Gas Monkey Garage's Richard Rawlings Kicks Off First Annual Trans Am Takeover at Gas Monkey Sturgis

STURGIS, S.D., July 10, 2025 -- Richard Rawlings, founder of the iconic Gas Monkey Garage and owner of Gas Monkey Sturgis, partners with East Bound and Down, a Smokey and the Bandit Tribute, to debut the first annual Trans Am Takeover in Sturgis, South Dakota, July 11-12.  Founded by Sean Bailey, Trans Am Takeover is a national car enthusiast event that celebrates all makes and models with a spotlight on the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.  The free multi-day experience includes live music, entertainment and a car show of hundreds of registered vehicles taking over city streets. The best-in-show Trans Ams will be on display at Gas Monkey Sturgis where fans and visitors can also meet Rawlings and the tribute cast of Smokey and the Bandit.

Founder of Trans Am Takeover and actor Bailey adds, "Sturgis is the perfect place to kick off our national tour and Richard is a big part of that. Sheriff Buford T. Justice is ready to come out and play!"

Schedule of Events:

Friday
8a.m.-noon, participant check-in at Gas Monkey Sturgis 
8a.m.-6p.m., scenic cruise/Poker Run through Firehouse Brewing in Rapid City, Mt. Rushmore, Boar's Nest in Lead, Oyster Bay in Deadwood, last draw at Gas Monkey Sturgis.
6p.m., dinner at Gas Monkey Sturgis
7-10p.m., Smokey and the Bandit movie screening at Rally Point, downtown Sturgis

Saturday
9a.m.-4p.m., open car show, downtown Sturgis and Gas Monkey Sturgis with live entertainment, music and performances throughout the day at downtown and Gas Monkey stages.
10-2p.m., special appearance, East Bound and Down
6p.m., Gas Monkey Awards Ceremony at Gas Monkey Sturgis

About East Bound and Down
The #1 Smokey and the Bandit Tribute features professional actors portraying Bandit, Sheriff Buford T. Justice, Junior Justice, Georgia Trooper, and the Snowman, along with screen-accurate replica cars. The group is available for bookings of special events, television commercials and social media campaigns. 

About Trans Am Takeover
Trans Am Takeover is a national car enthusiast event celebrating all makes and models, with a special spotlight on the iconic Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. This multi-day experience brings together automotive enthusiasts, live music, and entertainment in a safe, family-friendly environment designed to boost tourism and economic activity in each city it visits.

About Richard Rawlings
Richard Rawlings founded Gas Monkey Garage in Dallas, Texas in 2004. In 2012, he starred in the Discovery Channel's reality television series Fast N' Loud.  With his swagger and charisma backed by years of experience and passion for restoring and customizing classic and hot-rod cars, Rawlings and Gas Monkey Garage became a global sensation. Based on that success, he was named creative director and executive producer of additional television series including Misfit Garage, Garage Rehab, Demolition Theatre, and Shop Class. Even though he left the Discovery Channel in 2020 to pursue independent projects that afforded more creative freedom, Fast N' Loud remains on air and is still one of the channel's most popular shows.

Over the years, Gas Monkey Garage has partnered with many brands, including Dodge, Garage Beer, Dickies, Gorilla Pro, as well as NASCAR, and several NHRA drag racing teams. Gas Monkey Garage regularly produces episodes featuring automotive projects, on-the-road adventures, and new business endeavors each week on its YouTube channel and social media platforms. Additionally, Rawlings owns a global apparel brand, a line of food and beverages and two restaurants – Gas Monkey Sturgis in South Dakota and Gas Monkey Icehouse in Dallas. Everything Rawlings pursues is a testament to his bold personality and passion.

About Gas Monkey Sturgis
Established in 2024, Gas Monkey Sturgis has become known as the best place to stop during a cruise through the Black Hills.  In the heart of Sturgis, right off of Main Street, people get the full Gas Monkey experience with great food, full bar, exceptional service, exclusive Gas Monkey Sturgis merchandise, and top-notch entertainment year-round. In 2025, a Gas Monkey Garage retail store and newly created outdoor bar opens, adjacent to the bar and grill. Capturing the entire journey, from demolition to creation to opening, is the short film, Gas Monkey Sturgis: The Complete Journey.

SOURCE GAS MONKEY GARAGE