Scott Jacobs Captures Sturgis History
The history of the Sturgis Rally roars to life on the cover of the 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Magazine in a painting by renowned artist Scott Jacobs. This year's cover artwork, a captivating painting titled "Uphill Victory," marks the 14th time that Black Hills resident Jacobs has created the image that captures the spirit and history of the Rally.
The Sturgis Rally Magazine is the annual handbook of the happenings, the businesses and the best places to ride and hang out during the Rally. Published by the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum in partnership with the City of Sturgis, thousands of copies are distributed through tourist information centers and businesses throughout the summer.
"Uphill Victory" isn't just another stunning Scott Jacobs motorcycle portrait, it's a tribute to the legacy of the Sturgis Rally's hill climbs, a thrilling competition that began in 1957 and continues to this day. The painting depicts a 1930 DAH, one of the rarest motorcycles ever created by Harley-Davidson. This legendary machine, built specifically for the challenging hill climb races, embodies the fearlessness of early motorcycle riders and their competitive spirit.
"I love a subject like the DAH, which is a motorcycle few Harley riders have ever seen," said Jacobs. "The challenge of being visually accurate on the motorcycle and creating a scene that is attractive to the audience is one that I really enjoy."
Jacobs' dedication to detail is evident in every aspect of "Uphill Victory." He created the painting using images of the meticulously restored DAH model at the Wheels Through Time Museum in North Carolina and verified details of the rare Harley with museum owner and close friend, the late Dale Walksler.
The creation process itself was a labor of love. Over 200 photographs and 300 hours of meticulous work with brushes, airbrushes, acrylics and glazes were poured into this masterpiece. The result is an image that transports viewers back to the golden age of motorcycle racing.
"Creating the cover image for the Sturgis Magazine has become one of the highlights of my year," Jacobs continued. "It keeps me connected to the spirit of this great event and of the Black Hills. Quite frankly, it reaffirms my decision to bring my family here and to make our home in the Black Hills. And I'm always thinking about the subject for next year's cover image. That's always fun."
Jacobs' journey as an artist is deeply intertwined with Harley-Davidson. As the first-ever licensed Harley-Davidson artist, much of his professional career has been dedicated to capturing the beauty of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle and the rich history of the brand.
The 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Magazine, featuring Scott Jacobs' "Uphill Victory" on the cover, is a must-have for rally attendees and visitors to the Black Hills and will be available at tourist information centers and businesses throughout the region.