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 September 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 rockislandgrandprix@gmail.com. New partners and their ideas are welcome to the committee.

“We know that the Quad-Cities is a great market for an event like ours, served by a great Interstate highway network and awesome air service, but the Midwest also has a limited racing season. We have great promotional opportunities, long-time sponsor support, top-rate social media, great local media partners, a long partnership with Margay/Ignite Racing, eKartingnews, and the best track announcers in the sport,” said Ruthhart.

“But it has to make sense financially and this year it just didn’t as the economy made costs skyrocket. We have a great history in Rock Island but at this time we are looking at everything and will work closely with whatever makes the most sense and is the best financial partnership.”

“Reviewing safety issues is a priority too,” Ruthhart added.

“We’ve been showing off the Quad-Cities for more than 30 years and people leave town with good things to say. That will also continue to be a high priority,” he said.

Rock Island is located in an area known as the Quad-Cities, equally divided between Illinois and Iowa, with a metropolitan population of 350,000. It is home to the Rock Island Arsenal military base and corporate headquarters for John Deere in Moline, Ill. The race has featured competitive teams from 39 states as well as 11 foreign teams and 14 foreign winners.

Sponsors for the event include: Mediacom, Simpson Motorsports, Bally’s Quad-Cities Casino & Hotel, National Karting Alliance, Margay Racing and Hoosier Kartsport, Group O, Illinois Casualty Co., Neilson Trucking, Shaw Electric, Natures Treatment Illinois, Hiland Toyota, Lincoln Electric, Speedway Fire & Rescue, RLV Tuned Exhaust, CBS TV4 / Fox 18 and CW, the local iHeart Radio stations: Big 106.5, Fox Sports QC, WOC and WLLR, QC Sports Net, Schurr Power Racing Engines and Tyler Schurr Racing, Sunbelt Rentals, Johannes Bus Service, C&W and Sons Trucking, Holiday Inn Rock Island, eKartingNews.com, Key Auto Mall, Gas & Electric Credit Union, One Stop Printing, QC Restoration, Get In The Stands, Unified Scale,  Duncalf Racing, Fastenal, Hughes Tire, RIGP Corner Workers and 61 Kartway.

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