Latest News from The Rock Island Grand Prix
FINAL 2011 RELEASE: 14 capture Rock Island Grand Prix ‘Rocks’
World-class racing comes to the Rock Island Grand Prix
Rock Island Grand Prix announces winners of karting video contest
Vintage karts coming to The Rock
MG Tires announces contingency program for the Rock Island Grand Prix
ROCK ISLAND GRAND PRIX PRE-RACE UPDATE
Rock Island Grand Prix revises race order
Rock Island Grand Prix announces race contingency program
Skip Barber Racing School offers special deal for RIGP drivers
Rock Island Grand Prix, Rotax join to promote popular race program
Dunlop, Russell Karting announce contingency program for Rock Island Grand Prix
Rock Island Grand Prix adds Clone Heavy
Rock Island Grand Prix to remember Joe Woronka with TAG Masters memorial race
Rock Island Grand Prix, Route 66 Series join forces to promote karting in the Midwest
Rock Island Grand Prix JULY Newsletter
Rock Island Grand Prix Video Contest
Casey’s General Store Joins AT&T as Presenting Sponsor of the Rock Island Grand Prix
Rock Island Grand Prix announces 2011 race program
Rock Island Grand Prix launches new web site
and kicks off online registration
Rock Island Grand Prix offers $5,000 to win TAG Senior
5 legendary drivers commit to Pro Open Championship
Winner RIGP Logo Contest Announced
King of Streets Winner to Earn USF2000 Test Day
Are you ready for Pro Open Championship?
SEPTEMBER - FINAL 2011 RELEASE go to top
14 capture Rock Island Grand Prix ‘Rocks’
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Sam Beasley and Caleb Loniewski won the biggest checks of the weekend and Derek Crockett won the King of the Streets crown and the opportunity to participate in an Indy Car sponsored test drive at this year’s Rock Island Grand Prix kart races. Presenting Sponsors are AT&T and Casey’s General Stores.
More than 270 race entries represent an almost 20 percent increase over the previous year. Competitors came from coast to coast as well as Bermuda and Canada to compete for more than $37,000 in cash payouts sponsored by Jumer’s Casino & Hotel and a rich list of contingency prizes.
This year also featured a Vintage Kart Assn. race and show, featuring karts from the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
Beasley took home the weekend’s biggest prize, a $5,000 check for winning the TAG Senior race over a field of 33 entries. Loniewski won $4,000 for finishing first in the Yamaha Super Can Medium class sponsored by AT&T.
“I'm going to spend it in one place,”' said the 19-year-old Beasley. “I'm sure it's going back into my racing.”
“There's a reason this kid is driving for me,” said Eric Jones, a former NASCAR truck competitor and Grand Prix great whose company Kart Sport North America is the Arrow kart importer. “He's the next up-and-comer.”
New York’s Mike Giessen took home $2,000 for winning the new 2-cycle Pro Open class sponsored by Lafarge with his Lynn Haddock-built 125cc motor on a Margay chassis. Only six karts took the grid in the first year the class was featured.
“I hope the committee sticks with it, because this is the way karting used to be, with some invention and creativity in the pits,” Giessen said. “You used to have to be more than a great driver to win out here. You had to be good with a wrench in the pits, too, figuring out ways to go fast.”
After several years of battling, Derek Crockett finally got to wear the cape and crown for winning the King of the Streets stock moto race. The race is sponsored by McDonalds and Ronald McDonald did the honors with the cape and crown.
“I've been on the pole and been so close in this event so many times and now I've finally got it,” Crockett said. “It's just something special when they put that cape and crown on your head.” Besides a check for $2,000, his prize package also includes the opportunity to participate in a USF2000 Driver Combine sponsored by the IZOD Indy Car series and a custom driver suit courtesy of K1 Race Gear. All winning drivers also won Oakley sun glasses. Drivers were also eligible for contingency prizes provided by Bridgestone, Dunlop and MG tires.
Behind the four featured races there was action aplenty as 10 other classes competed for the coveted Rock trophy and $500 checks.
Gary Lawson ran his victory total at Rock Island to 21 by winning the 2-cycle Super Can Heavy class sponsored by CBS4-TV. Leo Carr and Travis DeVriendt won the 4-cycle Clone Medium and Heavy races sponsored by Schurr Power Racing and Modern Woodmen Insurance. Brandon Cather of Rock Island won the 2-cycle Pipe Heavy class after Tim Goettsch weighed light at the scales.
“It's unfortunate for Tim, but personally I'll take it,”' said the 19-year-old Cather. “I've been chasing a win here since I was 12, so it's really gratifying finally to get one.”
Beasley added to his win total by also winning the Rotax Senior race sponsored by Casey’s General Stores and Texan Logan Bearden won in Rotax Junior. Both drivers qualify for vouchers that will provide free entry to the 2012 Rotax U.S. Challenge Grand Finals if they complete their additional punches. The value is over $1,000 each and are provided by MaxSpeed, the Rotax importer.
Michael Politis of Brooklyn, N.Y. won the Leopard class with Loniewski and Drake Ostrom both less than a second behind. Indiana’s Chase Jones won the TAG Junior race and the prize package that included a KartRaiser electric kart stand from Michael Polizzi and Full Bore Karting and a custom driving suit from K1 Race Gear.
In the 125cc Masters gearbox class sponsored by CBS4-TV, Kurt Mathewson and Graham Wilcock battled for the win with Mathewson gaining a .195 margin of victory. Behind them, defending champion Chris Enderlein had to overcome an early spin and race from last place to finally gain a pass on race director Terry Riggins to capture third.
John Dixon easily ran off with the win by 10 seconds in the Joe Woronka Memorial TAG Masters event sponsored by GP USA which was the last race of the weekend. But the 42-year-old had to overcome an injured elbow. “A couple of corners I was just hanging on to regrip and let my hand slide down,” Dixon said. “That was tough. You have to be good in those corners. So my hands got tired. I'm feeling my age.”
An overhaul of many aspects of the event resulted in the addition of two tech officials and more detailed inspections after racers told race organizers there was a need. Apparently they were right as 12 disqualifications were registered including several to race winners. Four were assessed againt Scott Hamble after a physical altercation at the scales.
The weekend started out with a bang with the addition of a show and race demonstration by the Vintage Kart Association on Saturday. Unfortunately that was followed by heavy rain and lightning which forced the cancellation of most of Saturday afternoon’s action and moved qualifying to Sunday morning. Also new to the festival atmosphere of the event this year was Sunday’s Quad City Camaro Club Car Show.
“I think we made many improvements and enhancements this year as a result of talking with the competitors and reviewing the entire event from top to bottom. We also gave away more money and prizes than ever before. We always have room for improvement, but there is no question this event is now positioned to continue to be among the top, if not THE top karting event in the U.S. for years to come,” said Roger Ruthhart, head of the organizing committee.
# # # # #
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the United States and one of the largest in the world. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse TV. With 55.8 million subscribers, AT&T provides international voice services to virtually every country and territory in the world. It is a global company that sets the industry standard for a new era of integrated communications and entertainment services. The AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations around the country, putting it among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.att.com" www.att.com)
Casey’s General Stores, with headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, operates 1,645 stores in 11 Midwestern states. The first store was opened in 1968 by founder Don Lamberti. The majority of the group’s stores are in communities with a population of 5,000 or less. Casey’s success has been attributed to clean stores, restrooms and the friendly employees who pride themselves on customer service. Casey’s customers know that inside each store they will find dedicated, helpful and well-trained employees, exceptional prepared food and a clean environment in which to shop.(www.caseys.com)
The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by the Downtown Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District which features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is just a short drive away. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ridistrict.com" www.ridistrict.com
August - 2011 go to top
World-class racing comes to the Rock Island Grand Prix
ROCK ISLAND, ILL –The Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest karting street race, will host an exciting schedule of races Labor Day Weekend, Sept.3-4, 2011. The competition, held in The Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District, will feature top racers from across the country. Presenting Sponsors are AT&T and Casey’s General Stores.
This year there will be four premier race events as well as a full afternoon of other races. The winner of this year’s TAG Senior race will take home a check for $5,000. The winner of the Yamaha Super Can Medium race will take home $4,000. Winners of the new Pro Open and the popular King of the Streets races will each take home $2,000.
In addition, the winner of King of the Streets race will participate in a USF2000 driver combine through the Grand Prix’s partnership with the IZOD IndyCar Series. Ronald McDonald will place the traditional crown and cape on the winner and visit fans at the Grand Prix both Saturday and Sunday. The King of the Streets winner and the winner of the TAG Junior race will also win custom made kart suits from K1 Race Gear.
The winners of the Rotax Senior and Rotax Junior races will have the chance to win a free entry to the 2012 U.S. Rotax Grand Nationals and the chance to compete for a coveted spot on Team USA at the Rotax Grand Final. Each entry is valued at over $1,000.
The winner of the TAG Junior class will also win a KartRaiser Electric kart stand (transportation model with tray valued at approximately $850) supplied by Michael Polizzi and Full Bore Karting LLC. Participants in this year’s Rock Island Grand Prix also become eligible for a 15 percent discount at the Skip Barber Driving School. All winners of this year’s races will also receive Oakley sun glasses. All RIGP competitors qualify for a free web page at racingin.com. Contingency programs have also been offered by Bridgestone, MG Tires and Dunlop.
There are several new additions to this year’s race weekend. On the track the most notable, other than expanded prize packages, is the new 2-cycle Pro Open class. There are few restrictions as to what competitors can do to their karts and be legal in this class, so it is sure to provide fast, exciting racing and perhaps break the track lap record set in 2006.
Off the track, Sunday’s Opening Ceremonies have been moved to 11 a.m. with the Kid’s Autograph Session with drivers at 11:30 a.m. The popular Family Fun Zone is back on Sunday with bounce houses and games for the kids.
On Saturday, members of the Vintage Karting Association will have karts on display from the Fifties, Sixties, Seventies and Eighties so that race fans can see how kart racing has evolved. At 1 p.m. Saturday there will be a Vintage Kart Race featuring many of these restored karts. Sunday, the Quad City Camaro Club will hold a car show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both displays will be on 18th Street north of the race track near WHBF-TV4.
