STURGIS, S.D. - Despite cost and safety concerns from some members of the public, the Sturgis City Council on Monday night approved the use of city property and street closures for a USA Pro Supermoto Race that will be put on by Cyclehutt in Sturgis and Dirt Promotions.
The race will be held September 14 through the 15 in the downtown corridor. The motorcycle race will require the closure of a portion of Main Street for several days.
Concerned citizens were against the street closure, as well as the safety of spectators. Others worried about the $13,505 worth of work the city's public works department would put in. The work includes setting up the track along the street the riders will use. Citizen Mike Bachand says he doesn't think it's fair that Sturgis residents foot the tax bill.
"How do we get repaid," asked Bachand. "I don't believe this event will generate near enough money to cover the cost. I believe this is a good event, but it needs to be held somewhere else. I have safety, budgeting and scheduling concerns with this event being held downtown."
Organizers of the event say the safety of the event is their top priority and street barriers will keep motorcycle riders on the track. Furthermore, the riders in the event are professional and skilled in their profession.
Cara Oviatt with Cyclehutt in Sturgis says they don't want anyone to get hurt either, and that's why a $5-million dollar certificate of insurance will be provided to the city to cover spectators.
"We have looked at hosting this event in other places, but we would really like to hold this downtown Sturgis," Oviatt said.
Council members hope the event will benefit the community economically by bringing people into Sturgis during a time of year that can be economically slow.
Meanwhile, the council is also considering entering into a lease agreement with Dirt Promotions for the leasing of the fairgrounds for a super cross track.
People would be able to purchase daily, monthly or annual memberships to ride a motocross track that would be located within the fairgrounds facility. Dirt Promotions will manage the facility and would be responsible for maintenance and paying the lease to the city.
Dirt Promotions will hold a public informational meeting to answer questions and concerns about the proposal on Tuesday, March 26, at the Sturgis Fairgrounds.
The council could vote on the matter at their first meeting in April.
