The Rock Island Grand Prix encourages participation by drivers from all sanctioning bodies including CIK, WKA, IKF, SKUSA, IRA, KART, TAG International and Stars of Karting. Where there is a conflict in rules, the more lenient rule will be enforced except where a specific rule has been specified. We reserve the right to refuse entry to drivers with no national driving experience.

1. The race steering committee has the power to change, modify or regroup the race program and reduce the number of laps in a race. Any modifications not covered by the rules will be considered illegal.

2. Races will run rain or shine. If the track is declared “WET” competitors may choose which tires they desire to qualify or race with. Teams will initially be given time to change tires and setup. From that point on, race officials will make “recommendations” with regards to track conditions, but the decision whether to change or not, and when to change, will be up to the individual race teams. Subsequent breaks to change between wet and dry setups will not be given. If you have questions about the race format, please see Race Director Terry Riggins and his staff.

3. IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: Due to the growth of this event, the organizing committee has elected to put caps on classes at this year's Rock Island Grand Prix. A maximum of four classes will be allowed to exceed the 30 entry limit and have a maximum of 55 entries and will run a last chance qualifier. The FIRST FOUR classes to surpass the 30 entry mark will be capped at 55. The remaining classes will cap at 30 entries. ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED IN THE ORDER THEY REGISTER. There will be no exceptions. Waiting lists will be maintained as needed up until August 1. After August 1, refunds for drivers who withdraw will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and generally refunds will NOT be given. If a class has not reached 10 entries prior to August 1, race organizers may cancel the class.

4. IMPORTANT, READ CAREFULLY: All racers are asked to register by Friday, August 15, 2008. There will be a $25 per entry penalty (i.e. $100 instead of $75) for registrations postmarked after August 15. Racers who enter AFTER 5 p.m., Thursday, August 28, will pay a $100 late fee (i.e. $175 instead of $75).

5. Professionalism: Due to the stature of the event and the number of spectators and media it attracts, the Rock Island Grand Prix expects all race teams to conduct themselves in the most professional manner possible. Uniforms should be clean - they reflect on your team and your sponsors. Consumption of alcohol, foul language, and fighting in the paddock/pit area will not be tolerated during competition. Smoking in the pit/paddock area is strongly discouraged and forbidden with 50 feet of the fuel truck. Race teams may face penalties up to and including disqualification of the team's driver(s) if these rules are violated. Also please remember the spectators. Engage them in conversation; welcome them into your tent; let the kids see your kart. They may be a future racer or sponsor. Downtown businesses are kind enough to let us use their parking lots for this event. Please treat their property with respect and leave it in the condition it was found. Do not drive on the grass and do not move concrete parking stops. Your entry means you agree to assume responsibility, and pay for any damage left behind. PLEASE NOTE: Any competitors caught cutting pit fence to leave early will be banned from future events.

6. Inspection: Pre-race tech inspection/scrutineering will take place from 2-5 p.m. Friday at the off-site staging area and from 6-8:30 p.m. Friday under the tent on the pre-grid. Racers should bring their kart, all safety apparel, and be prepared to complete the Technical Inspection Passport (provided at pre-race inspection). All karts and helmets must pass inspection prior to running. All karts involved in on-track accidents must be reinspected by tech officials/scrutineers. All drivers involved in accidents must be released by medical staff before returning to race.

7. Pre-grid Inspection: On pre-grid, karts may be checked for width, wheel size, fuel, oil & air box sniffed, clutch RPM, tire compliance, 4 visible numbers and final visual safety check. Tires will be marked prior to qualifying as required. Use of tire warmers at any time will NOT be allowed.

8. Bodywork: Nose Cones are MANDATORY. You can run whatever the various sanctioning bodies allow for sprint racing but full nose cones are allowed in 4-cycle classes only. Yamaha classes must run CIK bodywork. Side pods MAY extend beyond the wheels.

9. Qualifying: Starting order will be established by qualifying during practice using transponders. If a class has more than 30 entries, the top 25 racers will automatically qualify for the main with the remainder of the class running a last chance qualifier race to qualify for the final 5 starting positions. No purse is paid for qualifying race. All qualifying will be run on Saturday. No more than 30 entries will be run in any race. No more than 55 entries will be accepted in any class, based on the order they are received.

10. Scales: All competitors must weigh-in after the race. No team members are allowed near the kart until after weigh-in. No leaving the scale area or re-weighing.

