The Statue Fund

From humble beginnings, the world famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was born. However, behind every dream and successful endeavor, there is always a person with a vision and the courage to see it through. This person was J.C. "Pappy" Hoel.

Pappy Hoel was born and spent all of his life in Sturgis, and motorcycles were his passion. When the family ice business began to falter due to the advent of refrigeration, Pappy applied for an Indian Motorcycle franchise and eventually achieved the honor of being top dealer in the nation in 1947.

Every August hundreds of thousands of riders make the pilgrimage to South Dakota to be a part of this annual historic event. Every brand of motorcycle is represented. Every motorcycle product imaginable is offered by the most recognized industry leaders, and the innovators who come to earn their place. Famous musicians perform at famous venues that have grown up around the Rally. Race fans can watch a hill climb or a drag race. If you are a motorcyclist, Sturgis is Utopia.

In recognition of their contributions, and as a tribute to Pappy Hoel, and his wife Pearl, Hoel Motors is beginning a project to establish a life size bronze sculpture. The sculpture of Pappy sitting on a motorcycle will be situated in a premier location to show our respect and pride, as well as making it accessible to our many visitors who come to pay homage each year. The sculpture will stand as a permanent and lasting tribute to our history and our legacy.

This is the first piece of public motorcycle art in Sturgis, and you can help make it happen.

The Hoel Memorial Fund

In 1938 the community of Sturgis hosted a motorcycle race. Nine racers competed and approximately 200 people showed up to watch. From such humble beginnings, the world famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was born. However, behind every dream and successful endeavor, there is always a person with a vision and the courage to see it through. This person was J.C. "Pappy" Hoel.

Assisted by his wife Pearl, Pappy worked tirelessly organizing the event, and with their continued support and participation in maintaining its growth over the years, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally became an internationally recognized visitor attraction, and arguably the largest motorcycle gathering in the world.
Pappy Hoel was born and spent all of his life in Sturgis, and motorcycles were his passion. From riding fence lines to herding cattle to getting from one town to another in the dead of winter, if a thing could be done, Pappy did it on a motorcycle. When the family ice business began to falter due to the advent of refrigeration, Pappy applied for an Indian Motorcycle franchise and became a successful dealer, eventually achieving the honor of being top dealer in the nation in 1947.

In 1936, Pappy and a group of local riders formed the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club. Together Pappy and this group of dedicated club members, and their families, would spend countless hours each year organizing and promoting the event, creating a legacy that benefits the community and inextricably linking Sturgis with the history of motorcycling.

Every August hundreds of thousands of riders make the pilgrimage to South Dakota to be a part of this annual historic event. Every brand of motorcycle is represented. Every motorcycle product imaginable is offered by the most recognized industry leaders, and the innovators who come to earn their place. Famous musicians perform at famous venues that have grown up around the Rally. Race fans can watch a hill climb or a drag race. If you are a motorcyclist, Sturgis is Mecca.

In recognition of their contributions, and as a tribute to Pappy Hoel, and his wife Pearl, Hoel Motors is beginning a project to establish a life size bronze sculpture. The sculpture of Pappy sitting on a motorcycle will be situated in a premier location to show our respect and pride, as well as making it accessible to our many visitors who come to pay homage each year. The sculpture will stand as a permanent and lasting tribute to our history and our legacy.

This is the first piece of public motorcycle art in Sturgis, and you can help make it happen.