to take place on the last day of this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
A host services contract between the City of Sturgis and the A.M.A. is on Tuesday’s Sturgis municipal election ballot after petitions were turned in sending it to a vote.
Gene Crouch is A.M.A. C-E-O. He told residents this race will generate major sponsorship for the community.
Crouch says there’s a reason they chose the final Sunday of the Rally.
Crouch says access to all businesses in downtown Sturgis will be maintained and spectators will be able to walk freely around the race track, which will be cordoned off by barriers.
It’s those barriers, though, that are a concern to Sturgis residents. That’s because they are a main reason the city is being asked to pay around $654,000 the first year to help cover the cost of those barriers.
Crouch, however, says they are working on bringing down that cost which could be made up by sponsorship dollars. He says they have looked at both buying the barriers and renting them.
Richie Morris with A.M.A. says the profit that could be realized above the initial city expense is big.
If the race happens, it would be recorded and aired on the Fox Television network the following weekend. Crouch says recording the race is an opportunity for local businesses and the Sturgis area as a whole to shine because the network would record and air ‘B-roll’ footage that would be aired during the airing of the race.
On next week’s ballot, a “YES” vote would nullify the host services agreement between the city and racing officials and a “NO” vote would allow the contract to be signed.
When asked if the referendum is approved and the contract is nullified, Crouch said:
If you would like to hear more from A.M.A. officials on the proposed Spirit of Sturgis TT Flat Track Race, listen to our special broadcast Saturday morning at 11:05 as Dean Kinney interviews Gene Crouch and others with A.M.A. Racing.