11. Numbers: Numbers will be assigned by race officials. Numbers must be visible on all four sides of the kart. Numbers should be at least 5 inches tall with no shadowing, outlining, pin-striping, etc. allowed on numbers. Rear number panels must be fastened so that they do not “sail” when the kart is in motion. On 4-cycle karts with full bodywork, the front numbers must be flat and SHOULD NOT wrap over the top of the wheel well. Numbers will be a pre-tech item. Race officials may require you to change numbers to avoid duplication. Regional designators will NOT be recognized. Karts not running assigned numbers can be disqualified.

12. LTO Chassis: Offset, or left-turn-only chassis, are allowed but tech officials can require drivers to make whatever adjustments they deem necessary to the chassis setup to assure safe handling of the kart.

13. Weights: Weights can be either double-nutted or single-nutted and wired or pinned as per IKF and WKA rules. If weights are attached to bumpers then bumpers must also be double-nutted and/or single-nutted and pinned. Weights may be bolted to the inside of bumpers at the discretion of the tech inspector. Any weights or clamping devices outside the dimensions of the kart frame are subject to legal approval of the tech official/scrutineer.

14. Yellow Flag: Due to the nature of the track at Rock Island, the yellow flag is used in two different ways. A WAVING yellow means there is imminent danger in that corner. Racers should acknowledge, slow and hold their position. A HELD yellow means that potential danger lies in the NEXT corner. Drivers should continue racing until they see a waving yellow.

15. Red Flag: A race can be ruled official after a red flag if more than half of the laps have been completed. If two red flags occur in the same race, that race can be ruled official regardless of the number of laps completed.

16. Blue Flag: The blue flag will be shown to racers when they are about to be lapped by faster traffic. It may be shown at the flag stand or by one of the assistant race directors. When a racer receives the blue flag, he/she MUST acknowledge it with a hand signal, hold their racing line, and allow faster traffic to pass. Failure to do so will result in a penalty ranging from loss of position up to disqualification, at the discretion of the race director. If a driver flagrantly disregards the blue flag and fails to hold his/her line, or in the judgment of the race director becomes a problem on the track, they will be immediately black flagged. The faster, overtaking kart should make every effort to choose a racing line that will avoid lapped traffic. Failure to avoid a slower kart, which has acknowledged the blue flag and is holding its racing line, could result in a penalty assessed against the overtaking kart, up to and including disqualification at the discretion of the race director.

17. Payout: Classes with 1-10 entries will pay 1-2-3 places; classes with 11-20 entries will pay through fifth place; classes with over 20 entries will pay nine places.

18. Safety: Safety is of the utmost concern at the Rock Island Grand Prix.
A. Helmets: Drivers’ helmets must pass inspection prior to racing. . A driver must wear a helmet with efficient and unbreakable protection for the
eyes. For all classes, helmets must comply with the following prescriptions: Snell Foundation, SA 2000, K2005, SA2005; British Standards Institution A type and A/FR type BS6658-85 including any amendments; SFI Foundation Inc. spec. SFI 31.1A and 31.2A (USA). Any newer models are also acceptable.

B. Gloves, neck collar, approved footwear covering the ankles and approved leather or cordura racewear are MANDATORY.

19. More safety: No scooters, bicycles, skateboards or roller blades are allowed in the pit area. No warnings, no exceptions for safety and insurance reasons. If found they will be impounded at the tech area until the completion of racing Sunday.

20. Scoring: Transponders are provided to assure accuracy in scoring and timing. 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 mounted 6-8 inches back from the front of the sidepod on either side. 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.

CLASSES
A. Ages: In general, ages for Junior class are 12-15. Ages for senior classes are age 16 and over. The exception are classes run under SKUSA, TAG or CIK rules in which the senior age is 15 and over, or where license determines eligibility. Please see those specific rules for details.

B. King of the Streets: The King of the Streets race is for SuperPro level drivers and will run under 2008 Superkarts! USA rules. Drivers must be an active member of Superkarts! USA. Participants must also display SKUSA and MG tires stickers (available in your registration packet) in designated locations or forfeit position and all prize money. See spec fuel and tire rules below. After Finals, top 5 finishers will be impounded. Teams should be prepared for teardown and have a crew member ready with tools to assist.