The Saturday Labor Day Ride fundraiser for the American Cancer Society to raise funds to battle non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is also part of the festival weekend. It is sponsored by The Daiquiri Factory, 1909 Second Ave. in The District. Sign-in is from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and the last participant is due in by 6 p.m. All kinds of vehicles are invited, you must be over age 21 to participate and the entry fee is $10. . For more information, wwww.daiquirifactory.com .
Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is sponsor of the $35,000 purse – one of the largest payouts in professional karting. Holiday Inn in Rock Island is the host hotel and race headquarters. General admission to the races is FREE, although there is a daily charge of $10 for the pit area.
Action starts Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. and concludes around 5 p.m. There is nightly outdoor entertainment beginning at 8 p.m. on the East Plaza Stage featuring The Travoltas on Saturday and Sunday night, sponsored by the Rock Island Brewing Co. These are all-ages shows and admission is charged.
The Rock Island Grand Prix will also sponsor three TAG USA race classes – Junior, Senior and Masters. Also featured this year are two classes co-promoted with the U.S. Rotax Max Challenge – Rotax Senior, Rotax Junior. The event will also feature several other Yamaha classes, the IAME Leopard, classes for the 4-cycle clones and shifter karts with a 6-speed transmission. In all, 14 races will be run on Sunday.
The races will also be web cast live around the world on Sunday by eKartingNews.com .
John Deere & Co. returns as sponsor of the John Deere Awards Show at the Holiday Inn for drivers and race teams.
The Rock Island Grand Prix has drawn top drivers from 36 states as well as Canada, Bermuda, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, France, Italy, Poland, Costa Rica, the Philippines and England.
Others sponsors of this year’ Rock Island Grand Prix include: IZOD IndyCar Series, O’Reilly Auto Parts; Quad-Cities area McDonald’s restaurants, GP USA; Longley Systems; Schurr Power Racing Engines; Modern Woodmen Financial Jose Schuur agent; CBS4 TV; radio stations B100, 97X, Star 93.5 and Rock 104.9; The Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus newspapers; Lafarge; Allied Waste Services; Mediacom; K1 Race Gear; and Oakley.
Sponsors also include Coors and Euclid Distributing, Full Circle Media, Briggs & Stratton, JET Karting, Ostrom Painting and Sandblasting, Triple E Sales, HyVee food stores, Zimmerman Honda, Courtesy Car City, VP Fuel, Sunbelt Rentals, Communications Engineering Corp.(CEC), Gas & Electric Credit Union, Rogan Inc., 61 Kartway, County Waste, and J&J Camper.
Race details are available on the Grand Prix website at rockislandgrandprix.com or ridistrict.com.
# # # # #
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the United States and one of the largest in the world. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse TV. With 55.8 million subscribers, AT&T provides international voice services to virtually every country and territory in the world. It is a global company that sets the industry standard for a new era of integrated communications and entertainment services. The AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations around the country, putting it among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.att.com" www.att.com)
Casey’s General Stores, with headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, operates 1,645 stores in 11 Midwestern states. The first store was opened in 1968 by founder Don Lamberti. The majority of the group’s stores are in communities with a population of 5,000 or less. Casey’s success has been attributed to clean stores, restrooms and the friendly employees who pride themselves on customer service. Casey’s customers know that inside each store they will find dedicated, helpful and well-trained employees, exceptional prepared food and a clean environment in which to shop.(www.caseys.com)
The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by the Downtown Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District which features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is just a short drive away. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ridistrict.com" www.ridistrict.com)
2011 Rock Island Grand Prix
Schedule of Events
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
2-10 p.m.: Competitor sign-in open at Holiday Inn, Rock Island.
2-5 p.m.: Pre-race tech/scrutineering open at the off-site staging area, QCCA Expo Center, Rock Island.
5 p.m.: Streets close in The District of Rock Island.
6-11 p.m.: Pits open.
7-10 p.m.: Pre-race tech/scrutineering open on the pre-grid.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
7 a.m.: Pits open.
7-9 a.m.: Driver sign-in open at Holiday Inn, Rock Island.
7 a.m.: Pre-race tech/scrutineering for overnight arrivals only.
7:15 a.m.: Mandatory Driver's meeting in front of The Argus, followed by second mandatory Drivers Meeting for Junior Drivers.
10 a.m.: Grand Prix Marketplace vendors open; Vintage Kart Club display.
8:15-1:00 a.m.: Practice rounds. Five minute sessions. Crossing breaks every 4 rounds.
11 a.m.: Labor Day Ride to benefit the American Cancer Society begins at The Daiquiri Factory.
Noon: Ronald McDonald in Grand Prix Marketplace
1 p.m.: Vintage Karting Assn. kart races
1:45-4:30 p.m.: Timed qualifying
4:45 p.m.: PreFinal for 2-cycle Pro Open class.
5 p.m.: Track Closes at conclusion of racing.
8 p.m.: Outdoor music on the East Plaza Stage sponsored by the Rock Island Brewing Co. featuring The Travoltas. Admission charged. All ages show.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
8 a.m.: Final practice round begins.
10 a.m.: Grand Prix Marketplace vendors open.
10a.m. -4 p.m.: Quad-Cities Camaro Club Car Show open
10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Family Fun Zone open in the infield.
11 a.m.: Opening Ceremonies
11:30 a.m. Kid’s Autograph Session. Start/Finish line
11:45 a.m.: Racing begins
4:45 p.m.: Racing Ends.
8 p.m.: Deere & Co. Awards Ceremony, Holiday Inn.
8 p.m.: Outdoor music on the East Plaza Stage sponsored by the Rock Island Brewing Co. featuring The Travoltas. Admission charged. All ages show.
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 5
9:30 a.m.: Annual Rock Island Labor Day Parade. 18th Ave. and 24th Street..
August - 2011 go to top
Rock Island Grand Prix announces winners of karting video contest
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- The Rock Island Grand Prix, the world's largest karting street race held 3-4 September, is pleased to announce the winners of its 2011 Karting Video Contest. Presenting Sponsors of the Rock Island Grand Prix are AT&T and Casey’s General Stores.
The winning entry was submitted by Dillons Felbers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UWCLkLr2ME.
He wins a free entry to either the 2011 or 2012 Rock Island Grand Prix.
Second place goes to John Dixon and features great racing at Rock Island.
http://contour.com/stories/rock-island-gp-tag-masters-2010
He wins a Rock Island Grand Prix t-shirt.
For more information and more videos of the Rock Island Grand Prix, visit rockislandgrandprix.com.
# # # # #
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the United States and one of the largest in the world. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse TV. With 55.8 million subscribers, AT&T provides international voice services to virtually every country and territory in the world. It is a global company that sets the industry standard for a new era of integrated communications and entertainment services. The AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations around the country, putting it among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.att.com" www.att.com)
Casey’s General Stores, with headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, operates 1,645 stores in 11 Midwestern states. The first store was opened in 1968 by founder Don Lamberti. The majority of the group’s stores are in communities with a population of 5,000 or less. Casey’s success has been attributed to clean stores, restrooms and the friendly employees who pride themselves on customer service. Casey’s customers know that inside each store they will find dedicated, helpful and well-trained employees, exceptional prepared food and a clean environment in which to shop.(www.caseys.com)
The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by the Downtown Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District which features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is just a short drive away. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ridistrict.com" www.ridistrict.com)
August - 2011 go to top
Vintage karts coming to The Rock
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest karting street race, in conjunction with the Vintage Karting Association, is excited to announce the addition of a Vintage Kart Exhibition and Race as part of this year’s program. AT&T and Casey’s General Stores are Presenting Sponsors of the Rock Island Grand Prix.
At least 18 karts are expected to be on display during the day Saturday, Sept. 3 when pro karters are completing practice and qualifying. The Vintage Karts will run a practice session around 10:30 a.m. and then compete in their own showdown on the streets of Rock Island at 1 p.m. with Rob Howden on the call.
For many of the competitors, the return to the streets will be old hat as kart races held in the streets were common during the early years of the sport.
Karts on display will represent the Fifties, Sixties, Seventies and Eighties and each will have signage telling visitors some history about the kart. Most of the drivers will also be from that era, while some are younger.
For details about this year’s Rock Island Grand Prix, go to rockislandgrandprix.com. For more on the Vintage Karting Association go to vkakarting.com
# # # # #
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the United States and one of the largest in the world. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse TV. With 55.8 million subscribers, AT&T provides international voice services to virtually every country and territory in the world. It is a global company that sets the industry standard for a new era of integrated communications and entertainment services. The AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations around the country, putting it among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.att.com" www.att.com)
Casey’s General Stores, with headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, operates 1,645 stores in 11 Midwestern states. The first store was opened in 1968 by founder Don Lamberti. The majority of the group’s stores are in communities with a population of 5,000 or less. Casey’s success has been attributed to clean stores, restrooms and the friendly employees who pride themselves on customer service. Casey’s customers know that inside each store they will find dedicated, helpful and well-trained employees, exceptional prepared food and a clean environment in which to shop.(www.caseys.com)
The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by the Downtown Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District which features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is just a short drive away. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ridistrict.com" www.ridistrict.com)
August - 2011 go to top
MG Tires announces contingency program for the Rock Island Grand Prix
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. – MG Tires has announced contingency awards for the 2011 Rock Island Grand Prix. Prizes are available for both the ‘Open Tire’ and ‘TAG USA Tire’ classes.
“MG has had a presence at Rock Island for many years, and we’ve always thought this to be one of the most prestigious races in the U.S.,” stated Wagner Rossi of WR Motorsports - the North American importer for MG Tires. “This year, the competition among tire manufactures will be more intense, and we welcome the chance to show our product is superior on the track! MG Tires motto is ‘For the Drivers’, and with that in mind we are proud to announce awards for our loyal drivers at the Rock Island Grand Prix!”
Open Classes - MG Tire Contingency Program
Driver must have MG Tires on all four wheels to be eligible. This category is open to any MG compound including the softest tire in the MG line, the YZ (green).
1st Place: 4 sets of the MG Tires compounds and sizes of their choice
2nd Place: 3 sets of the MG Tires compounds and sizes of their choice.
3rd Place: 2 sets of MG Tires compounds and sizes of their choice.
TAG USA - Classes MG Tire Contingency Program
Driver must have MG Tires on all four wheels to be eligible. Per TAG USA rules, this tire must be the FZ (yellow) 4.60x5 and 7.10x5 sizes.
