One of Sturgis’ most anticipated grassroots racing traditions is making its return in 2026.
Bert Baker, founder of Baker Drivetrain, is bringing the BAKER Drags back to Thunder Road Raceway—formerly Sturgis Dragway—for another night of “Run What Ya Brung” motorcycle drag racing on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
“You may have heard the exciting news about Thunder Road Raceway running again, and we’re thrilled to officially announce that we’re back at the strip for 2026,” said Baker.
While the event has always been about twisting throttles and settling bragging rights a quarter-mile at a time, this year’s BAKER Drags carries an even bigger purpose. The entire event has been reimagined as a benefit to help preserve Thunder Road Raceway while celebrating the motorcycle industry that has supported riders for generations.
“We live by one rule for this event: Powered by the industry, free for the people,” Baker explained. “Our goal is simple—to keep the staging lanes open and the racing 100 percent free for everyone. There are no entry fees for racers or spectators.”
That’s right—whether you’re lining up your daily rider for its first pass or just pulling up a lawn chair to watch the action, admission is completely free.
For riders who’ve never experienced launching a motorcycle down a drag strip, Baker says this is the perfect opportunity.
“If you’ve never dumped the clutch on a drag strip, this is your chance to stop making excuses and finally make a pass. Every rider needs to experience that thrill at least once. There’s nothing quite like dropping the hammer and seeing what your motorcycle can really do.”
(Just don’t make too many passes on the bike you’re planning to ride home after the Rally… trust us.)
Keeping an event like this free isn’t possible without support from the V-Twin industry. An impressive list of manufacturers and companies have stepped up to make the 2026 BAKER Drags possible, including:
- Andrews Products
- Brock’s Performance
- D&D Exhaust
- Law Tigers
- Ramjet Racing
- Trask Performance
- Dream Rides Tennessee
- ThunderMax EFI
- Ward Performance
- Zipper’s Performance
- Cycle Source Magazine
- Spectro Performance Oils
- Drag Specialties
According to Baker, every dollar raised through sponsorships and donations will go directly to Thunder Road Raceway to help improve, preserve, and secure the future of one of the Black Hills’ iconic racing facilities.
“This is about the motorcycle community coming together to preserve the spirit of motorcycle drag racing and the facilities that make it possible,” Baker said. “Drag strips all over the country have been disappearing, and we refuse to let another one fade away.”
Whether you’re chasing a personal best, racing your buddy for bragging rights, or simply soaking in the smell of race fuel and burnt rubber, the 2026 BAKER Drags promises another unforgettable night at the strip.
What: BAKER Drags – Run What Ya Brung Motorcycle Drag Racing
When: Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 5:00 PM–11:00 PM
Where: Thunder Road Raceway (formerly Sturgis Dragway), Sturgis, South Dakota
Cost: FREE for racers and spectators
We’ll see you in the staging lanes.
