With the uncertainty of when the state will reach Phase 5 of Restore Illinois, and with a strong commitment to the health and safety of the racers, volunteers, staff and spectators, the Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest karting street race, has announced that this year’s Labor Day weekend event will not be held. Planning has already begun for 2021.
Scott Barnes a frequent competitor in the Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix posted on social media, “Sad day for only the 2nd time since 2001, I won’t be spending labor day weekend in Rock Island. One of my favorite weekends of the year, but RIGP 2021 will be bigger and better than ever.
“In the end, we simply felt that there were too many obstacles to hold the races this year,” said Roger Ruthhart, race president.
The Grand Prix is the biggest weekend event of the year in Rock Island and race organizers were planning to expand the offerings even more in 2020.
Teams at Rock Island last year represented Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Missouri, Massachusetts, Indiana, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, Kansas, Tennessee, Maryland, and Arizona as well as Canada and Bermuda. Rock Island is licensed through the United States Auto Club (USAC) and is on the ACCUS calendar so that drivers from any country can compete. There have been drivers from 8 foreign countries and 13 foreign winners.
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