1st Place: 3 sets of the MG Tires compounds and sizes of their choice
2nd Place: 2 sets of the MG Tires compounds and sizes of their choice.
3rd Place: 1 sets of MG Tires compounds and sizes of their choice.
Find on the website - HYPERLINK "http://www.mgtires.com/" \t "top" http://www.mgtires.com - the closest MG Tires dealer in your area or call the office in Davie, FL at 954-791-6611.
# # # # #
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the United States and one of the largest in the world. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse TV. With 55.8 million subscribers, AT&T provides international voice services to virtually every country and territory in the world. It is a global company that sets the industry standard for a new era of integrated communications and entertainment services. The AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations around the country, putting it among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.att.com" www.att.com)
Casey’s General Stores, with headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, operates 1,645 stores in 11 Midwestern states. The first store was opened in 1968 by founder Don Lamberti. The majority of the group’s stores are in communities with a population of 5,000 or less. Casey’s success has been attributed to clean stores, restrooms and the friendly employees who pride themselves on customer service. Casey’s customers know that inside each store they will find dedicated, helpful and well-trained employees, exceptional prepared food and a clean environment in which to shop.(www.caseys.com)
The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by the Downtown Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District which features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is just a short drive away. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ridistrict.com" www.ridistrict.com)
August - 2011 go to top
ROCK ISLAND GRAND PRIX PRE-RACE UPDATE
As always, if you would like to be removed from this mailing list simply replay stating such and we will remove you immediately.
We just wanted to share a few points of information as we head into the final days of preparation before the Rock Island Grand Prix.
* The TAG Senior and Clone Medium classes have surpassed the 30 entry mark and will be the two classes that will run a Last Chance Qualifier. All other classes will cap at 30 entries and King of the Streets and TAG Masters are both very close to that number. Get your entries in soon or you will be on the waiting list.
* We are disappointed in the support for several classes. The decision was made this week not to run the Animal Medium class. We are close to a similar ruling on Pro Open. Remember, you don’t have to have a specially-built motor to participate. It’s a place you can run ICAs, TAGs, KF motors… anything you might have sitting on the shelf. If you are planning to enter Pro Open, please do so ASAP or you may find the class no longer available.
* Long range weather forecast for race weekend is a high of 81 and a chance of rain (hopefully they are wrong about the last part!)
* For Rock Island, Rotax entries with old cylinders, clutches, non-Rotax batteries, no seals, etc, will be allowed to race in the TAG classes. They are still subject to inspection. Rotax running in the Rotax Senior and Junior classes must meet full RMC specifications.
* Rotax karts should run VP93 in both Rotax and TAG classes. We will have a limited supply available for purchase from VP at the track, as well as the fuels outlined in the Entry Packet.
* There is a line in the Supplemental Rules for Yamaha classes that vaguely refers to 5 inch wheels only. Please disregard this line and follow the specs as outlined in the WKA Manufacturer’s Cup rules (except for the spec tire brand).
* For your advance planning purposes… there will be no Pancake Breakfast served in the pits this year. In fact, the Skellington Manor facility will not be involved this year due to some problems they had with racers last year.
* Sunday’s Awards Ceremony Sponsored by John Deere will be held on the second floor of the Holiday Inn – the host hotel on Sunday evening following completion of tech. Please plan to stay and join us. Brats, hot dogs, chips and drinks will be available at a nominal fee.
* Just a reminder that after Thursday, Sept. 1, entry fees will increase by $100 per entry.
* Our staff will be very busy next week. If you have any questions you need addressed, please contact us this week if at all possible. We are very excited about this year’s event, the increased payout and contingency prizes available. We look forward to seeing those of you who are competing every soon and hope many of the rest will join our thousands of spectators.
August - 2011 go to top
Rock Island Grand Prix revises race order
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. -- We have reviewed the early entries with special attention to people running in multiple classes and have restructured our race order for the Rock Island Grand Prix on Sept. 3-4. New Class Order and Race Sponsors are as listed. As in the past, there still may be some drivers with only one class between races or even racing back-to-back. In these instances please make us aware of the issue and the on-track staff will hold the grid until you area ready to race. Please do not ask us to change the order again, but as always it is subject to last-minute review by the race director.
2011 Rock Island Grand Prix Race Order
1. TAG Senior /. AT&T
2. 4-cycle Clone Heavy / Schurr Power Racing
3. Yamaha SuperCan Heavy / CBS4
4. Pro Open / Lafarge
5. Leopard / AT&T
6. TAG Junior / Casey's General Stores
7. 2-cycle Pipe Heavy / Lafarge
8. King of the Streets / McDonalds's restaurants
9. Rotax Senior / Casey's General Stores
10. Clone Medium / Schurr Power Racing
11. Yamaha Super Can Medium / Casey's Gen. Stores
12. Shifter Masters / AT&T
13. TAG Masters / GP USA
14. Animal Medium / Briggs & Stratton
15. Rotax Junior / CBS4
# # # # #
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the United States and one of the largest in the world. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse TV. With 55.8 million subscribers, AT&T provides international voice services to virtually every country and territory in the world. It is a global company that sets the industry standard for a new era of integrated communications and entertainment services. The AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations around the country, putting it among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.att.com" www.att.com)
Casey’s General Stores, with headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, operates 1,645 stores in 11 Midwestern states. The first store was opened in 1968 by founder Don Lamberti. The majority of the group’s stores are in communities with a population of 5,000 or less. Casey’s success has been attributed to clean stores, restrooms and the friendly employees who pride themselves on customer service. Casey’s customers know that inside each store they will find dedicated, helpful and well-trained employees, exceptional prepared food and a clean environment in which to shop.(www.caseys.com)
The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by the Downtown Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District which features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is just a short drive away. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ridistrict.com" www.ridistrict.com)
August - 2011 go to top
Rock Island Grand Prix announces race contingency program
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest karting street race, is excited to announce a significant contingency program to be awarded to winners of this year’s races in addition to checks and the coveted Rock trophies and checkered flags. The Rock Island Grand Prix is presented by AT&T and Casey’s General Stores.
Several of these awards have been announced previously.
* The winner of this year’s King of the Streets stock moto race will also win a custom driving suit from K1 Race Gear and the opportunity to participate in as USF2000 driver combine, Nov. 28-30 at Andersen Race Park in Palmetto, Fla., courtesy of our partners at IZOD IndyCar. Drivers must pay their own travel and housing but Combine expenses will be paid.
* The winner of the TAG Junior race will win a KartRaiser Electric kart stand (transportation model with tray valued at approximately $850) supplied by Michael Polizzi and Full Bore Karting LLC. They will also win a custom driving suit from K1 Race Gear.
* All winners at this year’s Rock Island Grand Prix will win a pair of sunglasses from our friends at Oakley.
* Competitors in the Rotax Senior and Rotax Junior classes at this year’s Rock Island Grand Prix, will have the chance to win a free entry to the 2012 U.S. Rotax Grand Nationals and the chance to compete for a coveted spot on Team USA at the Rotax Grand Final. Each package has a value of more than $1,000. Participating at the Rock Island Grand Prix will be considered one of four necessary punches needed to qualify for the 2012 US Rotax Grand Nationals. The winning drivers must simply complete three more punches at one of the 30 Rotax Max Challenge series around the country to receive their free entry.
* The drivers who gain the most positions during the Final of the 4-cycle Clone Medium, Yamaha SuperCan Medium and Yamaha SuperCan Heavy races will win a free entry for a SIRA race of their choice.
* All competitors at the Rock Island Grand Prix will become eligible for a 15 percent discount at the Skip Barber 3-day Driving School. You must register before Sept. 16.
* All Rock Island Grand Prix competitors qualify for a free web page at racingin.com.
* Winners of all classes at the Rock Island Grand Prix (except Rotax) who are racing on Bridgestone tires will win a paid entry into the 2012 Rock Island Grand Prix and a free set of tires for that event. Second place winners on Bridgestones will win a free set of tires and third place winners will win a paid entry to the 2012 RIGP. TAG drivers using Bridgestones can apply their award to entry at Rock Island, a WKA Manufacturer’s Cup event or the TAG World Finals in 2012. Winning drivers must also have displayed a Bridgestone sticker in the specified location.
* Winners of any class at the Rock Island Grand Prix (excluding the two Rotax classes) will win a FREE set of Dunlop tires. To qualify, you must have been racing on Dunlop tires and have Dunlop stickers on the front fairing and both sides. Stickers are available from your local dealer and will also be available at RIGP registration.
# # # # #
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the United States and one of the largest in the world. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse TV. With 55.8 million subscribers, AT&T provides international voice services to virtually every country and territory in the world. It is a global company that sets the industry standard for a new era of integrated communications and entertainment services. The AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations around the country, putting it among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.att.com" www.att.com)
Casey’s General Stores, with headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, operates 1,645 stores in 11 Midwestern states. The first store was opened in 1968 by founder Don Lamberti. The majority of the group’s stores are in communities with a population of 5,000 or less. Casey’s success has been attributed to clean stores, restrooms and the friendly employees who pride themselves on customer service. Casey’s customers know that inside each store they will find dedicated, helpful and well-trained employees, exceptional prepared food and a clean environment in which to shop.(www.caseys.com)
The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by the Downtown Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District which features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is just a short drive away. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ridistrict.com" www.ridistrict.com)
August - 2011 go to top
Skip Barber Racing School offers special deal for RIGP drivers
“If you do well in Skip Barber, it’s going to build a strong foundation to build on for the rest of your career.”
1998 Skip Barber Shootout winner Ryan Hunter-Reay
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest karting street race, and the Skip Barber Racing School have announced a partnership that will provide discounted school tuition for Rock Island drivers. Presenting sponsors are AT&T and Casey’s General Stores.
For 36 years, Skip Barber Racing School has been training karters and other aspiring race car drivers, providing experience and scholarships essential for climbing the motorsports ladder. One of the most recent winners, Spencer Pigot went on to win the 2010 BFGoodrich/Skip Barber presented by Mazda championship and is now racing in USF2000 with Andretti Autosport.
For a limited time, Skip Barber Racing School would like to extend a special offer to members of Rock Island Grand Prix. One of the prerequisites for the Karting Scholarship Shootout, the 3-dDay Racing School helps students master the fundamentals in classroom and driving sessions in the Formula Skip Barber, a full-out race car with braking and cornering capabilities that vastly exceed any street or sports car. Call before September 16th and RIGP drivers can book a 3-day Racing School for 15 percent off! This offer is available ONLY to Rock Island Grand Prix members. Call 800.221.1131 to book your 3-Day Racing School today.
