Bell and Sturgis Buffalo Chip announced their plans to host the first Helicopter Rally during the 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. This will be the second year Bell will exhibit and provide demonstration flights in the Bell 407GXi and Bell 429, operating out of the Buffalo Chip venue.
The collaboration was celebrated during HAI’s Heli-Expo event at the Bell booth with the reveal of a custom Indian motorcycle, built by Lloyd’z Garage, that will be auctioned during the Sturgis Rally in support of the Buffalo Chip Legends Ride, an event that benefits South Dakota Special Olympics – Rapid City Flame. The inaugural Black Hills Helicopter Rally presented by Bell Flight is the kind of fly-in that could only happen at the Buffalo Chip.
“Bell is always looking at ways to provide customers, operators and enthusiasts with unique experiences through flight and event activation,” said Lane Evans, managing director, North America. “With more than 500,000 people from around the world participating every year in Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Bell is thrilled to host the first-ever Helicopter Rally for enthusiasts and operators at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip.”
In 2023, Bell is hosting private owners of Bell Helicopters to join the rally action with a Sturgis Buffalo Chip VIP experience for a fleet of lucky pilots and their passengers. Last year, Bell brought a company helicopter to the Chip and enjoyed success connecting with customers and celebrities. This year, the iconic American civilian and military supplier is stepping up the program and hosting their top customers at the Chip, as the venue grows and hosts all sorts of enthusiasts.
“Hosting Bell last year was a great opportunity for our top-shelf rally clients to visit with Bell,” says Chip president Rod “Woody” Woodruff. “The Sturgis Buffalo Chip has been the home for a whole different kind of chopper for the past 43 years, and we genuinely look forward to Bell owners visiting us again during the Sturgis Rally.”
In the Black Hills of South Dakota, there is no runway required to access remote locations and unique experiences that the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has to offer. Bell’s presence at the Buffalo Chip will offer attendees demonstration flights in the Bell 407 and Bell 429, limited experiences, VIP access to Buffalo Chip concerts and other premium events.
Performances from world-class entertainers are just part of what the Sturgis Buffalo Chip will present again for 2023. Guests will have the opportunity to experience thrilling events, legendary rides, powerful freedom celebrations, worthwhile charity events, top-tier bike shows, heart-pounding stunts, white-knuckle racing, and so much more. Entertainment is free with camping. The Buffalo Chip is home to the Sturgis Rally Information Center and is the official sponsor of the free Sturgis.com Official Sturgis Rally Registration Program.
