By Nichole Krieger, Vice President & Executive Director, The NASCAR Foundation

When Rusty Wallace rolls into Deadwood, South Dakota, for the Sturgis Rally, big hearts come with him!  This year, so did a record $850,000 for charity. The 2026 Buffalo Chip’s Rusty Wallace Ride presented by Harley-Davidson brought motorcycle enthusiasts, celebrities, NASCAR fans, and longtime friends together in South Dakota for good times and one mission – to raise as much as possible for two amazing causes – The NASCAR Foundation and the Special Olympics South Dakota.

NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace puts his heart into this event year after year, and his longtime commitment to giving back is what makes this charity ride so special. His collaboration with Rod Woodruff and the Buffalo Chip brings the racing and motorcycle communities together like a reunion of friends, all ready to do some good.

A highlight of this year’s auction was a Southern Country Customs motorcycle featuring a paint scheme designed by internationally acclaimed photorealist artist Scott Jacobs, Harley-Davidson’s first officially licensed artist. The bike raised an incredible $200,000—a testament to the big-hearted generosity this crowd brings to Deadwood. Since its start in 2019, the ride has raised more than $2.2 million, with proceeds shared equally between these two charities. That’s a whole lot of generosity helping children live healthier lives and giving athletes with intellectual disabilities opportunities to shine.

None of it happens without the sponsors, riders, donors, and volunteers who keep coming back and bringing others along. A heartfelt thank-you goes to all our sponsors and donors, especially Harley-Davidson, the Historic Franklin Hotel, and El Bandido Yankee Tequila, for helping make this our biggest year yet!