STURGIS - The racing portion of the Sturgis motorcycle rally kicks off with an air show.

The Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club is hosting the Ryan Waterland Memorial Motocross on Sunday at the club grounds.

The event, coming a day before the official start of the rally, literally jump-starts a full week of rally motorcycle racing, and is named for Ryan Waterland, a Sturgis native who died at age 20 in the crash of a private plane near Phoenix in May, 2004. Waterland was a licensed aircraft instructor, an active member of the Gypsies and he raced the No. 818 Yamaha in pro class motocross events. Action starts at 10 a.m. with the first of two motos, or heat races, in more than 20 competition divisions, including classes for young riders on 65cc, 85cc and 125cc machines, quads, vintage iron and the pro class riders who will be vying for a share of the $5,000 purse.

Last year, Bill McMaster, of Phoenix, battled with Michael Koch, of Rapid City, Jeremy Millard of Rapid City, and Tanner Reidman, of Bismarck, N.D., in the Open A class.

Reidman got the better of McMaster, Koch and Millard in both the 250A and 125A divisions.

Each class will race in two motos, with the finish of the second moto carrying more weight in determining the final finishing order.

Clyde Miller of the Jackpine Gypsies said about 250 riders are expected for the event.

"We've been working to get a number of riders from surrounding states to come in here," Miller said.

Among riders to watch is Casey Schriock, 16, of Minot, N.D., who finished well in running a limited number of races at the Black Hills Arena Racing indoor series in Rapid City last winter.

"He's been racing the Canadian circuit and I'm expecting quite a show out of him here," Miller said.

Schriock is close to gaining factory backing for the Canadian circuit and has also run strong in AMA Arenacross events, as well, Miller said.

Riders from the Arena Winter Series, as well as the South Dakota Motocross Association are expected to fill the field.

For $5 adult admission, spectators can take advantage of grandstand views of the course, located on the Gypsies' club grounds in west Sturgis, or climb the hill and find a shady spot to watch the action.