The 29th edition of Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix presented by The Hemp Doctor will welcome the first ever new track location and layout this Labor Day weekend. The August 31-September 1 street race in Rock Island, Illinois was forced to move its location in the downtown region that is currently under an $8.7 million rebuild project.

The result of the construction – which is focused on new streets, sidewalk, sewer and water renovation, and more – equates to several downtown streets being torn up and under construction, including those utilized around the original Rock Island Grand Prix course. Every day-to-day basic transportation needs around the construction region are vital, including the main connection between Illinois and Iowa.

“There are a number of new twists and turns challenging our organization with the task of putting on the 2024 Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix presented by The Hemp Doctor,” stated Roger Ruthart, President of the Rock Island Grand Prix. “The construction left us with very little options in terms of where we could hold the event. This new track location was approved by the city council, but not until after the launch of the construction program in April. Because of the timing, it’s put us behind in planning compared to other years. Now that we have a location set, we are catching up and looking to make this a fun and unique version of the Rock Island GP. It’s a huge effort just to hold the event on the same track each year, so this time will be a monumental challenge for all that are involved.”

The track itself moves to the west, utilizing the area between 16th and 18th Street along with 3rd and 5th Avenue. Overall, the track is a bit shorter than the original layout, however, still features six turns. Three sections of the track – from the third turn through turn six – will be where the pits, scale line and pre-grid were originally. The new front straight will be on 5th Avenue, located along the new YWCA that was just constructed. The unique direction of 16th Street and 3rd Avenue creates two unique corners (Turn 1 and Turn 3) – that will not be 90 degree turns. The reserved pit area remains the same parking lot with open pit area hosted along the original front straight. Scales and tech move to the area north of the original Turn 6 (now outside Turn 5) with Pre-Grid location on 5th Avenue, just outside the new Turn 6.

The construction will see two phases completed by the end of the year with about half of the traditional track getting rebuilt and repaved with a smooth concrete surface. Just east of Turn 3 through Turn 4 and Turn 5, finishing up just north of Turn 6 will feature new surface, curbs, lighting, trees and more. Ruthhart confirmed the city’s Public Works Department has always been supportive of the Rock Island Grand Prix, but even more so this year. With the track moving to new sections of the city, work has already begun to repair sections of this year’s track layout.

One of the new aspects of the new location for the Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix presented by The Hemp Doctor is utilizing the new parking lot south of the host hotel – the Holiday Inn. The area inside Turn 2, 3, and 4 is going to be the new Fan Zone for spectators taking in the two days of racing.

“We’re taking over the one block square city parking lot this year,” continued Ruthhart. “It will be in the center of the track with our VIP area and vendors. There are very few buildings in that area, allowing you to watch at least half of the race from that one location. The RIGP brings 15-17,000 spectators or more to town over the two days, all to watch the karters take to the streets of Rock Island.”

Entertainment is coming back to downtown Rock Island during the Labor Day weekend with a free Saturday night concert to be held at the Schwiebert Riverfront Park along the Mississippi River with support from The Hemp Doctor and Southern High Seltzer. More details coming soon.

Registration for the 2024 Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix presented by The Hemp Doctor will open this week. For now, visit www.racerockisland.info

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