Wayne and Donna Pingle
Wayne and Donna Pingel: A Lifelong Journey in Motorcycling
Wayne Pingel's love for motorcycles began on a farm in Illinois, where he admired his grandfather's bike and took his first ride on a 1958 Cushman. That early passion for two wheels set the stage for a lifelong career in the motorcycle industry. After graduating high school, Wayne worked in various manufacturing jobs, but his love for motorcycles was never far behind. In 1965, he ventured to California, where he purchased his first Harley-Davidson while working for Lockheed Aircraft. A year later, homesick for the Illinois farmland, Wayne hopped on his 1965 Sportster and rode back home, where his dream of working in motorcycles would take off.
In 1967, Wayne opened Motorsport Sales and Construction, a motorcycle parts and service shop where he specialized in building choppers, rebuilding Harley-Davidson engines, custom fabrication, and sandblasting. His passion for motorcycles was matched by his skill for innovation, and the business began to flourish.
Wayne met his perfect partner, Donna, in 1973, and the two quickly became inseparable, not only in life but in business as well. Just a week after getting married, Donna joined Wayne at the shop, answering phones, working the counter, and handling the books. Together, they built their company on shared values of hard work, dedication, and a love for motorcycles. Their commitment to the industry was reflected in their shared passion for riding, and in 1980, Wayne and Donna embarked on their first ride to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. They enjoyed it so much that they extended their trip to Arizona, logging 5,000 miles in just three weeks.
The 1980s brought new opportunities for their business. As Wayne's designs caught the attention of the Harley-Davidson Factory, some of his products were used on the iconic XR750. Custom bike builders also began to use the parts, and soon, the Pingel name was becoming known throughout the industry. To better reflect their growing reputation, they changed the company name to Pingel Enterprise, Inc. in 1986.
Wayne’s creative mind led him to design and patent 36 motorcycle-related products over the years, including drag racing components, with several bearing trademarks recognized across the industry. His engineering and design prowess made Pingel a household name in the motorcycle world, trusted for high-quality, innovative products.
Throughout their journey, Wayne and Donna worked side by side, building Pingel Enterprise into the respected company it is today. Wayne recently retired, while Donna continues to manage the bookkeeping from home. Together, they have laid the foundation for the business to continue into the future, even as they plan for a well-deserved full retirement.
Wayne and Donna’s induction into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to their lifelong dedication to the motorcycle industry. Reflecting on their achievements, they expressed their gratitude to the Sturgis Museum Hall of Fame and everyone involved for the honor. For Wayne and Donna, this recognition is not just a career milestone but a celebration of a shared life built on hard work, love, and a passion for motorcycles.
As they both look back on their incredible journey, Wayne and Donna Pingel remain thankful for the road they've traveled together and the legacy they've created in the world of motorcycling.