“We are excited to be able to partner with Skip Barber to present this discount to those competitors interesting in moving up the motorsports ladder,” said RIGP president Roger Ruthhart.
2011 Karting Scholarships Shootout
The Skip Barber Karting Scholarship Shootout is the largest and single most important event for karters transitioning into race cars, taking place Nov. 3-6, 2011. Approximately $135,200 in total sponsorship is awarded, with the largest prize being a full season in a 2012 Skip Barber Racing School Race Series of their choice, an award worth more than $35,000. The other top nine drivers will receive scholarship funds to compete in 2012 Skip Barber Race Series events.
The Skip Barber Karting Scholarship Shootout is a critical component of the MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development ladder: a fully integrated motorsports ladder comprised of the Skip Barber Racing School Summer and Winter Series, USF2000, and Star Mazda. Deadline to apply is August 30,
More information on the school is available at skipbarber.com. For more information on the Rock Island Grand Prix, visit its brand new, state-of-the-art web site at rockislandgrandprix.com .
# # # # #
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the United States and one of the largest in the world. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse TV. With 55.8 million subscribers, AT&T provides international voice services to virtually every country and territory in the world. It is a global company that sets the industry standard for a new era of integrated communications and entertainment services. The AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations around the country, putting it among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.att.com" www.att.com)
Casey’s General Stores, with headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, operates 1,645 stores in 11 Midwestern states. The first store was opened in 1968 by founder Don Lamberti. The majority of the group’s stores are in communities with a population of 5,000 or less. Casey’s success has been attributed to clean stores, restrooms and the friendly employees who pride themselves on customer service. Casey’s customers know that inside each store they will find dedicated, helpful and well-trained employees, exceptional prepared food and a clean environment in which to shop.(www.caseys.com)
The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by the Downtown Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District which features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is just a short drive away. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ridistrict.com" www.ridistrict.com)
August - 2011 go to top
Rock Island Grand Prix, Rotax join to promote popular race program
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest karting street race, and MAXSpeed, the North American importer for Rotax racing engines, have announced a partnership to promote the growing Rotax Max Challenge program.
The Rock Island Grand Prix, presented by AT&T and Casey’s General Stores, has supported the Rotax program at the popular Labor Day Weekend street race since the package was first introduced. The announcement solidifies that support and commits both groups to helping to promote each other’s programs.
Competitors in the Rotax Senior and Rotax Junior classes at this year’s Rock Island Grand Prix, will have the chance to win a free entry to the 2012 U.S. Rotax Grand Nationals and the chance to compete for a coveted spot on Team USA at the Rotax Grand Final. Each package has a $1,000 value (????).
Participating at the Rock Island Grand Prix will be considered one of the necessary punches needed to qualify for next year’s Grand Nationals. The winning drivers must simply complete three more punches at one of the 27 Rotax Max Challenge series to receive their free entry.
Rotax Challenge rules will be used at Rock Island. Winners of the Rotax classes at Rock Island will receive $500 checks and the coveted Rock trophy, with payouts through ninth place.
The Rotax Grand Nationals crown the national Rotax champions for the U.S. and offer a chance to qualify for the Rotax Grand Final. Date and location will be announced soon.
The Rock Island Grand Prix will also be promoting the Rotax program on its web site, social media sites and email lists as well as at shows and other races that its representatives attend. All Rotax competitors at Rock Island also receive a complimentary Rotax membership. Many Rotax drivers will also compete in the popular TAG classes at the Rock Island Grand Prix, doubling the track time and chances to win. This year, the TAG Senior race will pay $5,000 to win with a total guaranteed purse of more than $8,000.
“We look forward to working with MAXSpeed to help them promote and grow one of the fastest growing kart racing programs in North America,” said Roger Ruthhart, president of the Rock Island Grand Prix. “Working together throughout the year to promote the great programs under the Rotax Challenge umbrella, can’t help but provide great results that will benefit both organizations. We are excited to be able to offer these valuable packages to the Rotax winners at The Rock.”
“The Rock Island Grand Prix has always been recognized as a storied event and Rotax participation has been mixed,” said Garry Lobaugh, Rotax Max Challenge United States Director. “We are creating an incentive program we hope will bring more Rotax competitors to this great event! For some racers, this could be their best chance to become a TEAM USA member. For others, it could just mean yet another venue to race their reliable Rotax race engine.”
The Rock Island Grand Prix will be held Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 3-4, through the city streets of downtown Rock Island, Illinois. It will feature 15 races classes for 2-cycle, 4-cycle and gearbox karts competing for an expanded purse of more than $35,000.
For more information on the Rock Island Grand Prix, visit its brand new, state-of-the-art web site at rockislandgrandprix.com . For more information on the exciting Rotax Max Challenge visit gorotaxchallenge.com .
# # # # #
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the United States and one of the largest in the world. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse TV. With 55.8 million subscribers, AT&T provides international voice services to virtually every country and territory in the world. It is a global company that sets the industry standard for a new era of integrated communications and entertainment services. The AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations around the country, putting it among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.att.com" www.att.com)
Casey’s General Stores, with headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, operates 1,645 stores in 11 Midwestern states. The first store was opened in 1968 by founder Don Lamberti. The majority of the group’s stores are in communities with a population of 5,000 or less. Casey’s success has been attributed to clean stores, restrooms and the friendly employees who pride themselves on customer service. Casey’s customers know that inside each store they will find dedicated, helpful and well-trained employees, exceptional prepared food and a clean environment in which to shop.(www.caseys.com)
The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by the Downtown Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District which features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is just a short drive away. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ridistrict.com" www.ridistrict.com)
July - 2011 go to top
Dunlop, Russell Karting announce
contingency program for Rock Island Grand Prix
The Rock Island Grand Prix presented by AT&T and Casey’s General Stores, is happy to announce a new tire contingency program for this year's Rock Island Grand Prix, thanks to our friends at Russell Karting and Dunlop.
The winner of any class at the Rock Island Grand Prix (excluding the two Rotax classes) will win a FREE set of Dunlop tires.
In order to qualify, you must have been racing on Dunlop tires and have Dunlop stickers on the front fairing and both sides. Stickers are available from your local dealer and will also be available at RIGP registration.
# # # # #
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the United States and one of the largest in the world. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse TV. With 55.8 million subscribers, AT&T provides international voice services to virtually every country and territory in the world. It is a global company that sets the industry standard for a new era of integrated communications and entertainment services. The AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations around the country, putting it among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.att.com" www.att.com)
Casey’s General Stores, with headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, operates 1,645 stores in 11 Midwestern states. The first store was opened in 1968 by founder Don Lamberti. The majority of the group’s stores are in communities with a population of 5,000 or less. Casey’s success has been attributed to clean stores, restrooms and the friendly employees who pride themselves on customer service. Casey’s customers know that inside each store they will find dedicated, helpful and well-trained employees, exceptional prepared food and a clean environment in which to shop.(www.caseys.com)
The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by the Downtown Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District which features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is just a short drive away. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ridistrict.com" www.ridistrict.com)
July 29, 2011 go to top
BRIDGESTONE YLA, YLB AND YLC TIRE AVAILABLE FOR ROCK ISLAND
“Contingency prizes and cash up for grabs for Bridgestone tire users”
CONTACT:
Race Tech Development
317.270.8723
HYPERLINK: Info@RaceTechDevelopment.com"Info@RaceTechDevelopment.com
July 29, 2011 – Grand Products Inc. and Margay Racing LLC, United States importers for Bridgestone Tires, would like to make available the Bridgestone YLA, YLB and YLC tires for the Rock Island Grand Prix. Putting up cash prizes for contingency awards, Grand Products and Margay Racing looks to make sure that Bridgestone Tires are at the front of the pack.
“The open tire classes will have a distinct advantage with the Bridgestone product line on the slick Rock Island surface,” expressed Mike Tetreault, owner of Grand Products. “The YLA is softer than the standard YLB compound has been the choice of Europeans in the CIK KF1 World Championship Series in Europe.”
“I have been running the YLA compound on the Stock Moto shifter kart for the past three rounds in the Florida Karting Championship Series and they are one of the fastest tires I have ever driven on,” expressed multi-time champion and Ocala Gran Prix driver Nick Neri. “The margin of victory versus drivers utilizing other compounds amazed me.”
The TaG, TaG Masters and Parilla Leopard classes will be following the TaG USA rules format that allows the Bridgestone YLB to be a legal tire compound. The YLB has proven to be very successful over the past six months and is the current spec tire for the World Karting Association Manufacturer’s Cup, Kart Racers of America series, Florida Karting Championship Series, Great Lakes Sprint Series, Midwest Sprint Series and Badger Kart Club.
Contingency Award Details listed below:
Open Tire Classes:
1st Place – Receives entry to 2012 Rock Island Grand Prix and a set of Bridgestone Tires for that event.
2nd Place – Receives a set of Bridgestone Tires of choice.
3rd Place – Receives entry into the 2012 Rock Island Grand Prix.
*Above awards are based on competitors utilizing Bridgestone Tires, running a Bridgestone Tire decal on their Nassau panel and finishing in the above mentioned finishing positions.
TaG Classes:
1st Place – Receives entry to 2012 Rock Island Grand Prix, 2012 WKA Manufacturer’s Cup event or 2012 TaG World Championships and a set of Bridgestone Tires for that event.
2nd Place – Receives a set of Bridgestone Tires of choice.
3rd Place – Receives entry to 2012 Rock Island Grand Prix, 2012 WKA Manufacturer’s Cup event or 2012 TaG World Championships.
*Above awards are based on competitors utilizing Bridgestone Tires, running a Bridgestone Tire decal on their Nassau Panel and finishing in the above mentioned finishing positions.
“Both America’s and Europe’s best are choosing Bridgestone YLA to get them to the finish line first,” explained Margay Racing’s Keith Freber. “To sweeten the pot at Rock Island Bridgestone has added a special award in addition to the contingency prizes listed above. If one driver can win any two of theses classes while utilizing Bridgestone Tires, Grand Products and Margay Racing will award that winner with a combined total of $500.00 cash.”
