Headlined by a local legend, global icons and a couple of go-fast guys who became industry leaders, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum is honored to present the Sturgis Hall Of Fame Class of 2017. Intended to recognize those individuals who have made a long-term positive impact on the motorcycle community, the Class of 2017 features a group of over achievers and true leaders who have influenced an entire era of motorcycling. Held in conjunction with the annual rally, the Hall of Fame Induction ceremony is set for August 9, 2017.

“We have movers and shakers like drag racing legend-turned exhaust icon Terry Vance to the man who literally tooled up the motorcycle industry, JIMS founder Jim Thiessen,” says Myrick Robbins, Executive Director for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. “The go-faster guys are joined by clutch performers Colleen Barnett and Mike Taylor on the industry side. World class customizers Cory Ness and Mark Shadley who have shaped how the world views what a motorcycle looks like make for a balanced group of inductees.

Leading the Class of 2017 is the man who brought rock and roll to the annual Sturgis Rally and put the legendary Buffalo Chip on the map, Rod Woodruff. “The J.C. ‘Pappy’ Hoel Outstanding Achievement Award is a special designation reserved for individuals who have played a special role in the founding, maintaining and/or promoting of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame,” explains Robbins. “In addition to everything Rod has done for the rally and the Black Hills region over the years, he has been a member of the Museum’s board of directors and helped guide the Hall of Fame since the beginning.”

Since 1981, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campground has treated millions of motorcyclists to rock concerts, camping, entertainment and more, he adds. “Rod is a real life rock star and a truly deserving recipient of the Pappy Hoel Outstanding Achievement Award.”

Class Of 2017 Inductees

Colleen Barnett & Mike Taylor – Colleen Barnett-Taylor started her motorsports career at Barnett Clutches & Cables while still in her childhood working for her parents (and original 1948 founders), Charlie and Afton Barnett. Since the beginning Colleen has been a driving force and integral part of the company. Mike Taylor, already a long-time motorcycle rider/enthusiast, joined the firm in 1968 which cemented a great partnership after he and Colleen were married. Together they have operated Barnett since 1975 and owned the company since 1993.

Cory Ness – Don’t think for a second that Cory Ness rode his famous father’s coattails into the Sturgis Hall Of Fame. At only 10 years old, he disassembled his bicycle, painted it, chromed its parts and entered it in the Oakland Roadster Show. The first motorcycle he turned his talents to was a wrecked CB350. After building it back up, Cory sold it before even getting a chance to ride it. He was 14! Today Cory is the chief designer behind Arlen Ness Enterprises where he runs the day-to-day business. In between designing new parts and accessories, he still finds time to wrench on custom bikes periodically.

Mark Shadley – Since the early 1970s Mark Shadley and Shadley Bros. Motorcycles have been shaping the perception of what a custom motorcycle is. The quality, detail and innovation of his custom built bikes have made him well recognized by both the motorcycle industry and his peers. His enthusiasm and involvement in the custom motorcycle industry has been a lifelong passion.

Jim Thiessen – For 50 years, machinist and go-fast guy Jim Thiessen has generated trust with riders, record breakers, racers and certified Harley mechanics around the world whom use JIMS® products on a daily basis. Today JIMS® is one of the industry’s leading producers of performance parts, accessories, tools, transmissions and high-performance engines – all aimed at enhancing the Harley rider’s experience.

Terry Vance – #35 on the NHRA’s 50 greatest drag racers of all-time, 14-time national champ Terry Vance never lets off the gas! Terry and his tuner Byron Hines shared a passion for the quarter mile from the early days, but they also shared a vision of creating a company that would be a pillar of the motorcycle aftermarket, and they used their unrivaled achievements in racing to build a brand that would unmistakably stand for quality and performance.

Rod Woodruff – Rod Woodruff is the man who brought Rock & Roll to the Black Hills and now hosts a 10-day Concert Series each August during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The Buffalo Chip provides a music festival, various other forms of entertainment, and full service tent, RV and cabin camping on almost 600 acres in rural Meade County.

“The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum honors the people who have shaped and changed the motorcycle lifestyle,” says Robbins. “Every member of the Class of 2017 and our special award winner Rod Woodruff have definitely lived up to that criteria and genuinely made the entire world of motorcycling a better place.”

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall Of Fame Induction  ceremony presented by Strider 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: