Rock island Grand Prix 3 yrs opinion

mike prokup · Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 231

Saw the survey and thought about this race we watch each year. Will not let my kids race it because I think it is dangerous.

In my opinion karts at this race are too fast for the streets they run on and the wrecks are violent.

What if...they had the race in jumpers casino parking lot laid out like a skusa circuit in Vegas? I would let my kids race.

The casino is in rock island. Forget the history blah blah... Most of the people reminiscing are resting in peace.

Keith Bridgeman · Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2012 7:31 pm Post subject:

What the? I think the many people that have run the event would disagree. Little kids shouldn't run it.
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Jim McMahon · Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2012 7:39 pm Post subject:

My vote is an uncategorical, unequivocal, no.
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Andrew M. Coulter · Joined: 11 Jul 2002 Posts: 147 Location: Quincy IL

I have had 19 starts at the RIGP. I have never been injured or hurt. I have been hurt racing in a MWSS race. I can never figure out why people shy away from this race. The very small amount of drivers that have been hurt in this race, are probably the same drivers that come back next year. Yes there are crashes, but that is street racing. In recent years, the corner workers have been great. The SKUSA Supernats has some pretty crazy wrecks as well.. why do people not shy away from this race!? Confused

mike prokup · Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 231

Don't know why skusa field is packed and rigp isn't. The promoters work very hard at rock island. They deserve bigger fields for their efforts. Hey moving it to a casino looks like the whole field would dissapear Shocked

Chuck Skowron · Joined: 19 Jul 2001 Posts: 1152

mike prokup · Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 231

That is true. Skusa fields are not full in the Midwest.

maybe street racing appeals to some but not others.
Anyway there is a good survey to fill out....

Andrew M. Coulter · Joined: 11 Jul 2002 Posts: 147 Location: Quincy IL

This makes me wonder also why Quincy in the park and Elkhart could pull triple the amount of entries in the 90's. Safety at those two events, well... there wasn't much. Has everyones perspectives of street racing changed that much since then? Or was there a abundance of entries because karting was cheaper back then? Confused

mike prokup · Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 231

It would be nice to hear why people don't race it. The event is very well promoted by good people.

Jeff Salak · Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2012 10:10 pm Post subject:

You rip on this event everytime you can!!!

Your 20 year old son must love this post!

What happens when your son out grows your wallet and he wants to race this event? Shocked

Rich Eisgruber · Joined: 23 Aug 2001 Posts: 474

IMO Rock Island should be a street race
Parking lot races are okay but there is a certain thrill (for me at least) in running and event on city streets.
I ran 5 classes in the last 2 years and can't say enough good things about the event and how it is run. I'm not running this year but it is more due to money in my budget and my health (neck problem) not the safety of the event
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mike prokup · Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 231

Jeff

Not ripping on the event. He can do what he wants on his own money and healthcare.

I asked why more people don't race it. They want to know... They posted a survey.

If the only opinions are from the people that race and like it then fine. But as the post says...opinion and that is what surveys are for. It isn't ripping the event.

A lot of people do not race this event despite how well it is run, promoted...and the cash payouts are big.

Jeff Salak · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2012 5:24 am Post subject:

Mike

All I can say is the 250 racers that show every year. Could care less that your 2 sons dont race this event cause of your safety concern.

The Rock isnt going to move to Jammers so your kids can race. Another thing if it moved. It wouldnt be the RIGP anymore. Dont think it would have its same allure.

I dont recall anyone that has lost there life at this race. The RIP comment is asinine.

Saying how this race is dangerous doent help numbers.

Why have you gone to watch this event for 3 years if its so violent?

mike prokup · Joined: 11 Jan 2009 Posts: 231

Jeff

You are absolutely right.

So you just go on with your day. And 250 racers is a great turnout.

Jeff Salak · Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2012 5:37 am Post subject:

I guess if 252 showed up it would be an even better turn out......