ROCK ISLAND GRAND PRIX APRIL NEWSLETTER

We are happy to report that early registration is going well. We have received registrations from teams in Florida, Texas, Pennsylvania, New York, South Carolina and California, as well as the Midwest. Many of these states weren´t represented last year when the economy tanked and fuel prices skyrocketed, so we will continue to keep our fingers crossed.

So far, the most popular class has been the Spec Honda King of the Streets race, followed closely by TAG Masters and 125 Masters. If entries continue to rebound as we hope they will, then the caps on the classes will come into play again this year. So be sure to get your entries in early.

Also, remember that early entries will help to determine whether we will split Spec Honda and Rotax Senior/Masters each into two classes.

You can enter online through our secure Web site, www.rockislandgrandprix.com using a credit card, OR print out the 8-page Entry Packet including Supplemental Rules from the Web site and send your entry in with a check or credit card.

Remember to mark your calendar for the Rock Island Grand Prix - September 4-6, 2009. See you soon!

GOOD LUCK ! : We would like to offer our support and best wishes for a safe race to two Rock Island Grand Prix alumni in the field for this year´s Indianapolis 500.
Graham Rahal raced here in 2002 and Nelson Philippe became our second foreign- born winner in 2003. Another alumnus, Phil Giebler, was Indy´s Rookie of the Year in 2007. We are proud of all of their achievements, as well as those of others in the Indy Car and Firstone Indy Lights fields whose racing career started in karts.

WEB UPDATES: Please be sure to check our website periodically for updates. The site also contains links to all of our Sponsors and we invite you to use these and support the businesses that support karting. We also have Myspace and Facebook pages and invite you to become a friend and invite other racers to sign up too. Help us spread the good word about the Rock Island Grand Prix!!

FUN IN THE DISTRICT: For those of you in the Quad-Cities area and the Midwest, don´t forget there is a Gallery Hop! Friday, May 8. Experience this non- stop traveling art party with over 200 local artists in 24 downtown restaurants, galleries, and entertainment venues. Several new downtown venues have been added to this Hop! in an effort to continue to bring artwork to places where you least expect it. Hours are 5 to 10 p.m.. Free shuttle and free admission.

Also coming up soon is the Modern Woodmen Bank Quad-Cities Criterium bicycle races on Memorial Day, May 25, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is the 43rd annual running of this great event with over 600 race entries expected. Just two more ways to have fun in the Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District. For more information visit www.redistrict.com.