Metzeler has announced plans to host the AMA Supermoto->ke1971 “Elephant Run” race event at the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The “Elephant Run” race, which was derived from the iconic blue elephant in the company’s logo, will take place on August 1 and 2, 2015 in Downtown Sturgis City Park, providing attendees an opportunity to experience off-road racing first hand.

The German motorcycle tire company’s involvement in the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis motorcycle rally might sound a little surprising to a lot of people, but it’s also a smart move that’s designed to showcase AMA Supermoto racing at its finest while also driving its presence up further in the largest motorcycle market in the world.

It’s also the perfect time to host the first ever Sturgis Rally Supermoto Race, seeing as it’s the first time the rally itself will host a supermoto race after having done so in the past for flat track races, hill climbs, and even motocross. Supermoto racing will be a first for the Sturgis rally and by all indications, it could turn into an annual event that evolves into an integral part of the Sturgis rally experience.

Don’t be surprised of that happening. After all, the Sturgis motorcycle rally’s new 75-year partnership with Harley-Davidson ensures that the event will last for at least another three-quarters of a century.

Continue reading to read more about the Metzeler’s “Elephant Run” race at the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis motorcycle rally.

Why it matters

The 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is shaping up to be quite the spectacle. We already know what typically happens in the annual bike rally, but preparations for this year’s event have been astounding to say the least.

There’s the “Naked Truth” exhibition that will open at the rally. There’s also the unveiling of Harley-Davidson’s Rally Point venue. Can’t forget about that, too. Same with the updated status of Why We Ride Films' planned documentary of the event. Oh, and how can I forget daredevil Doug Danger's scheduled stunt at the rally using the 1972 Harley-Davidson XR-750 bike that was once owned by the legendary Evel Knievel.

Now you can add the AMA Supermoto “Elephant Run” race on the schedule. I don’t know about you but my planned schedule for the rally is getting pretty packed to the brim. Not that I’m officially good to go - still have some work to do on that end - but in the event that I do find the time to take the trip to the Black Hills, I’m going to have to a whole lot of scheduling to be able to take in the whole atmosphere of the historic event.

One thing I do know is that the AMA Supermoto “Elephant Run” race will be on the top of my “must-attend” list.