ROCK ISLAND GRAND PRIX FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

Following is the latest information about plans for the 2009 Rock Island Grand Prix, the world´s largest karting street race. Dates for this year´s event are September 4-6. Updated hotel information has been posted on our website.

Please Note: This is only the release of updated information. Registration HAS NOT yet started for this year´s race. Past competitors and others on our contact lists will be notified by email or mail when registration is open.

We would like to point out that Class and Rules decisions made this year and outlined below, benefited from tremendous input by our newly-formed Competition Committee, which includes racers, officials, kart shop owners, media, importers and manufacturers. We would like to thank them for their valuable input and support.

The changes outlined below were not made lightly. After taking a huge financial hit last year due to a decline in entries and last-minute loss of some sponsors, we see 2009 as a survival year. Accordingly, we have had to make some changes in purse payout, raised some fees and added others to assure we can survive. At the same time, we have also instituted discounts to competitors who race more than one class. Fees have not been raised in Rock Island in many, many years and it is our hope that, when the economy returns to normal, we will be able to roll them back again.

CLASS CHANGES
As announced earlier, this year´s King of the Streets race will be run under Superkarts! USA S3 Spec Honda rules. The decision was made jointly by SKUSA and the RIGP and we believe it will serve to rejuvenate the King of the Streets event. Already we have heard from a number of teams planning to compete. We will also be racing ICC/tuned moto and 125 Masters gearbox classes.

King of the Streets will run at a weight of 395 pounds in an effort to attract both lighter and heavier drivers to the race. If registrations exceed 40 entries, the class could be divided and weights adjusted. This year´s winner will receive a $2,000 check, entries to the Superkarts! USA SuperNationals and the Florida Winter Tour January 2010 opening round, and a special Kart Raiser Electric Kart (transportation model with tray valued at approximately $850) supplied by Michael Polizzi and Full Bore Karting LLC, as well as the coveted "Rock" trophy. The race is sponsored by Bob Bondurant Superkart School, Phoenix, Arizona.

Also new this year, we are excited about the addition of Rotax and Rotax Masters running under the Rotax Max Challenge rules. Current plans call for the classes to run together but be scored separately and with a divided purse based on entries. However, good support from Rotax competitors could result in splitting this into two classes. We hope this quickly becomes one of the premier one-off Rotax events in the world. The Rock Island Grand Prix was one of the early supporters of the Rotax program and we are excited to be a part of the 10th anniversary celebration in 2009.

Also new this year will be a Parilla Leopard class run under TAG USA rules. New and old versions of the Leopard motor will be legal, both in this class and TAG Senior and TAG Masters. Other classes returning include two 4-cycle Animal classes, two 2-cycle Sportsman classes, TAG Senior and Masters, 125 Masters, and Yamaha/HPV Pipe Heavy (with some weight adjustments for 2009).

The organizing committee has voted to drop the Junior Yamaha class from the Rock Island Grand Prix lineup. The decision was based on red-flag accidents in that race the past three years. After two consecutive years of red flags, this class was under careful scrutiny in 2008. What happened? We had two wrecks and another red flag on the first lap. The decision will be revisited in 2010.

The addition of Rotax- and Leopard-only classes reflects the growing popularity and availability of those European-made motors. At Rock Island, the Rotax Max series´ Mojo tire will also be allowed as an option in the TAG classes, making it easier for drivers to compete in both. The Leopard-only class will also run TAG USA approved tires and compounds, making those classes compatible as well. Weight adjustments in the 2-Cycle Pipe Heavy class for 2009 find HPV-3 at 350 pounds, Yamahas running at 355 pounds and HPV-4 at 360 pounds. A rolling start will be used.

2009 RACE CLASSES

1. Spec Honda - King of Streets (SKUSA S3 rules at 395 lbs.) 2. ICC & tuned moto (SKUSA- S1 rules - ICC & tuned moto.) 3. 125 Masters (SKUSA G1 Rules - ICC & tuned moto.) 4. Animal Medium - Rumble at the Rock 5. Animal Heavy 6. 2-cycle Sportsman Medium (4 hole can) 7. 2-cycle Sportsman Heavy (4 hole can) 8. Yamaha/HPV Pipe Heavy 9. TAG Senior (TAG USA rules) 10. TAG Masters (TAG USA rules) 11. Rotax Senior & Masters (Rotax Max Challenge rules) 12. Leopard Only (TAG USA rules)

RULES CHANGES

A number of other changes were also made for this year.

* Purse: If there are less than 20 entries in a class, payouts will be made to only the Top Five finishers AND the purse will be cut in half for each. If there are less than 10 entries, and the class is not dropped, payouts will be made only to First, Second and Third.