C. 125cc Moto, 125cc Masters and Stock Moto: 125cc Moto class will run 2008 SKUSA S1 rules with no ICC motors permitted. 125cc Masters will run G1 rules. Stock Moto will run 2008 SKUSA S3 rules. Both classes will run an open tire rule, maximum 5 inch size. After Finals, top 5 finishers will be impounded. Teams should be prepared for teardown and have a crew member ready with tools to assist. See Spec fuel rules below.

D. Intercontinental C: This ICC class will run CIK/Stars of Karting rules. Drivers are responsible for providing homologation spec sheets for their motor and exhaust pipe at request of Scrutineers. After Finals, top 5 finishers will be impounded. Teams should be prepared for teardown and have a crew member ready with tools to assist. See spec fuel rules below.

E. Yamaha/HPV Classes: Old-style Yamaha cylinders are NOT legal. PRD motors are welcome in the 2-cycle Super Sportsman Medium and Heavy classes. Both classes will run RLV Pro Can exhaust (SSX or SSX-V). NEW! 2-cycle Pipe Heavy (formerly Yamaha pipe class) will allow Yamaha as well as HPV with 3- and 4-pipes. Yamaha and HPV-4 will run at 360 pounds; HPV-3 at 320 pounds. Tom Argy Jr. Sportsman class will run RLV Standard Can exhaust (YBX). PLEASE NOTE: Spec cans are no longer provided. Exhaust cans of the top finishers may be cut open as part of the tech inspection process. In these cases, competitors will receive a NEW exhaust can provided by RLV Tuned Exhaust. Open tire rule. See Spec Fuel rules below. After Finals, top 5 finishers will be impounded. Teams should be prepared for teardown and have a crew member ready with tools to assist.

F. Tom Argy Jr. Sportsman: Along with their registration forms, participants in this class are required to also submit a Racing Resume. Resume should include your racing background and the names and phone numbers for race directors for series or tracks in which you have raced. If you enter online, this can be emailed or mailed separately. If you have been previously approved to compete in this class, you do not have to resubmit a resume. If you have been previously approved for this class, you do not have to resubmit a resume. Race Officials will use this resume in certifying your participation in the event. Top 3 finishers will win gift certificates from Rieken Racing. After Finals, top 5 finishers will be impounded. Teams should be prepared for teardown and have a crew member ready with tools to assist. Open tire rule. See Spec fuel rules below.

G. 4-cycle Animal: Winner of this year's Rumble at The Rock (Animal Medium) will take home $2,000 !! After Finals, top 5 finishers in 4-cycle classes will be impounded. Teams should be prepared for teardown and have a crew member ready with tools to assist. Open tire rule. See Spec fuel rules below.

H. TAG SuperPro: This year the Rock Island Grand Prix has added a TAG SuperPro event. Drivers in the top 10 in points for either the WKA Manufacturer’s Cup TAG class or Snap-on Stars of Karting presented by the Indy Racing League’s Spec Racer class, should register for this event. Former winners of the Rotax, ROK or Easykart Grand Nationals, or Rock Island Grand Prix TAG class, also qualify. National level ICC and ICA drivers who choose to run TAG at the Rock Island Grand Prix will also race in this class. International drivers who have competed at the World Final level for various TAG programs will also be accepted in this class. Other drivers may petition for an invitation. Drivers who race in this class may NOT race in the TAG Senior class. TAG drivers are required to use one set of rain tires and one set of slicks for practice, qualifying and racing. Tires should be presented for marking at pre-race tech/scrutineering.

I. TAG USA: The Touch And Go (TAG) class will run TAG U.S.A. rules. The Top 10 finishers in TAG classes will qualify for the TAG World Finals. If you intend to use this race to qualify for the World Finals, you must hold a TAG U.S.A. license prior to competing. TAG International rules as they exist on August 1, 2008 will be applied at the Rock Island Grand Prix. Rules will be available by request. Masters is for drivers age 35 and over. The optional rule that allows drivers over 200 lbs. to run in the TAG Masters class will be allowed only for drivers age 30 and over. Drivers racing Masters under this rule will not advance to the TAG World Championships in Masters and if in the Top 10 will be replaced by the next highest-finishing driver. TAG drivers are required to use one set of rain tires and one set of slicks for practice, qualifying and racing. Tires should be presented for marking at pre-race tech/scrutineering. Seals on Rotax motors are not mandatory but passports must be maintained. After Finals, top 5 finishers will be impounded. Teams should be prepared for teardown and have a crew member ready with tools to assist. Tires per TAG Racing specs, mandatory 5 inch size. See Spec fuel rules below.