To order your Bridgestone Tires, please contact your local Bridgestone Tire representative, Grand Products or Margay Racing.
For more information on Grand Products and Bridgestone Tires, please visit them online at HYPERLINK "http://www.GrandProducts.com" www.GrandProducts.com or contact them at 215.244.1940. For more information on Margay Racing and Bridgestone Tires, please visit them online at HYPERLINK "http://www.Margay.com" www.Margay.com or contact them at 314.771.4242.
For information on press releases or other media services offered by Race Tech Development, please contact Mike Maurini via e-mail at Info@RaceTechDevelopment.com or 317.270.8723. Race Tech Development can also be found on Twitter at @RaceTechDvlp as well as Facebook at their Race Tech Development Fan Page.
July - 2011 go to top
Rock Island Grand Prix adds Clone Heavy
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. – The Rock Island Grand Prix, the world's largest karting street race held Labor Day weekend, announced today that it is adding a Clone Heavy class to the 2011 race lineup.
"We have a solid group of 4-cycle racers which has requested the addition of the class, so we are trying to accommodate them,” said Roger Ruthhart, president of the Rock Island Grand Prix. Presenting Sponsors are AT&T and Casey’s General Stores.
To make room in the race schedule, the Animal Heavy class is being suspended and will not be offered this year. The Rumble At The Rock Animal Medium race sponsored by Briggs & Stratton will remain on the schedule.
“After contacting many racers who have competed in the Animal classes at Rock Island the last few years, it became clear that these classes would be under subscribed again. Rather than offering two small classes we have decided to offer just the one Animal class this year and redouble our efforts to build these classes in 2012,” Ruthhart said.
The 4-cycle Clone Heavy class will follow the same rules already specified for Clone Medium. The Clone Heavy class will race at 400 pounds. ARC Billett flywheels are required. Complete rules can be found in the Competitors section of the RIGP Web site at rockislandgrandprix.com by clicking the Entry Form button.
# # # # #
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the United States and one of the largest in the world. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse TV. With 55.8 million subscribers, AT&T provides international voice services to virtually every country and territory in the world. It is a global company that sets the industry standard for a new era of integrated communications and entertainment services. The AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations around the country, putting it among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.att.com" www.att.com)
Casey’s General Stores, with headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, operates 1,645 stores in 11 Midwestern states. The first store was opened in 1968 by founder Don Lamberti. The majority of the group’s stores are in communities with a population of 5,000 or less. Casey’s success has been attributed to clean stores, restrooms and the friendly employees who pride themselves on customer service. Casey’s customers know that inside each store they will find dedicated, helpful and well-trained employees, exceptional prepared food and a clean environment in which to shop.(www.caseys.com)
The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by the Downtown Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District which features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is just a short drive away. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ridistrict.com" www.ridistrict.com)
July - 2011 go to top
Rock Island Grand Prix to remember Joe Woronka
with TAG Masters memorial race
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- The Rock Island Grand Prix, the world's largest karting street race held Labor Day weekend, has announced that this year’s TAG Masters race will be named for, and run in memory of, long-time karting friend Joe Woronka.
The Joe Woronka TAG Masters class sponsored by GP USA will serve to remember Mr. Woronka and his many contributions to karting and karters out east. He died earlier this year as a result of ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. He was 56.
Mr. Woronka started in karting in 1975, according to his nephew Dave Downey, and was best known for operating JW’s Eurotech Racing in Canfield, Ohio, which he ran for more than 15 years. He was also a close friend of former Rock Island Grand Prix race director Tom Argy Jr., for whom he often worked as an assistant race director. He was also a World Karting Association race official, ran his own series and was involved in the Akron Karting Club.
“Joe was an early supporter of the TAG concept and brought a number of racers to Rock Island over the years, including our first guest from an Italian factory representing Achille Parrilla’s Italsystem,” said Rock Island Grand Prix president Roger Ruthhart. “He was a good friend and a long-time supporter of our event.”
Mr. Woronka, Mr. Downey and Brian McHattie also ran the racing school at BeaveRun in Wampum, PA.
“Our organization thinks it is only fitting that after all he did to support TAG racing and the Rock Island Grand Prix, he be recognized by having a TAG race named after him at one of the biggest TAG events of the year,” Ruthhart said.
# # # # #
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the United States and one of the largest in the world. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse TV. With 55.8 million subscribers, AT&T provides international voice services to virtually every country and territory in the world. It is a global company that sets the industry standard for a new era of integrated communications and entertainment services. The AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations around the country, putting it among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.att.com" www.att.com)
Casey’s General Stores, with headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, operates 1,645 stores in 11 Midwestern states. The first store was opened in 1968 by founder Don Lamberti. The majority of the group’s stores are in communities with a population of 5,000 or less. Casey’s success has been attributed to clean stores, restrooms and the friendly employees who pride themselves on customer service. Casey’s customers know that inside each store they will find dedicated, helpful and well-trained employees, exceptional prepared food and a clean environment in which to shop.(www.caseys.com)
The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by the Downtown Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District which features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is just a short drive away. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ridistrict.com" www.ridistrict.com)
July - 2011 go to top
Rock Island Grand Prix, Route 66 Series
join forces to promote karting in the Midwest
ROCK ISLAND, ILL. -- The Rock Island Grand Prix, the world's largest karting street race held Labor Day weekend, is partnering with the Route 66 Series, the popular Midwest regional series, to promote karting in the Midwest..
"Karting has a ton of series, a ton of sanctioning bodies," said Mark Luna of the Rock Island Grand Prix, presented by AT&T and Casey’s General Stores. "The collaboration of Route 66 has us utilizing similar rule structures, racing formats and some of the same people to continue to build both race programs. Both The Rock and the 66 Series have some of the best people in the business, so we are combining efforts to make karting better than ever."
The announcement comes in the wake of similar efforts between the Rock Island Grand Prix and IndyCar, the U.S. Rotax Max Challenge, TAG USA, Superkarts USA and the Goodland Grand Prix.
The Rock Island Grand Prix is presenting free entries to this year’s race to the Route 66 Series mid-season leaders in the TAG Senior and Yamaha SuperCan classes. These will be among the premier classes at Rock Island this year, paying $5,000 and $4,000 to win.
As part of this new partnership, Terry Riggins, RIGP race director, will have Rick Fulks, the well-respected race director of the Route 66 series, serving as assistant race director this year at The Rock. He joins event stalwarts Bob Monday and Troy Meyer as assistants.
”The RIGP is proud to have someone with such experience and passion for karting join us in a leadership role in this important race, especially after seeing how his enthusiasm and drive have helped make the Route 66 series,” said Luna.
"With the changes we've made to The Rock this year, along with the increase in entries and changes in sponsorship and rules, it is great to be able to add someone like Rick to the event," Luna said. "It's great to be able to work with a series like the Route 66 Series right in our backyard."
Fulks, 47, lives in Chatham, Ill., with his wife. Ronda. They have two college-aged sons, Tyler and Jake. He started racing karts when he was 13 joining his father, Reggie, and older brother, Randy, who are in the World Karting Association Hall of Fame. He later formed RRR Racing.
As a driver, he has won in the Rock Island Grand Prix, WKA Manufacturer's Cup, PKA (pro street racing), dirt racing and more than 100 National and Grand National road races. He is a former team driver for Margay and Birel USA.
Fulks also is a former pit crew member of the GM Goodwrench Corvette ALMS Team and several private SCCA teams. He is currently a driving instructor for Ford Motor Co.'s DSFL program, and an occasional tuner for kart racing teams.
He joined the Route 66 Series as race director in 2010.
Entries in the Route 66 Series grew 44 percent in 2010 and the series is enjoying another 25 percent increase this season. Fulks credits that success to quality competition, on quality race tracks with fair and knowledgeable officials.
"The thing I like the most about the Route 66 Series is how the family friendly atmosphere is ever present while producing some of the most competitive racers in the country," Fulks said, adding that he also likes working with the professional staff and advisory board.
”The other thing I really enjoy about our series is our competitors," he said. "The drivers, as well as their supporters, are there to race their guts out and do as best they can. Then, at the end of the day, share in a laugh and a smile with their competitors while they enjoy each other’s company and applaud each other’s accomplishments. That’s what karting on the regional level should be all about!"
The Rock Island Grand Prix presented by AT&T and Casey’s General Stores is offering racing in 15 classes including 2-cycle, 4-cycle, gearbox and TAG classes as well as a new Pro Open class.
For more information about the Rock Island Grand Prix, go online to their new state-of-the art website at rockislandgrandprix.com
For more information about the Route 66 Series, check out the series web site at HYPERLINK "http://websiteroute66kartracing.com/" \t "_blank" websiteroute66kartracing.com.
# # # # #
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the United States and one of the largest in the world. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse TV. With 55.8 million subscribers, AT&T provides international voice services to virtually every country and territory in the world. It is a global company that sets the industry standard for a new era of integrated communications and entertainment services. The AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations around the country, putting it among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.att.com" www.att.com)
Casey’s General Stores, with headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, operates 1,645 stores in 11 Midwestern states. The first store was opened in 1968 by founder Don Lamberti. The majority of the group’s stores are in communities with a population of 5,000 or less. Casey’s success has been attributed to clean stores, restrooms and the friendly employees who pride themselves on customer service. Casey’s customers know that inside each store they will find dedicated, helpful and well-trained employees, exceptional prepared food and a clean environment in which to shop.(www.caseys.com)
The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by the Downtown Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District which features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is just a short drive away. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ridistrict.com" www.ridistrict.com)
July - 2011 go to top
Rock Island Grand Prix July Newsletter
As you have probably noticed, there is a lot of excitement and buzz about this year’s race with more news till to come. During the past off season we took the opportunity to review our event from top to bottom. We talked with a lot of racers, other karting organizations and shops and made some significant adjustments based on the feedback we heard from all of you.
One area of significant change was in the rules. Normally we would assume that potential competitors would review the rules which are posted in the Competitor section of our totally redesigned web site. They can be found in the 8-page Entry Packet under the Entry Form tab or the link to the 2011 Competitors’ Rules. But since someone recently was critical because we had not alerted them to the changes, we thought we would also give you the highlights. You should still read the entire Supplemental Rules.
