Motocross rider enters new class
- By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer
STURGIS — Motocross fans are familiar with classifications such as 65, 125, 250, and 450. However, few may have heard of the Workingman class.
James Pinckard was one of those racing in that class Sunday at the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club grounds at Sturgis. “This is my first time riding that class,” the 54-year-old from Decatur, Ill., said.
“I think it’s just a class for people that have to go to work on Monday,” Pinckard added. He said the class is more fun than it is competitive.
He uses a Suzuki 450 for racing. It is a factory bike that has some modifications. 
“I just want to have some fun and finish the race as good as I can do, and be able to drive home all the way to Illinois,” he said.
Pinckard is a 30-year motocross veteran. He lived in Kansas City at the time and saw newspaper coverage for a race.
“That just sparked my interest,” he recalled. “Of course, everybody’s interest back then was Evel Knievel. It just kind of put fuel to the fire, and it never went away.”
The sense of family in the motocross community provides Pinckard with some of his fondest memories.
“It’s a great family sport,” Pinckard said. “My son raced, and my grandsons are going to race.”
Travel, different tracks, successes, and defeats are also fondly remembered.
Pinckard earned some track championships during his career and competed in a pro race. He said he was able to meet every racing goal he had.
“The industry is a pretty close-knit group,” Pinckard said. “We’re from Illinois, so we come out here, and it seems like you’re still kind of home. Everybody’s friendly, and you get to ride different tracks.”
He is not sure whether to classify motocross as a love or an addiction. However, that feeling has been present ever since he began.
Having time to stay physically fit gives Pinckard the biggest challenge. The different tracks are also challenging, with his not being as fond of jumps as he once was.
“The reason you started was the fun of riding a dirt bike,” he said. “If you never lose focus of the fact that it’s fun to ride for all ages, you’ll never have a bad day at the track.”
This is Pinckard’s first trip to Sturgis. A friend who was here last year convinced Pinckard to come out in 2018.
Other plans for this week include street bike riding, seeing the flat track races, and other types of racing. The group also plans to hang out and have fun.
Pinckard said the Jackpine Gypsies offers different races and events that riders can try. He cited hillclimb, vertacross, flat track, and dirt drags.
Family plays a role in determining how much longer Pinckard will race. He has two grandsons, and one is a 3-year-old who just started to ride.
“My goal is to have my son, myself, and my grandson all race on the same day,” Pinckard said. “I think I’m good after that.”