J. Exhaust: Mufflers will be required for 4-cycle classes. Airboxes will be required for 100cc 2-cycle clutch classes. Spec cans will no longer be provided for Sportsman can classes (see details under Rule E. above).

K. FUEL: All classes will run spec fuel this year at Rock Island. VP Fuel will be on site to provide 98, 110 and methanol fuels. Spec oil is NOT required. Fuel is NOT INCLUDED in the entry fee and will be handled on a cash-only basis between competitors and VP. ICC will run 98 octane; Other shifter classes will run 110; TAG classes will run 98 octane; Yamaha will run 110 octane and all 4-cycle classes will run spec methanol. Drivers must provide their own federal/state approved containers for fuel. Fuel will be available on Saturday and until noon Sunday and possibly Friday night. Courtesy fuel test is available Saturday morning ONLY at tech area next to scales.

L. Tires: Spec tires for King of the Streets will be MG FZ or whatever tire is specified by SKUSA rules at the time of the race. ICC class will run Stars of Karting spec Bridgestone tires. TAG classes will run approved TAG compounds. All other classes will run Open Tires. Tires are NOT part of the registration fee and will NOT be available at the track. In King of the Streets, ICC and TAG classes, tires will be marked before qualifying and drivers must race on the same tires they qualify with. In the event that a tire becomes unsafe outside of normal race wear, it MAY be replaced WITH PRIOR APPROVAL and supervision of the head tech official/scrutineer. Use of tire warmers is NOT allowed.

M. Starting procedure: Gearbox classes will use double file grid, standing start with one lap warmup. 2-cycle Pipe Heavy and TAG classes will have one warm up lap, double file grid and then a rolling start. 4-cycle classes, and Yamaha can classes, will have no warm up lap and will grid on front straight along the south curb. Standing start.

O. Drafting: Drafting is permitted during qualifying and competition. Contact between competitors is not permitted. ‘Bump’ drafting is allowed EXCEPT in King of the Streets, ICC, 125cc Moto, 125cc Stock Moto, TAG SuperPro, TAG Sr., Masters and Heavy, and Tom Argy Jr. Sportsman.

PROTESTS
Protests must be filed IN WRITING WITH THE RACE DIRECTOR within 30 minutes of the posting of race results. Official Results will be posted on the windows of The Argus Building. A $50 Cash Protest Fee must also be paid at the time a protest is filed. If the ruling is in favor of the driver filing the protest, that driver will get the Protest Fee back. In the case of a protest over another driver's engine, the protester will receive the Protest Fee back if the engine is found illegal. The driver whose engine is torn down will receive the Protest Fee if the engine is found to be legal. If a protest not involving an engine is disallowed, the race organization will keep the protest fee.

CHECK-IN
Pits will be open from 6-11 p.m. Friday night. Drivers arriving before 7 p.m. Friday should report to the Quad City Expo Center parking lot five blocks east of the track and await pitting instructions. Registration will be open for check-in from 2-10 p.m. Friday at the Rock Island Holiday Inn (formerly the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel) one block from the track. Saturday check-in is from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Holiday Inn, Rock Island. All racers should check-in prior to entering the pit/paddock area. Other than attached tractors, there will be NO tow vehicles or motor homes allowed in the pits this year. Vehicles that “won’t start” will be towed at the owner’s expense. The only exception is if the kart comes out of the vehicle (that is, competitor's equipment is stored exclusively in the motor home) and there is no other way to secure it, and semi tractors.

PRACTICE
There will be a MANDATORY DRIVERS’ MEETING at 7:15 a.m. Saturday morning. There will be NO Sunday driver’s meeting. No drivers will be allowed on the track for practice without a helmet and kart tech sticker. Saturday practice rounds will be continuous 5 minute sessions run from 8:30 a.m. with no more than 30 karts on the track at a time. Qualifying will be done during practice. Sunday practice time may be limited depending on the number of class entries and qualifying races required. Sunday practice will begin at 8:30 a.m. and run by class in race order.

QUESTIONS
If you have questions regarding registration, sponsorship, rules or technical questions, or the Rock Island Grand Prix in general, call the Grand Prix Office at (309) 292-8133 or email grandprix@qconline.com.