* Rotax Senior and Masters: This new class will run under Rotax Max Challenge rules. Motors must be sealed per Rotax rules. All competitors must have engine passports. Engine Serial Numbers and Engine Seal Number(s) must be entered on the Pre-Technical Inspection form. When a Rotax engine is subjected to technical inspection, the engine passport must be immediately presented to the inspector upon request. It must show matching engine serial number(s), matching engine seal number(s) and the stamp and signature of the Rotax Authorized Distribution or Service Center. Drivers not presenting the passport, or presenting a passport that does not match the engine, will be disqualified. All seals and passports will be accepted but engines must pass U.S. Rotax regulations. Competitors will run Mojo tires. Mojo tires will also be legal in TAG Senior or Masters for drivers who want to compete in both.

* IAME Leopard Class: This class will run per TAG USA rules. 2009 Leopard motors will be allowed. Tires will be marked and compounds allowed as per TAG USA rules.

* Pre-Tech: Pre-tech inspections of karts and helmets are required before going on the track. Drivers who arrive Friday are expected to complete the Pre-tech procedure on Friday -either during the day in the staging area or Friday evening on the pre- grid. There will be NO Saturday pre-tech EXCEPT for drivers arriving after 8 p.m. Friday. "Late Pre-Tech" passes will be issued by Registration and will be done by approval of the registrar only. You may also be required to pay a Late Fee. Competitors are highly encouraged to complete the review process on Friday.

* Tires: Specified tire brands and makes must be followed in classes in which they are specified. Other classes will have "open" selection of tires and compounds. In ALL CLASSES drivers must qualify and race on the same set of tires. Also, all 4 tires must be of the same make and compound. Tire changing after qualifying will result in disqualification. Tires are not part of the registration fee and will NOT be available at the track. In the event that a tire becomes unsafe outside of normal race wear, it MAY be replaced WITH PRIOR APPROVAL and supervision of a tech official/scrutineer. Use of tire warmers at any time is NOT allowed. Tire prep/cutting is also NOT allowed.

Scoring: Transponders are provided to assure accuracy in scoring and timing. The charge for the weekend is $35. Brackets are available for purchase for $10. If you own your own transponder, you may use it but must provide the number at registration and you are responsible for its operation. Transponders should be securely mounted on the kart either 6-8 inches back from the front of the sidepod on either side, or 9.5 inches back from the center of the kingpin. There should be no metal between the transponder and the track surface. Drivers are responsible for returning their transponder to race officials upon crossing scales. If you do not, you will be charged for it.

Professionalism: Consumption of alcohol, foul language and fighting in the pit/paddock/tech area will not be tolerated during competition. Drivers, mechanics & technical personnel, family and guests will be considered part of the team. Penalties up to and including banning of individuals or disqualification of the team´s driver may be assessed by the Race Director or his designated authority.

Entry Fees: Entry fees for this year´s RIGP have been raised by $25. However if you enter a second class the fee is reduced $15 and if you enter a third class it is reduced another $10. Fees for pits have been increased $10 per 20x20 foot space.

All of these changes will be specified in the Supplemental Rules in the Official Entry Packet and online. If there is a discrepancy, the version published in the Supplemental Rules is official.

MAZDA OFFER REMINDER
Don´t forget about the Mazda Motorsports S-Plan pricing which allows karters associated with the Rock Island Grand prix an approximately 2-percent discount below the dealer invoice price on the purchase of a new Mazda. Mazda is hoping to sell 1,000 cars attributed to this program by the end of March. Whether you need a CX-7 or CX-9 crossover SUV, the all-new 2009 MAZDA6, the innovative MAZDA5 multi-activity vehicle, the superb MAZDA3, the MX-5 Miata or the rotary-powered RX-8, this program can be applied.
To take advantage of this special offer, go to www.MazdaUSA.com/splan .Click on the "Create a PIN" link near the bottom of the page. Complete the form using our Partner ID, M000730.Once you have your PIN in-hand, take it to the Mazda dealer of your choice and they´ll help you drive off in the Mazda of your dreams. You can also find a link to this information on the Rock Island Grand Prix home page.
As one of over 8,000 MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development team members, you have the power to share this offer with friends and family who may be considering the purchase of a new car or SUV.

REMEMBER - Rock Island Grand Prix Registration is NOT YET open. You will be notified soon when you can begin registering.

The Rock Island Grand Prix is a registered trademark. For more information on the Rock Island Grand Prix, visit our web site at www.rockislandgrandprix.com .