* This year classes will run open tire brand and compounds with the exception of TAG classes which will run TAG USA approved tires and Rotax classes which will run Mojo tires. Mojos have also been approved to run in TAG for this event. All tires must be the same compound. Absolutely no modifications or tire treatment is allowed.
* This year we have specified 5 spec oils as part of our efforts to improve fuel tech. Information can be found in the Supplemental Rules.
* In the past we have tried to accommodate drivers with a “most lenient” interpretation when there were conflicting rules. We have heard that this has led to the perception (and perhaps reality) that there are motors that are only legal at the Rock Island race. Therefore this year the SuperCan and Pipe classes will run under Manufacturer’s Cup rules and 4-cyle classes will run under WKA Gold Cup engine rules.
* The WKA announced the following in late April. This rule will be enforced at Rock Island: Effective September 1, 2011, the #66 cylinder head for the Briggs & Stratton Animal engine will no longer be legal. These are early heads and have a slightly smaller intake port than the later heads. As a result, they are more subject to illegal modifications, and these modifications are becoming more difficult to detect in post-race inspection. This change has been approved by the WKA Board of Trustees.
* The names of several classes have been changed to better conform to normal usage.
* The Leopard class will run under TAG USA rules making it easier for drivers to also compete in TAG classes.
* An ARC billet flywheel is required in the Clone class this year. Please see additional details in the Supplemental Rules.
* Rotax classes will run U.S. Rotax Challenge rules.
* Rules for 2-cycle Pro Open are detailed in Supplemental Rules. Please review them carefully if you are planning to compete in this class. This class will run a PreFinal and Final.
* We are momentarily expecting a ruling from TAG USA regarding the new Dragon and Sonik engines. In any case, as stated in our rules, whatever the rules are for TAG as of August 1 is what we will follow at the Rock Island Grand Prix.
* There will be significant changes in tech this year with 2 additional officials added. They will focus on fuel and tire tech as well as assist in 2-cycle and 4-cycle inspections. Watch for an announcement about our lineup of officials soon.
We hope you have found this summary helpful. If you have any questions about your particular class, please don’t hesitate to ask.
* It is our understanding that the Holiday Inn and Jumer’s Casino & Hotel are fully booked for our race weekend. A listing of other hotels and rates can be found on our web site under the Competitors section. Click on hotels and then Other Hotels for the listing.
* With our new schedule this year, only 2 classes will be allowed to have more than 30 entries, so a number of classes could reach that cap soon. If you delay entering too long you might find yourself on a waiting list.
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you in rock Island Sept. 3-4!
5-30-2011 go to top
Rock Island Grand Prix Video Contest. One lucky person gets a free RIGP class entry
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest karting street race, is inviting racers to submit their best kart racing video for a chance to win a free entry into this year’s race.
By submitting video to the contest you are also granting permission for the Grand Prix to post it on its web site and use it to promote kart racing and the Rock Island Grand Prix.
Helmet cams, kart cams, racing or work in the pits – anything that involves karting -- can be entered, although actual video of “The Rock” will gain you some points.
What it means for one lucky person is a free class entry
into the Rock Island Grand Prix!
Videos may be posted on our web page and will also be sent out via our Facebook page and our Twitter feeds which means exposure for you and your sponsors. Send your video to us through a link to Youtube, Facebook, Twitter or just send the file and we will upload it to our Youtube account. Send the links by July 21 to:
rockislandgrandprix@yahoo.com
Twitter is @RockIslandGP
5-29-2011 go to top
Casey’s General Store Joins AT&T as Presenting Sponsor of the Rock Island Grand Prix
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest karting street race, is excited to announce that Casey’s General Stores has become a Presenting Sponsor of the event to be held Sept. 3-4 in Rock Island, Ill.
The long-term agreement will find Casey’s and the Rock Island Grand Prix joining to promote the community-oriented convenience stores, kart racing and the popular Labor Day Weekend festival held in the Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District. Casey’s joins AT&T which has also renewed its Presenting Sponsor commitment to the Grand Prix for the 17th year.
Casey’s General Stores, with headquarters in Ankeny, Iowa, operates 1,645 stores in 11 Midwestern states. The first store was opened in 1968 by founder Don Lamberti. The majority of the group’s stores are in communities with a population of 5,000 or less.
Casey’s success has been attributed to clean stores, restrooms and the friendly employees who pride themselves on customer service. Casey’s customers know that inside each store they will find dedicated, helpful and well-trained employees, exceptional prepared food and a clean environment in which to shop.
“The Rock Island Grand Prix offers a great opportunity for Casey’s to promote its brand to racers and race fans from across the country. It also offers a great community partnership opportunity in a market which features many Casey’s General Stores. We know many Casey’s customers love racing and there is no better way for a grass-roots company like ours to support motorsports than at its most basic level – kart racing,” said
Mike Richardson, VP of Marketing.
Casey’s General Stores are not new to racing, fielding its own Team Casey’s racing team that competes a variety of dirt oval series. The many spectators coming to the Rock Island Grand Prix will have the opportunity to learn more about the growing convenience store chain and its many popular products.
“When we looked at Casey’s General Stores, it seemed like a perfect match. Racers are often on the road looking for a place to stop for a quick fill-up of the gas tank and the stomach. Many of our racers also come from smaller communities like those so often served by Casey’s General Stores,” said Roger Ruthhart, president of the Rock Island Grand Prix.
“We look forward to working with the more than 30 Casey’s stores in the Quad-Cities area to cooperatively promote their businesses and our event while at the same time spreading the Casey’s General Stores brand throughout the racing community,” he added. “We hope that all racers will acknowledge their generous support of kart racing by patronizing them with their business.”
For more information on Casey’s General Stores, visit the web site at caseys.com. More information on the Rock Island Grand Prix can be found at rockislandgrandprix.com. Both can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter.
5-10-2011 go to top
Rock Island Grand Prix announces 2011 race program
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Rock Island Grand Prix presented by AT&T, the world’s largest karting street race, is excited to announce its race program for 2011. It will continue to be one of the few major events where the paths of 2-cycle, 4-cycle, TAG and gearbox racers all cross.
While only minor changes have been made to the race program, major changes have been made in many other areas including an increase to the purse.
As already announced earlier this year, the Rock Island Grand Prix will feature a new 2-cycle Pro Open class. This class is designed to pit the best drivers and tuners against each other and encourage the type of experimentation and innovation that helped the sport grow in its early days. Tech will be limited to bore and stroke and multiple engine displacements are allowed at a variety of weights.
It was announced earlier that a guaranteed purse of $6,800 including $4,000 to win, $1,000 for second and $750 for third, will be paid in the Yamaha SuperCan Medium race. There will also be prize money for such things as winning the pole, leading at half way and the most positions gained during the race. Checks will be issued to the top 9 places.
In addition, the Rock Island Grand Prix has announced the largest single class payout in the event’s long history with more than $8,000 being paid in TAG Senior including $5,000 to win, $1,000 for second and $750 for third. Total purse at Rock Island this year is more than $37,000.
Also announced earlier was a new long-term partnership between the Rock Island Grand Prix and IndyCar that will qualify the winner of this year’s King of the Street stock moto race to participate in a USF2000 driver combine to be held later this year.
Changes have been made in the 125cc Masters gearbox class. Tuned moto and ICC motors will run under G1 rules at 410 pounds and stock moto entries will run S4 rules at 395 pounds.
After a solid introduction as an exhibition class in 2010, the 4-cycle Clone class will pay a full purse comparable to other classes this year.
The names of several classes have been changed from those used in the past to adapt titles that better describe the classes.
The Rock Island Grand Prix organization has reviewed its entire race program and rules from top to bottom and improvements in both will be announced soon. Registration for 2011 is now open at the new state-of-the-art web site at rockislandgrandprix.com.
“The Rock Island Grand Prix race organization is excited about the program it is offering racers. There are a number of changes still to be announced that we believe will make the event more competitive, more fun and racer-friendly,” said Roger Ruthhart, Rock Island Grand Prix president.
“With the programs and changes that we have announced, and will announce soon, there is no question that 2011 will be an historic year in the already storied history of one of karting’s greatest events,” Ruthhart added. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and every racer is going to want to have September 3-4 circled on their race calendar.”
Following is the race program and order for 2011:
Special thanks to our generous sponsors
website design & video production by 
Racing Class
1. 4-cycle Sr. Animal Heavy
2. TAG Senior
3. Yamaha SuperCan Heavy
4. 4-cycle Clone
5. 2-cycle Pro Open
6. Leopard
7. Yamaha SuperCan Med.
8. Rotax Junior
9. King of the Streets (stock moto)
10.Rotax Senior
11. TAG Junior
12. TAG Masters
13. 2-cycle Pipe Heavy (Yamaha/HPV/KPV)
14. 125cc Masters (ICC/tuned moto/stock moto)
15. Rumble at The Rock (Sr. Animal Med.)
Wt#
375
350-380
365
375
300-425
360
340
320
395
360
320
380-410
355/370
395/410
350
Laps
15
20
15
15
20
20
20
15
20
20
15
20
15
20
15
# # # # #
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the United States and one of the largest in the world. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse TV. With 55.8 million subscribers, AT&T provides international voice services to virtually every country and territory in the world. It is a global company that sets the industry standard for a new era of integrated communications and entertainment services. The AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations around the country, including $60 million in 2006, putting it among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.att.com" www.att.com)
The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by The Downtown Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District which features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is just a short drive away. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ridistrict.com" www.ridistrict.com)
5-6-2011 go to top
Rock Island Grand Prix Launches new web site and online registration
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Rock Island Grand Prix presented by AT&T, the world’s
largest karting street race, has launched a new state-of-the-art web site to better serve
competitors, sponsors, spectators and volunteers.
The site, engineered by Full Circle Media in Chicago, Ill., is heavy in video presentation
targeting all aspects of the festival event weekend. The videos are network television
quality and provide a window into the world of karting. The site was also created with the
growing use of smart phones in mind.
With the launch, Rock Island Grand Prix registration is open for the Sept. 3-4 event.
“Showing and telling people about the event through video storytelling was a top
priority, but we also wanted to do it in a way that would not slow access to the site,”
said Roger Ruthhart, Rock Island Grand Prix president. “We think we have definitely
achieved that.”
Competitors will be able to print off the Entry Packet from the web site and also enter
online through a secure server using their credit card. They can make hotel reservations
through the site. They can check out the track map and take a lap around the course by
helmet cam video.
