ROCK ISLAND GRAND PRIX AUGUST NEWSLETTER

These newsletters are getting tough to write in 2009. As always if you would like to be removed from this list, just reply stating such and we will do so right away.

Pre-entries for this year´s event continue to be scary. 4-cycle, Yamaha and Rotax classes are the worst. The two Junior classes which were recently added, also remain low. Even the larger classes like King of the Streets aren´t near where we would like them to be. If everyone who has told us they plan to race, or said they have talked with others who plan to race, signs up in the next few weeks, we should be OK. We need to double the number of entries we currently have. If we do not, this likely will be the last year for "The Rock." Our organization can´t sustain the type of financial hits we have had the past two years and still be able to finance a "next" year. So perhaps that´s an incentive for some to attend.

We are still intent on putting on our usual great event and refuse to cut corners in that regard. As noted earlier, if entries to not reach expectations, the purse will be cut or perhaps even eliminated.

Also, just a reminder that after Friday, August 14, entry fees will increase. They will increase again on race weekend. Since we are now after August 1, withdrawls will be considered on a case-by-case basis but generally will NOT be granted as stated in our Supplemental Rules.

Beyond the note of concern, we are really looking forward to seeing all of your again. We are excited about the return of the Junior classes to the race lineup and hope you will all help spread the word regarding the addition of those classes. We have assembled our same great race team, will again have Rob Howden on the PA broadcasting throughout the downtown, and are happy to welcome back The Brat Pack for the Friday night concert and The Travoltas for Saturday and Sunday, along with opening acts. These will again be all-ages shows.

If you haven´t caught the countdown of the Top 15 performances over the previous 14 years of the Rock Island Grand Prix on Ekartingnews.com, be sure to check them out for regularly for updates.

We would also like to thank both Ekartingnews.com and National Kart News for their generous donations of support to help sustain our event through a tough 2009. We would also like to thank AT&T, Zimmerman Honda, Kartfinder.com, the Quad City River Bandits baseball team and Jim and Debra Sharkey for their support.

Hopefully we will have some more "good news" updates between now and race day. But at this point, that all depends on our race friends. Get those entries in.

Also, we are always in need of volunteers on race weekend. If you have friends that would like to be a corner marshal, work a pit gate, help conduct surveys, or many other duties, there is always a need for volunteer help. Give our office a call at 309- 292-8133.

See you soon!!