STURGIS, S.D. – Sturgis voters turned down the recent annexation of the historic Jackpine Gypsies motorcycle grounds in a special election Tuesday.
Unofficials results from the city indicate 737 residents voted against the annexation and 421 voted yes.
The results, once they become official, will reverse a decision by the Sturgis Council earlier this summer approving the annexation of the motorcycle group’s grounds.
The Jackpine Gypsies gathered enough signatures to send the issue to a public vote, and the group won that vote.
The Jackpine Gypsies state several concerns about the city’s annexation of its grounds. Among them, the worry that the city would impose limits on the events that are held there – leading to the eventual downfall of the grounds.
The city said it had no intentions of ending what the club has historically provided on the property. They only wanted the grounds to help pay for any city services they receive.
The club hosts around a dozen events during the annual Motorcycle Rally, including short track racing, flat track racing, motocross racing and hill climbs.