There is also a rich history of the event with past results and photos and great video
stories from past races and interviews with competitors. When visitors first arrive at the
site they are greeted by a 30 second video that sets the stage for the event.
Sponsors are prominently featured and the Sponsor Page also features a video
explanation of the event tailored specifically for potential sponsors, as well as an outline
of package options. Sponsors can also achieve additional exposure through ads on the
web site as well as through Facebook and Twitter campaigns.
Spectators coming to the site will find a detailed weekend schedule of racing and other
activities as well as photos depicting the free family fun the races offer.
Volunteers have their own section of the site, too, with a specially-tailored volunteer
video and lists of volunteer opportunities. All visitors to the site also have the option to
leave contact information or sign up for email updates.
The site also features a Latest News section where you can find the latest press releases
and Newsletters regarding the Rock Island Grand Prix. The site also has a blog where
visitors can pose questions or raise issues that they feel others might benefit from being
able read. Competitors and others can also use it to carry on discussions about the event.
Links allow visitors to join the fun on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube as well.
“Michael Quane and Full Circle Media have been our advertising agency for years. Mr.
Quane has tons of video that he has shot since first coming here in 2002. To be able to
take advantage of all of that, produce a state-of-the-art website that is second to none in
the sport, while still dealing with the great staff at Full Circle Media is very exciting for
us. They took the vision of our marketing committee and produced all we wanted and
more,” said Ruthhart. Other additions to the site are planned for the future, he said.
# # # # #
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the United States and one of the largest in the world. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse TV. With 55.8 million subscribers, AT&T provides international voice services to virtually every country and territory in the world. It is a global company that sets the industry standard for a new era of integrated communications and entertainment services. The AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations around the country, including $60 million in 2006, putting it among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.att.com" www.att.com)
The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by The Downtown Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District which features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is just a short drive away. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ridistrict.com" www.ridistrict.com)
4-27-2011 go to top
Rock Island Grand Prix offers $5,000 to win TAG Senior
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Earlier this year the Rock Island Grand Prix presented by AT&T announced it would host an exciting 2-cycle Pro Open race featuring the sport’s top drivers.
Then it announced a new partnership with INDYCAR that will provide the winner of this year’s King of the Streets stock moto race with a spot in the Mazda Road to Indy driver combine that features a free test in a USF2000 car.
Later it was announced that the winner of the Yamaha SuperCan Medium class will win $4,000 and almost $7,000 in prize money will be guaranteed in that one class.
Today the Rock Island Grand Prix is excited to announce the largest payout for a single race in the event’s 17 year history. This is a one-time opportunity for 2011 only.
The driver who finishes first in the 2011 TAG Senior race will take home $5,000 and the field will compete for a total guaranteed payout of more than $8,000 in total prize money. The purse will be distributed throughout the field.
Second place will pay $1,000, with third place earning $750. Additional places through ninth place will pay the same as other Rock Island Grand Prix classes except that payouts are guaranteed regardless of the number of entries.
The Rock Island Grand Prix, sponsored by AT&T, will be held Sept. 3-4, 2011.
In addition, the driver who gains the most positions during the race (minimum of 5) will receive a check for $200. The driver leading at the halfway point of the race will win $100 and the driver who qualifies on the poll will win $100.
“TAG Racing has been a cornerstone of the Rock Island Grand Prix since its infancy under its founder, Tom Argy Jr.,” said Roger Ruthhart, president of the Rock Island Grand Prix.
“TAG was originally designed as a local, entry-level class whose competitors would gather each year at one or two festival-type events like Rock Island to enjoy the spirit and camaraderie of racing,” he continued.
“Today it has grown into one of the most popular national classes. We hope that this historic payout will encourage all TAG drivers and teams to come to Rock Island and enjoy our truly unique festival experience and take home one of the biggest checks in kart racing.”
If necessary, a Last Chance Qualifier will be held to give drivers a chance to win their way into the field for the TAG Senior feature. TAG USA rules and approved tires and compounds will apply. Spec fuel and oils have been designated in the Supplemental Rules.
# # # # #
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the United States and one of the largest in the world. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse TV. With 55.8 million subscribers, AT&T provides international voice services to virtually every country and territory in the world. It is a global company that sets the industry standard for a new era of integrated communications and entertainment services. The AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations around the country, including $60 million in 2006, putting it among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.att.com" www.att.com)
The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by The Downtown Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District which features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is just a short drive away. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ridistrict.com" www.ridistrict.com)
4-19-2011 go to top
Rock Island Grand Prix offers $4,000 to win and
almost $7,000 purse for Yamaha SuperCan Medium racers
For information contact:
Carl McClaskey (309) 788-6311; carl@teamrockisland.com
Roger Ruthhart (309) 736-3517; grandprix@qconline.com
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Rock Island Grand Prix has announced a large purse of almost $7,000 will be paid to the Yamaha SuperCan Medium class at this year’s event. This is a one-time opportunity for 2011 only, so don’t miss out on the excitement!
The driver who finishes first in the 2011 Yamaha SuperCan Medium race will take home $4,000 and the field will compete for a total guaranteed payout of $6,800 ! The purse will be distributed throughout the field.
Second place will pay $1,000 with third place earning $750. Additional places through ninth place will pay the same as other Rock Island Grand Prix classes except that payouts are guaranteed regardless of the number of entries.
The Rock Island Grand Prix, sponsored by AT&T, will be held Sept. 3-4, 2011.
In addition, the driver who gains the most positions during the race (minimum of 5) will receive a check for $200. The driver leading at the halfway point of the race will win $100 and the driver who qualifies on the poll will win $100.
“Yamaha racing has long been one of the cornerstones upon which U.S. karting has been built. We hope this year’s race will provide an incentive for many Yamaha competitors to bring their karts to Rock Island and for others to find a Yamaha ride for the weekend,” said Roger Ruthhart, president of the Rock Island Grand Prix.
Yamaha SuperCan competitors will also be able to compete in the Yamaha SuperCan Heavy class which will have the normal Rock Island Grand Prix payout with $500 to win.
“We hope that this large payout will encourage all Yamaha drivers and teams to put Rock Island on their racing calendar, come and enjoy our truly unique festival experience and take home a big chunk of our money,” said Ruthhart.
If necessary, a Last Chance Qualifier will be held to give drivers a chance to win their way into the field for the Yamaha SuperCan Medium feature. WKA Manufacturer’s Cup rules will apply. Tire brand and compounds will be open but spec fuel and oils have been designated in the Supplemental Rules.
The full Rock Island Grand Prix 2011 race program will be announced soon. Registration will open later this month.
# # # # #
AT&T is the largest telecommunications company in the United States and one of the largest in the world. AT&T is the recognized world leader in providing IP-based communications services to business and the U.S. leader in providing wireless, high speed Internet access, local and long distance voice, and directory publishing and advertising services. As part of its "three screen" integration strategy, AT&T is expanding video entertainment offerings to include such next-generation television services as AT&T U-verse TV. With 55.8 million subscribers, AT&T provides international voice services to virtually every country and territory in the world. It is a global company that sets the industry standard for a new era of integrated communications and entertainment services. The AT&T Foundation has contributed more than $1.8 billion to nonprofit organizations around the country, including $60 million in 2006, putting it among the five largest corporate foundations in the United States. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.att.com" www.att.com)
The Rock Island Grand Prix is hosted by The Downtown Rock Island Arts and Entertainment District which features retail shops, excellent restaurants, live entertainment, dinner theater, art galleries and comedy clubs all within walking distance of the host hotel. Jumer’s Casino & Hotel is just a short drive away. Rock Island is located on the Mississippi River three hours west of Chicago in an area known as the Quad-Cities which straddles the river and the Illinois/Iowa border. It is at the intersection of Interstate highways 74, 88 and 80 and is served by Quad City International Airport in Moline, Ill. ( HYPERLINK "http://www.ridistrict.com" www.ridistrict.com)
3-23-2011 go to top
Five legendary drivers the first to commit to
Pro Open Championship at Rock Island Grand Prix
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Since the Rock Island Grand Prix street race announced plans earlier this year to host a 2-cycle Pro Open class, the buzz has continued to grow. Several top drivers have already committed, despite the fact that registration has yet to open.
Who is going to join them?
Already committed to participate in the race are Mike Doty of New York, Chris Wehrheim from Georgia, Mike Giessen from New York, Jim Russell Jr. from Missouri and Mike D. Jones from Texas.
In announcing the race, to be held Sept. 2-4, 2011, Rock Island Grand Prix president Roger Ruthhart said the goal was to shake the cob webs off of the sport, challenge the world’s great engine builders and mechanics, put some of the sport’s best drivers back on the track and create tomorrow’s karting legends today.
“We need the great talent to be more recognizable; to be bigger than life. Even if it is for just one race a year. This race will assign bragging rights – for motor builders and drivers. There is no point in finishing second,” he said.
It appears the Rock Island Grand Prix presented by AT&T is well along toward that goal.
Wehrheim will be racing a Top Kart Flash with Bridgestone tires. They are still working on motor specifics, he said. He has been racing karts since 1998 and last season campaigned in the VW Jetta TDI Cup Series. He has also been an instructor at the Skip Barber Racing School and competed in the Barber series. In 2009 eKartingNews.com honored him as the Top Driver in North America. He is a multi-time national race winner and World Karting Assn. National Champion. He also offers personal driver coaching and owns Rising Star Motorsports Development.
Giessen will be driving a Lynn Haddock tuned, IAME powered Margay on Bridgestone tires. He got his first kart at age 3 and started racing at 7. He currently owns Mike Giessen Racing Inc. He is a nine time WKA points champion including a Triple Crown in 1999. He has 13 WKA Grand National victories and also owns an International Karting Assn. Duffy and Eagle. He was the 1999 Junior Mechanic of the Year. Giessen also has competed in Skip Barber, ran five races in Formula Renault 2000 US and two years of United Auto Racing Assn. Late Models in the South.
Russell Jr. will be driving an IAME powered Parolin kart on Dunlop tires. He has been karting for 28 years and owns 7 WKA Enduro Championships, 6 IKF Grand National Championships and 4 KART National Championships. He was the 2007 eKartingNews Road Racer of the Year and the 2009 Machismo 500 champion. He operates Russell Karting Specialties in Raymore, Mo.
