“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.
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.