Start your engines: 14th annual Sturgis Mustang Rally is underway

STURGIS, S.D. — The 14th annual Sturgis Mustang Rally began on September 4.

Complete with auto-cross, drag and barrel racing, the event is a must for Mustang owners. Following the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the Mustang Rally is held over the labor day weekend, and is a great time for mustang lovers to get together.

There is racing throughout the week, as well as a concert, and of course an opportunity for owners to show off their cars. For the safety and comfort of new racers, there are even classes held throughout the week to prepare drivers for racing. Many of the participants and spectators are regulars and credit their attendance to the camaraderie.

“Car shows are like a family man, so you don’t get to see these guys but once a year,” said Rally Announcer Jason Childress. “So you want to come out and you want to see them, and going through the mountains and going for the drives, and the racing. It all makes just for a fun week.”

“To be able to come out and either show the things that you’ve done or use the things that you’ve done suspension, or performance-wise,” said long time participant Brandon Schilling. “And enjoy competing with your friends and people out here at this event, I think that’s what makes it so special. Then the fact that the car has been around for as long as it has and it seems to have a bright future, I think it’s pretty awesome as well.”

The popularity of the car has even made its way overseas, with some participants coming from as far as Germany, although that may not be the case this year due to COVID-19. While there was a 15-20% drop in attendance, there was still a significant Mustang presence as there have been many new participants wanting to get in on the fun this year.

The rally will continue through the weekend, and will end with a free concert on Monday evening.