Photo:  SACC

Best-known for hosting the largest biker event in the world every summer, Sturgis, SD, is about to experience a Mustang invasion. The 4th Annual Sturgis Mustang Rally runs over the Labor Day weekend and delivers something interesting for everyone in the family. Whether that’s drag racing, autocross, poker runs, cruising, a Mustang rodeo or a big Show and Shine right on Main Street, the action begins when the sun rises on Thursday and doesn’t let up until Monday.

Check out the event website for full details.

Event organizer, Frank Lawton moved from New Jersey to Sturgis twenty years ago. Inspired by the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, he proposed a Mustang-oriented version. “I thought this would help the town with business and jobs, so I presented it to the Sturgis Area Business Alliance.” Lawton, who owns two Mustangs himself, met with initial resistance, but worked at spreading the word in other states and at other events.

Brian Peck serves on the organizing committee with Lawton. “This is a fantastic event,” Peck crowed. “The numbers keep going up every year. Last year, three hundred Mustangs were there and the National Mustang Rally was held at the same time. They had 600 to 700 Mustangs. This year, the way its going with registration, its going to be even bigger.”

The organizing committee has ambitious goals, to make the event a week long affair and perhaps even surpass the Motorcycle Rally. “I have nothing against motorcycles, but if you’re going to dream, you might as well dream big,” Peck explained.

Taking that cue, local dealer Jacobsen Ford will be offering a customized Candy Apple Red 2010 Mustang GT to be won for a dice roll. All registered participants are eligible to roll the dice for a chance at winning. Should the car not be won during the event, it will be auctioned will proceeds going to the Sturgis Pony baseball League.

Most Mustang enthusiasts will find the nearby Mustang Museum, in Mitchell, SD, to be irresistible. Housing at least one of every Shelby Mustang model and year of production, the collection also includes three GT500 KR’s and a pair of GT500 428 SCJ convertibles. And you thought there was nothing of interest in South Dakota!

Below, you can get a feel for what autocrossing at Sturgis is all about…  ehhhh, as well as a graphic introduction to Understeer.