Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum is proud to announce its Hall of Fame Class of 2026, a distinguished group of individuals who represent the diverse activities and storied history of the motorcycling world. This year’s inductees include an award-winning actor, a decorated American hero, a world record holder, a racing champion, long distance riders and pioneers in the powersports world.

“The inductees in our “Class of 2026” represent almost every aspect of our riding community,” said Keith Terry, the Museum’s Hall of Fame Committee Chairman. “It’s an honor to be able to share the stories of these individuals who have contributed so much to our sport and society. Their spirit of innovation, passion and generosity is part of what makes motorcycling so special.”

While all inductees are enshrined in the Hall of Fame, several receive special recognition for their impact on motorcycling culture. This year's honors include the Freedom Fighter Award, the American Hero Award (a special award offered only this year, in conjunction with the Museum’s 25th Anniversary), the Educational and Historical Preservation Award, and the Kickstands Down Award (for posthumous induction). The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to an individual previously inducted who has continued to demonstrate excellence in the community.

The 2026 Hall of Fame inductees are:

Dave Perewitz (Lifetime Achievement): A legendary custom builder and "Hamsters USA" founder celebrated for four decades of innovation and his signature flame-painted designs
Tim Duffy (American Hero): An FDNY firefighter and 9/11 hero who famously rode his Harley into Ground Zero to rescue others and later founded a nonprofit supporting veterans with service dogs
Dave Dwyr (Freedom Fighter): A dedicated advocate who has spent over thirty years leading legislative efforts and rallies for motorcyclists’ rights through ABATE and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation
Dave McGraw (Educational/Historical Preservation): A renowned preservationist who curates one of the world's most significant private motorcycle collections and supports education through a dedicated museum and learning center

Paul Langley: An influential executive leader and current CEO of Parts Unlimited who has driven industry focus on performance through leadership at major companies like Vance & Hines, S&S and Dynojet.

Denis Manning: A self-taught designer and land-speed record-holder whose streamliners and innovative engineering at BUB Enterprises repeatedly secured the title of world's fastest motorcycles

Robert Patrick: A respected actor and philanthropist who owns a Harley-Davidson dealership and remains a dedicated advocate for motorcycle culture and the Boozefighters MC

Paul Smith: An influential graphic artist who designed Harley-Davidson's iconic 1976 Liberty Edition Eagle logo and continues to produce fine art for the global motorcycling community

Rusty Wallace: A NASCAR champion and enthusiast who founded Southern Country Customs to build high-end touring bikes while organizing major charity rides for organizations like The NASCAR Foundation

Kickstands Down Awards (Posthumous)

John Andrews: A pioneering engineer and founder of Andrews Products whose cam and gear innovations revolutionized motorcycle performance for over half a century
Dave "Huggy Beahr" Hansen: A vintage motorcycle expert and mentor who dedicated over 50 years to preserving Indian and Harley-Davidson history at his shop in Ventura, CA
"Indian Larry" DeSmedt: A legendary chopper builder and TV icon whose mechanical expertise and authentic personality left an enduring mark on custom motorcycle culture
Mary McGee: A boundary-breaking racer who became the first American woman to earn an FIM license and famously solo-finished the 1975 Baja 500
Bessie Stringfield: Known as the "Motorcycle Queen of Miami," she was a trailblazer who became the first African-American woman to ride solo across the U.S. and served as a WWII courier
The Three Paisanos (Joe Teresi, Lou Kimzey, Mil Blair): This trio of visionaries founded Easyriders magazine in 1970, creating an iconic publication that defined the biker lifestyle and elevated custom motorcycle culture

These honorees join nearly 280 notable motorcyclists already enshrined in the Hall of Fame, who were recognized for their extraordinary contributions to the motorcycle community, the Museum, and the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The Hall of Fame is located in the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum on Main Street in Sturgis, South Dakota.

The 2026 inductees will be officially honored at the Hall of Fame Breakfast, a highlight of the annual Sturgis Rally, which will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in Deadwood, South Dakota.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame breakfast are available today by calling the Museum’s HOF Ticket Coordinator at 605-580-0794.

ABOUT THE STURGIS MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM & HALL OF FAME Founded in 2001, the non-profit Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is located at the heart of the world’s largest motorcycle event, the annual Sturgis Rally. It is a top, year-round tourist destination in South Dakota and features a collection of over 80 vintage and custom motorcycles, as well as extensive motorcycle art. The Museum is a proud participant in the South Dakota Gives fundraising program.

For media access to the Hall of Fame Breakfast, please contact the Museum for a credentials request form at executivedirector@sturgismuseum.com.

Additional Information on 2026 Inductees

Below is the list of Hall of Fame inductees for 2026 with additional biographical information:

Lifetime Achievement Award

Dave Perewitz: Dave Perewitz is a legendary custom motorcycle builder whose four decades of innovation, artistry, and engineering excellence have made him an icon in the custom bike community. Long celebrated for his pioneering flame-painted designs and as a founder of the influential Hamsters USA organization, he continues his involvement with the custom motorcycle community and support for the underprivileged. Perewitz’s ongoing commitment to the riding community demonstrates why he is worthy of the Museum’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum's Hall of Fame in 2001 and the AMA Hall of Fame in 2003.

American Hero Award

Tim Duffy: FDNY firefighter Tim Duffy became a symbol of heroism when he rode his 2000 Harley-Davidson Super Glide into Ground Zero on 9/11 to help rescue others, despite being off duty. The iconic image of Duffy riding his Harley into the chaos endures as a lasting symbol of American heroism. After retiring due to health complications, he founded the nonprofit 1 Soldier 1 Dog 1 Team, supporting veterans and first responders with shelter dogs for PTSD recovery. Duffy remains an advocate for mental health awareness and is honored for his bravery through events like the 'Ride to Remember.’

The American Hero Award is a one-time recognition presented on the 25th anniversary of the Sturgis Museum and recognizing the significance 9/11 in our country’s history.

Freedom Fighter Award

Dave Dwyr: Dave Dwyr has been a prominent advocate for motorcyclists’ rights for over thirty years, serving in key leadership roles with ABATE of Wisconsin and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. He is known for leading highly effective legislative teams, organizing historic rallies and lobbying efforts, and conducting influential workshops nationwide. Dwyer’s achievements have earned him numerous awards, including the ABATE Founder’s Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Hall of Fame.

Educational and Historical Preservation Award

Dave McGraw: Dave McGraw is a renowned collector and preservationist, known for curating one of the most significant private motorcycle collections in the world. His passion for vintage cars and motorcycles is driven by a desire to share and preserve history, which he does through philanthropy and support for education, including developing a museum and learning center. Through his efforts, McGraw is ensuring the history and spirit of motorcycling will be preserved for future generations.

The Educational and Historical Preservation Award is an ongoing award that will be presented on a regular basis to recognize individuals whose work supports historical preservation and education for future generations.