Sturgis council adopts contingency plan to shift TT Races to Monday amid storm risk
August 10, 2024 | Sturgis City, Meade County, South Dakota
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The Sturgis Common Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2024‑46 on Aug. 10 to allow event licenses and related council approvals for the Sturgis TT Races to be extended to Monday, Aug. 12, should forecasted weather force a postponement.
City staff identified the permits and council actions tied to the Sunday event that would be covered by the resolution. Those include the special event license for a VIP ticketing area at the Loud American, a request for use of City Hall Library patio as a VIP viewing area (and a consumption permit for that area), extension of planned street closures, a special event license at the OASIS to permit service at the Harley‑Davidson Point along the route, and a temporary extension of the open‑container allowance. Mister Marshall, the city staff presenter, told the council the draft resolution specifies that the extensions would be null and void if the event proceeds as scheduled on Sunday.
Councilors questioned whether racing would occur in wet conditions. An AFTE representative said the organization has no provision to race in the rain but has equipment and scheduling flexibility—sweepers, a jet blower and lighting—so it can attempt to dry the course, shorten sessions or extend into twilight. "Our first goal is just to get that race in on Sunday," the representative said, but added Monday remains a last‑resort contingency if conditions make Sunday unsafe.
Mayor and staff also confirmed public works and police leadership signaled support for the contingency plan during the meeting. Council discussed business impacts on Main Street and said an adjusted Monday schedule could begin at 8 a.m. and aim to finish by noon to allow shops to open.
Jim moved to adopt Resolution 2024‑46; Mike seconded. The council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution. The resolution takes effect immediately for the limited purpose described and will not apply if the race occurs on Sunday as scheduled.
City staff identified the permits and council actions tied to the Sunday event that would be covered by the resolution. Those include the special event license for a VIP ticketing area at the Loud American, a request for use of City Hall Library patio as a VIP viewing area (and a consumption permit for that area), extension of planned street closures, a special event license at the OASIS to permit service at the Harley‑Davidson Point along the route, and a temporary extension of the open‑container allowance. Mister Marshall, the city staff presenter, told the council the draft resolution specifies that the extensions would be null and void if the event proceeds as scheduled on Sunday.
Councilors questioned whether racing would occur in wet conditions. An AFTE representative said the organization has no provision to race in the rain but has equipment and scheduling flexibility—sweepers, a jet blower and lighting—so it can attempt to dry the course, shorten sessions or extend into twilight. "Our first goal is just to get that race in on Sunday," the representative said, but added Monday remains a last‑resort contingency if conditions make Sunday unsafe.
Mayor and staff also confirmed public works and police leadership signaled support for the contingency plan during the meeting. Council discussed business impacts on Main Street and said an adjusted Monday schedule could begin at 8 a.m. and aim to finish by noon to allow shops to open.
Jim moved to adopt Resolution 2024‑46; Mike seconded. The council voted unanimously to adopt the resolution. The resolution takes effect immediately for the limited purpose described and will not apply if the race occurs on Sunday as scheduled.
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