QC Grand Prix Draws Racers from 8 Different Countries

It's time for the 26th running of the Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest professional go kart street race.

Each year the race features more than 100 race teams from coast to coast and has had racers from 8 foreign countries.

You will see racing’s stars of the future. Eight former competitors have gone on to race in the Indianapolis 500, IndyCar and Formula 1. "The Rock" features 16 races and lots of other free family entertainment.

The Rock Island Grand Prix is held in the downtown streets of Rock Island. Here's the schedule of events. Take note, there's plenty to do in downtown Rock Island after the races too. There's a DJ at Rozz Tox and you can always take in a show at Circa 21. 

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

7 a.m.: Pits open.

6:30-8 a.m.: Driver sign-in at Holiday Inn, Rock Island.

7 a.m.: Mandatory Driver’s Meeting in front of the Argus Building, 1724 Fourth Ave., by the Pre-Grid.

8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Practice rounds. Six-minute sessions.

10 a.m.: Grand Prix Marketplace vendors open. QC Storm Shoot The Puck and Bradley SAE race team both days.

Noon: Bring a Partner Bags Tournament, 12-1 p.m sign up; 1:30 p.m. start.  Parking Lot C near the Bus Station. Hosted by 4 City Cornhole

1:15-5 p.m.: Heat races.

5 p.m.: Track closes at conclusion of racing.

6 p.m.: Circa 21 Dinner Theatre, “Saturday Night Fever.” Dinner 6 p.m., Pre-Show 7:15; Show 7:45 p.m. $56.55 per person

8 p.m.: Official Grand Prix End of Summer Blowout Party at Billy Bob’s Redneck Party Bar, 1722 Second Avenue. $5 cover charge featuring Scott DuBose and the 101 Ranch and house DJ Shane Brown.

8 p.m.: Rozz Tox, 2108 3rd Ave. All vinyl DJ set, Fresh Wax: Garden of Earthly Delights, with Ryan Simpson spinning psych rock & psych folk. Free, outdoor.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

8 a.m.: Final practice rounds begins.

10 a.m.: Camaro and Tesla Clubs Car Show begins; Grand Prix Marketplace vendors open featuring QC Storm Shoot The Puck, Bradley SAE race team, 61 Kartway and Briggs & Stratton Racing.

10:30 a.m.: Opening Ceremonies.

11 a.m.: Kid’s Autograph Session. Start/Finish line. Featuring QC Storm mascot.

11:15 a.m.: Racing begins.

Noon: Kids’ Blind Draw Bags Tournament, 12-1 p.m sign up; 1:30 p.m. start.  Parking Lot C near the Bus Station. Hosted by 4City Cornhole.

1:15-5 p.m.: Heat races.

2-6 p.m.: Laborspace Labor Day Weekend outdoor concert with Rozz Tox at Laborspace, 311 21st Street. Featuring Subatlantic, Centaur Noir, Tambourine. Free. Food and drink available.

5 p.m.: Racing ends.

6 p.m.: Track deconstruction begins

6 p.m.: Circa 21 Dinner Theatre, “Saturday Night Fever.” Dinner 6 p.m., Pre-Show 7:15; Show 7:45 p.m. $56.55 per person

7 p.m.: Awards Ceremony, Holiday Inn, Rock Island

The Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix ranks as the ultimate experience in kart racing. These carts go 100 mph and are one inch off the ground. It's a pretty cool event to watch and even cooler to be one of the racers.

Since 1994, Rock Island has been providing that experience for thousands of racers each labor day weekend, helping to build the careers of drivers like Graham Rahal, Nelson Philippe, Joey Hand, Scott Speed, Conor Daly, Philip Geibler, Michelle Bumgarner. Drivers from coast to coast and 8 foreign countries have competed at "The Rock." Go see the races. You won't be disappointed. You'll find more details about the Grand Prix here.