Jeff Stanton named as Grand Marshal for Black Hills Half-Mile Race

In the late 1980s and early 1990s two names were common at the top of the American Supercross scene: Jeff Stanton and Honda.

Stanton raced to six 250 AMA supercross and motocross championships as the dominant racer of his era. He's going to be involved with a race of a different sort this weekend by serving as Grand Marshal of the AFT Progressive Black Hills Half-Mile. The flat track race takes place on Saturday, August 6 at Black Hills Speedway in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Stanton retired from racing at the end of the 1994 season but his exploits and dominance on the track saw him inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2000 and being awarded the Mickey Thompson Award of Excellence in 2008.

 Stanton said flat track racing is close to his heart. 

“It's an honor to be a part of this. I love dirt track racing. I've loved it for years. One of my good buddies is Scottie Parker, and we've been friends since we were both racing and winning championships the same years. He followed me and I followed him. Every weekend I had off I'd go watch the races. It's just a down-to-earth group of guys who love racing motorcycles. At the end of the day, we all have the same passion."

“I've never been to the Sturgis," Stanton said. "I love the Black Hills – my wife and I have been there a bunch. It's just a beautiful area, and to be able to be a part of the event is going to be awesome. I'm excited.”

The 82nd Sturgis Motorcycle Rally begins today, August 5, and wraps up on August 14th.

This isn't the first time that Stanton has been chosen as a Grand Marshal. In 2019 he served in this honourary role - and also raced aboard some vintage machines! - for the inaugural Daytona Vintage Supercross 

The Progressive Black Hills Half-Mile marks Progressive AFT’s return to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally for the first time since 2019 and you can get your tickets here.