Rock Island Grand Prix

09/08/2026

09/08/2026

This past weekend felt a little sad—and a whole lot quieter than we’re used to.

The streets were silent. We got entirely too much sleep. Our hearts didn’t skip a beat, and the thrill meter never even left zero.

There was an undeniable emptiness in missing a weekend that means so much to so many of us. The one bit of comfort? Knowing we weren’t alone in feeling it. Racers, fans, friends, volunteers—the silence was shared.

David Cole of eKartingNews.com, your words definitely have company. We felt every one of them.

Here’s to making sure the streets aren’t this quiet next year.

As I sit here behind my laptop on a Monday evening, it is a different feeling for the first time since 2004. I’m not exhausted from the five-hour drive home, the two days of beating up my body from racing, or the three nights of off-track activities to celebrate the Labor Day weekend. Rather than ...

07/16/2026

ROCK ISLAND, IL -- Faced with growing economic issues outside of its control, the Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s most prestigious karting street race, has decided to suspend the race for 2026. Increasing costs, declining participation at kart races across the country, and the rising costs for air and auto travel for race teams, race officials and spectators, among other issues, were behind the decision. The decision by the committee was unanimous.

Planning is already underway for the Sept. 4-5, 2027 Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix and the organization is using the extra time to discuss ways to improve and modernize all aspects of the
event. No further comments will be made until more planning discussions are held. Follow us on social media for updates.

“Having been around as long as we have, lots of things have changed and this is probably an exercise we should have taken in more than 30 years,” said Roger Ruthhart of the Grand Prix.

“Every aspect of the event will be on the table, including race dates, classes, the schedule, the track, rules, the location, safety, and the entire race weekend tourism experience for racers,
spectators and the host community.”

Racers and spectators are encouraged to send comments, ideas and questions to [email protected]. New partners and their ideas are welcome to the committee.

05/01/2026

You’ve shown up for your favorite karting brands year after year—now it’s time to flip the script. 👀

👇 Drop a tag below and tell us:�Who do you trust for your karts, parts, gear, tech, helmets, seats, track-day essentials and more?
Let’s show them the community that’s been backing them all along—and who we’d love to see return the support. 🏁

Thank you to Margay Racing LLC, for being a loyal sponsor on and off the track.

03/13/2026

Ten years ago a young Alexander Koreiba from Missouri took to the streets of Rock Island racing in the Margay Ignite class. He finished 15th. Today he is racing in the IndyCar NXT series with Juncos Hollinger Racing after a stint in sports car racing.

Like other Rock Island alumni before him Scott Speed (Monaco), Joey Hand (Chicago), Graham Rahal (Las Vegas), Nelson Phillippe (Long Beach), Alfonso Ribeiro (Long Beach) and others he will find his experience racing the streets of Rock Island gives him an advantage on professional street courses.

If this is also your dream, follow in his footsteps and race the Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix, Sept. 5-6, 2026. Need a ride? Do like Alexander did and contact Margay for an arrive-and-drive. They will also really help you learn to challenge the streets! As Alexander found out, no matter how you finish in Rock Island, the race will make you a better driver. Maybe someday you'll be racing against him!

01/13/2026

12/25/2025

From all of us at the RIGP, we wish you all a Merry Christmas. 🎄

12/24/2025

This holiday season, unwind at the newly reopened RIBCO in Downtown Rock Island! After all the gift-giving chaos, it's time to kick back with friends and family. Great vibes, delicious drinks, and a warm welcome back to the place we've all missed. Don’t miss out—RIBCO’s ready to make your holiday season even brighter! 🌟🍻

12/10/2025

Do you love watching high-speed action videos? Wish you could shoot your own film at the Grand Prix? Maybe have dreamed of working in the Film/TV/Entertainment industry or meeting people who are?

People like you are who Fresh films would like to get involved in its free Lights! Camera! Future program. One program for teenagers 13-19 after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 34 locations across the country, including Rock Island and a second Accelerated Learning program for young adults ages 18 and over held in Chicago, Rock Island, Gwinnett College, Ga. and Boston. Apply by January 45, 2026 or before.

https://www.facebook.com/FreshFilmsDT

Production Studio. Training Ground.

Using the fun of film to inspire and empower teens across the nation as they build film, tech & workplace skills through free training programs and on-set experiences.

10/22/2025

Get all the details available on the 31st Rock Island Grand Prix:
https://www.racerockisland.info/_files/ugd/c15577_f5c033a5cd674e2cab62cce175ba0cf2.pdf