Al Nelson

Al Nelson: The Outlaw Racer Who Helped Shape the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Born in 1917, Al Nelson began his lifelong love affair with motorcycles at the tender age of 16. The year was 1932, and the teenager from the Black Hills of South Dakota hopped onto his first bike—an Indian Scout purchased at the now-legendary Clarence “Pappy” Hoel’s Indian dealership in Sturgis. Little did he know then that his passion would lead him to become one of the region’s fiercest competitors and a pivotal figure in the early days of what would later become the world-renowned Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Al Nelson cut his teeth racing in the rugged terrain of the Black Hills and Eastern Wyoming, quickly earning a reputation as a top contender in the area’s “outlaw” races—events that were unsanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and often scoffed at by the establishment. But to riders like Nelson, these races were more than just events—they were a proving ground and a brotherhood where the thrill of speed and the love of motorcycles reigned supreme.

From "Outlaw" Races to Sturgis Champion

Nelson’s racing career officially kicked off in 1935 when the Rapid City Pioneers Motorcycle Club started organizing races around the Black Hills. These races were deemed “outlaw” by AMA Chairman E. C. Smith, who dismissed them as being outside the realm of “official” racing. Yet, it was these very races that fueled Nelson’s competitive spirit and laid the foundation for the region’s racing culture.

One of the most notable tracks was the Meade County Fairgrounds in Sturgis, which Nelson described as “the best track in the area.” It was here, at this very location, that the early, unsanctioned races began to attract riders and spectators, creating the buzz and momentum that would eventually lead to the establishment of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally—a legacy that has endured and grown for over eight decades.

By 1938, Nelson had risen to prominence as a local racing legend, dominating most of the Saturday events at Sturgis. That year, he struck up a friendship with Johnny Spiegelhoff, a skilled rider from Milwaukee who would later be crowned the 1938 Sturgis Champion. Although Nelson was the favorite going into the championship final, Spiegelhoff edged him out for the win, cementing a friendly rivalry that would influence Nelson’s future career.

From Indian Scout to Harley-Davidson: A Move to Milwaukee

Nelson’s racing prowess did not go unnoticed. In 1939, he made a bold move to Milwaukee, the heart of American motorcycling, and moved in with his racing rival and friend, Johnny Spiegelhoff. There, Nelson competed in several races around the Milwaukee area on his Indian Scout, which had earned the nickname “Daytona” due to its speed and agility.

It wasn’t long before the folks at Harley-Davidson took notice. Eager to have Nelson switch from his Indian to a Harley, the company extended an offer he couldn’t refuse. In the ultra-competitive world of motorcycle racing, switching brands was a significant move, but Nelson’s competitive edge was as sharp as ever.

The 1940 Black Hills Motor Classic: Record-Breaking Performance

In 1940, Nelson returned to Sturgis to compete in the Black Hills Motor Classic, now racing on a Harley-Davidson. It was a triumphant homecoming. Nelson tore up the track, setting an unbroken record in the 10-mile main event and clinching the overall championship. His win was a point of pride—not only for himself but also for Harley-Davidson, which had bet on the young racer’s potential.

For Nelson, winning the Black Hills Motor Classic was a dream realized. Yet, as is so often the case, life had other plans. Just hours after his victory, he received a wake-up call that would shift the trajectory of his life forever.

A Sudden End to a Promising Career

After returning home, still riding high from his win, Nelson was greeted by his father at 6 a.m. the following morning. Without fanfare or congratulations, his father handed him the plans for a construction project in Wyoming and delivered a succinct order: “Get to work!” And just like that, Al Nelson’s motorcycle racing career was over.

Despite the abrupt end, Nelson’s contributions to the world of racing and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally were far from forgotten. His record-setting performance and the competitive spirit he brought to the early races at Sturgis helped shape the rally into what it would eventually become—a mecca for motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world.

A Lasting Legacy

Al Nelson’s story is one of passion, determination, and the love of speed. From his early days racing “outlaw” events around the Black Hills to his record-setting performances and eventual switch to Harley-Davidson, Nelson’s legacy is etched into the history of American motorcycling. His influence on the early days of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally cannot be understated. He was not only a competitor but also a pioneer who helped establish the event’s credibility and thrill.

Today, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a global phenomenon, attracting hundreds of thousands of riders every year. And while many things have changed since Nelson’s day, the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and a shared love for the open road remain at its heart—just as it was back in 1938, when a young racer named Al Nelson was tearing up the track and making history.