Jones will be driving a Parilla powered CRG on MG tires. He is a 3 time IKF Grand National winner with Expert status and 2005 TAG World Champion. He has also been a two-time pole sitter in S4 at SKUSA Grand Nationals. He operates The Kart Shop in Sachse, Texas.
Doty said he will run a Haase chassis and Vega tires with the motor still under discussion. Doty has over 20 national championships in both two- and four-stroke racing. He owns 10 IKF Duffys and Expert status in both two-and four-cycle racing. He has previous experience and wins on street courses including the legendary Elkart Grand Prix. Doty began his career in 1986 and had a long run as an Emmick driver before attaching himself to the Margay brand. He almost won the 1995 CIK North American Karting Championships until a crash with Dan Wheldon took out both he and Jenson Button after he had turned the second fastest lap behind Giorgio Pantano. He later raced dirt modifieds.
“These are the kinds of drivers we expected would come out for a race of this magnitude,” Ruthhart noted recently. “We know there are more equally high-powered names in the wings who have yet to commit. This is going to be the one race this year that no one is going to want to miss.”
The race guidelines are simple – there aren’t many.
RULES
* 2-cycle single-cylinder, non-shifter motors only. No Wankels, no duals.
* Engines and karts do not need to be homologated. 150cc maximum motor displacement.
* Tech is bore and stroke only.
* No forced induction
* Open tires and compounds. No tire prep allowed. Class does NOT have to qualify and race on the same tires.
* Open fuel, except no hydrazine or carcinogenic compounds.
* Class will run Pre Final and Final
* 100cc motors will run at 300 lbs.
* 116cc motors will run at 335 lbs.
* 125cc motors will run at 350 lbs.
* 135cc motors will run at 375 lbs.
* 150cc motors will run at 400 lbs.
* 125cc balance shaft motors (ie Rotax and KF) will run at 400 lbs.
* 150cc balance shaft motors will run at 425 lbs.
* Drivers: Senior only, age 16 and up
* Different motors may be used, but all are subject to tech.
* Bodywork is open yet must reasonably conform to the footprint of a traditional kart. Bodywork must not constitute a safety hazard to the driver or other competitors. RIGP tech officials reserve the right to declare an entry as non-conforming, unsafe and/or require modifications as needed. Bodywork may not be substantively altered after pre-race tech inspection. All rulings by RIGP tech officials regarding bodywork are considered final and are non-appealable to the race director. If a competitor has concerns about conforming bodywork, the competitor may submit designs, drawings or photos to the tech committee for review prior to the event. Submissions due by August 1. Prior review does in no way guarantee approval at the event.
2-22-11 go to top
SONYA NICOLE PRIEBE NAMED WINNER IN
ROCK ISLAND GRAND PRIX LOGO CONTEST
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – The Rock Island Grand Prix presented by AT&T has announced that Sonya Nicole Priebe is the winner of the Rock Island Grand Prix Logo Contest sponsored by campaignpros.com .
The contest was open to high school- and college-age students and offered a $250 scholarship and VIP race passes to the winning logo designer. Logos could be submitted either as finished art or concept sketches. The art staff at Campaign Pros, Rock Island, turned concepts into finished products to make those entries competitive.
Entries were narrowed to nine finalists from which the winner was selected. Judging was done by the Rock Island Grand Prix’s marketing advisory committee and staff at Campaign Pros. The finalists were Black Deister, T.J. Koyen, Joshua Ballard, Andrew Pham, Zak Kapua, Terrance Gray, Amanda Merritt and Chad Salisbury as well as Ms. Priebe.
Ms. Priebe, 21, is a native of Port Byron, Ill. now living in Rock Island. She is a 2008 graduate of Rock Island High School now in her third year of study at Black Hawk College, Moline. She will graduate in December 2011 with an associate degree in Arts and Science and Visual Communications. She then plans to continue her education at the Art Institute where she will earn a bachelors degree in graphic design and then as masters degree so she can teach college level graphic design courses.
The logo will be the official mark of the event and be use on a variety of advertising and promotional materials as well as merchandise.
This year’s Rock Island Grand Prix will be held Sept. 3-4 in Rock Island’s Downtown Arts & Entertainment District. Race details are available on the Grand Prix website at rockislandgrandprix.com or ridistrict.com .
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ROCK ISLAND GRAND PRIX’S KING OF THE STREETS WINNER TO EARN USF2000 TEST DAY
INDIANAPOLIS – Since 1994, some of karting’s biggest names have gathered each Labor Day weekend in Rock Island, Ill., with an eye on being crowned “King of the Streets.” In 2011, winning that title will come with an added bonus.
The Mazda Road to Indy and INDYCAR have announced it will award a test day in a Cooper Tires Presents the USF2000 National Championship powered by Mazda car to the driver that wins King of Streets at the Rock Island Grand Prix presented by AT&T.
The test drive is just part of a multi-year partnership between the Rock Island Grand Prix and INDYCAR.
“The Mazda Road to Indy was created to develop Formula car drivers, but linking it to karting events such as the Rock Island Grand Prix is essential in growing the program,” said Jason Penix, manager of grassroots marketing for INDYCAR. “Karting is the foundation of the Mazda Road to Indy and we are looking forward to building a link with the young drivers that want to further their career.
“I know the important role karting plays in the career of a young driver. Hopefully, those young drivers find that the Mazda Road to Indy is the best proving ground for them when they are ready to progress into cars. We’re looking forward to seeing who will win the title King of the Streets this year and to working with them during their test day.”
The winner’s USF2000 test day will be part of a program that the Mazda Road to Indy will announced at a later date. King of the Streets participants will have the option to opt in for the test drive or not, but the drive will be awarded.
“As a premier kart racing event in North America, we have seen top drivers come through Rock Island on their way to higher forms of racing. We know it is possible. The INDYCAR administration under Randy Bernard has made a clear statement in support of these opportunities though its Mazda Road to Indy program and a commitment to help top drivers at each level move up,” said Roger Ruthhart, president of the Rock Island Grand Prix presented by AT&T.
“The timing is perfect for us to work closely with INDYCAR to assure that karting’s top competitors are aware of the Mazda Road to Indy opportunities and for INDYCAR to be more visible in all levels including karting. Both organizations will benefit from planned cross promotion. We would like to thank Ruthie Forbes from GRand Solutions for facilitating this deal and we look forward to working with Jason Penix and the staff at INDYCAR on this program from which both organizations should benefit for years to come.”
The Rock Island Grand Prix - recognized as the world’s largest karting street race - will be celebrating its 17th anniversary on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-4, 2011. It routinely draws entries from throughout the United States and Canada, competing for one of karting’s largest purses. It has also hosted racers from Italy, France, Colombia, Costa Rica, England, Argentina, Bermuda, the Philippines and Mexico. It includes 15 feature races in 4-cycle, 2-cycle, TAG and shifter classes.
Race details are available on the Grand Prix website at rockislandgrandprix.com or ridistrict.com
1-12-2011 go to top
Are you ready for the test of the Pro Open Championship?
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. -- The explosion of spec classes in kart racing is great for those who are looking for an easy entry into the sport. But what about those who want to compete at the very pinnacle of karting?
Innovation is part of the fabric of the sport, dating back to the early days when guys built their own frames in the garage, strapped on a couple of McCulloughs and went racing in parking lots. Today’s karts have come a long way, thanks to a spirit of trial and innovation that continues to run through the sport’s veins.
But little remains to encourage true innovation. Until now.
On Sept. 2-4, 2011, the Rock Island Grand Prix presented by AT&T, the world’s largest karting street race, will feature the 2-cycle Pro Open Championship. The goal of this race, according to Rock Island Grand Prix president Roger Ruthhart, is to shake the cob webs off of the sport, challenge the world’s great engine builders and mechanics, put some of the sport’s best drivers back on the track and create tomorrow’s karting legends today.
“Many of karting’s great drivers are currently turning wrenches on the sidelines for junior racers, or working as driving instructors – their best option to make money in the sport they love. Our hope is that they will jump back into the seat and help us show everyone how thrilling kart races can be,” Ruthhart said.
“At the same time there may be talented drivers who have never competed at the national level who can prove that their name deserves to be mentioned in the same breath with the top dogs. Or basement motor builders who can build something better than the big-names in karting. We say – ‘Bring it on’,” said Ruthhart.
“Remember the days when names like Elliott, Jones, Rudolph, Birdsell, Valiente, Evans, Gidley and others where legends? It’s time to create some new legends for our sport,” Ruthhart added.
“We need the great talent to be more recognizable; to be bigger than life. Even if it is for just one race a year. This race will assign bragging rights – for motor builders and drivers. There is no point in finishing second.”
The guidelines are simple – there aren’t many.
RULES
* 2-cycle single-cylinder, non-shifter motors only. No Wankels, no duals.
* Engines and karts do not need to be homologated. 150cc maximum motor displacement.
* Tech is bore and stroke only.
* No forced induction
* Open tires and compounds. No tire prep allowed. Class does NOT have to qualify and race on the same tires.
* Open fuel, except no hydrazine or carcinogenic compounds.
* Bodywork open
* 100cc motors will run at 300 lbs.
* 116cc motors will run at 335 lbs.
* 125cc motors will run at 350 lbs.
* 135cc motors will run at 375 lbs.
* 150cc motors will run at 400 lbs.
* 125cc balance shaft motors (ie Rotax and KF) will run at 400 lbs.
* 150cc balance shaft motors will run at 425 lbs.
* Drivers: Senior only, age 16 and up
* Class will run Pre Final and Final
There’s your challenge to start thinking outside the box. Grab that old motor off the shelf and figure out how you can make it more powerful; how you can make the chassis lighter; who you can get to drive it who will do more than hold on for dear life. Got an old Formula A, ICA or Formula Y motor with no where to race it? Join the fun.
The streets of Rock Island are waiting. The 750-foot straights will allow these beasts to really stretch their legs. The thousands of spectators lining the streets will be screaming in ecstasy and bowing down at the feet of the top motor builder and team in North America.
The full Rock Island Grand Prix 2011 race program will be announced in February.
Thanks to Keith Freber at Margay and Lynn Haddock, Haddock Ltd., for their assistance in putting these guidelines together. Several top motor builders have already committed to enter. Who is going to challenge them for supremacy? Is your team up to the challenge?
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