Junior Open Wheel Talent

The Rock Island Grand Prix, also known as the world’s largest go kart street race, is scheduled to take place this weekend over Labor Day in the Quad Cities.

A few months ago, or perhaps even up until a few weeks ago, the future of the event was in question— due to lagging entries. Thankfully, long-time supporters and fans banded together and voiced their support and loyalty for the event.

The RIGP is one of the most exciting events of the season and Ekartingnews has recently put together a countdown of the Top-15 performances from The Rock.  You can read them here.

(Note:  I’ve linked to the #1 Ranked performance, if you wish to start with #15 and countdown —scroll to the bottom of the above linked page and click #15.)

The future of the Rock Island Grand Prix lies in the hands of would-be competitors, as the organizer’s of the world’s largest street race are considering and unthinkable decision… to cancel the race—due to lack of entries.

Labor Day weekend at the Rock makes for one of the best weekend’s of the year in my book. I’ve been both a spectator and a competitor at this great event and I would certainly hate to see it face an untimely demise. If you want to help out and take part in one of the year’s best kart races… make sure to get your entries in early. Your timeliness will affect the future. (see below)

Last year, I provided live coverage of the event and I hope to do so again this year.

You can register online …. HERE.
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The following is a press release from the Rock Island Grand Prix:

The following statement was released by the organizing committee of the Rock Island Grand Prix following its meeting on June 9, 2009:

The Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest karting street race now celebrating its 15th season, is one of the most revered events in racing. It is produced each year by a not-for- profit organization. We are not a profit machine. Each year we plan to break even financially in an effort to keep costs to the racers as low as possible. Our goals are to produce high- quality racing and entertainment for competitors and bring people to downtown Rock Island, Illinois. The country’s recent financial situation, however, has now put the future of the event in question. Unexpected losses in 2008 (caused by the economy, high fuel prices and the loss of competitors and sponsors that resulted) ate up much of the event’s reserves. The 2008 event saw the lowest turnout of racers in its history. The 2009 budget was based on a further loss of sponsor support, some cuts in expenses and some minor increases in fees to racers. In the past, the event was able to rely on substantial sponsorship and small fluctuations in entries were not a concern. Some of those sponsors have been lost over the past 2 years and we have not been able to replace them due to the economy. This has left us much more dependent on competitor fees.

Historically, entries at the RIGP have ranged between 380 and 410. Last year entries dropped to 250 – the lowest in event history. The 2009 budget is based on attaining the same level of entries as in 2008. The business plan for the event does not allow for holding an event with less than 250 entries. So far entries for 2009 are running at roughly HALF the number that were registered at this time last year. The organizing committee of the RIGP has determined that if there are not at least 150 entries in hand by its next meeting on July 14, it will consider suspending the event for 2009 with no assurance that it will resume in the future. Even at 150 entries, the race may not be held if there is a belief that it will not attain an ultimate entry level of 250.

Should the organization ultimately decide to suspend the race in 2009, sufficient resources exist to pay for expenses which have already been contracted as well as return sponsor and competitor fees. No one will be out money. Entries received between now and mid-July will not be processed until a decision has been made to move forward. The Organizing Committee of the Rock Island Grand Prix is under the assumption that entries will pick up and the race will be held. We are moving forward based on that belief. But it is the feeling of the committee that if revenue projections cannot be met, it is better to suspend the event early before many competitors have finalized their plans, rather than at the last minute. The losses that would be sustained by meeting existing commitments would be far less devastating than going through with an event of this magnitude without adequate revenue.

Efforts have been made to encourage participation through contacts with many teams, importers, tracks and kart shops. To date those efforts have generated little participation. We also thank our friends at Ekartingnews.com, Ekartingnews.ca, Vroom.it, and National Kart News for their efforts to enhance our exposure in a tough year.

We understand that some racers must wait until the last minute to make decisions about whether or not they will race. We encourage those who can, to register soon so we can gauge the level of support we can expect. If you cannot commit at this time, but are planning to come, please let us know by email. That count is important too as we try to assess whether we can reach the ultimate goal of 250 entries. It is our hope that by stating this position early, the karting community will have time to respond so that we know where we stand when we make the decision. We hope that the support will be significant enough to allow the event to continue for 2009, rather than forcing Rock Island to join other legendary street races like Elkhart and Quincy which now exist only in history books.

In addition to entries, sponsorships are still available ranging from $350 on up. Racers
can enter online with a credit card at www.rockislandgrandprix.com or print out the Entry Packet from the Web site and submit it by mail with a check or credit card number. You can also call our office and we will mail the Entry Packet to you.

If the Rock Island Grand Prix is the one race you look forward to, or a race you always wanted to run, you might make this the year. Otherwise the future is uncertain.

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Thank you to everyone who followed the live updates on Junior Open Wheel Talent over the weekend in Rock Island. This is truly my favorite event of the year and 2008 was no exception. The weather was absolutely perfect and the spectators were out in force. For those that followed the live posts all weekend or for those looking back at the live blog posts, please excuse any grammar or spelling errors, as the main objective was to get you the updates as soon as possible.

I want to personally thank Roger Ruthart for his endless efforts to make this a successful event year after year. A big thank you to all the corner workers and volunteers this weekend as well, without you this event wouldn’t be possible. I was amazed at the hustle and hard work all weekend, despite the elements and long hours.

Event Preview
Live Blog (Friday Edition)
Live Blog (Saturday Edition)
Live Blog (Sunday Edition)

Here is a link to the 2008 Rock Island Grand Prix Full Results.

See you next year….

Michele Bumgarner of the Phillipines just made history by becoming the first female to win a main event at the Rock Island Grand Prix. The RIGP is known as the world’s largest go-kart street race. Michele qualified on pole and led every lap in the TAG Senior category. The Filipino driver already has a very impressive karting resume from her home country….hence the nickname “Asian Karting Queen”. The victory comes as an early birthday present as Michele turns 19 on September 2nd.

Over the last month, Michele and her younger brother Mark (Skip Barber National competitor) have been spending time in Indianapolis meeting with Indy Racing League and Indy Lights team owners under the guidance of their new manager; Charlie Patterson.

Michele has spent the majority of 2008 competing in the Star Mazda championship.

Further reading on Michele.

9:00 am ~Good morning from Rock Island, the King of the Streets just completed their morning warm-up, with the ICC drivers set for a 9:18 am session. It’s another beautiful day in Illinois, the competitors could not have asked for a better weekend. Last evening I decided to hit up the Blue Cat Pub for dinner and to try some local Rock Island brews. The Travoltas were in town this year as usual, so I made my way there last night to enjoy some live music. The district was full once again with competitors and race fans alike.

The King of the Streets race event is scheduled for a 12:30 pm green flag, while ICC drivers will take their green flag at 2:15 local time. The RIGP is typically very good about maintaining their scheduled times, but you never know. Make sure to check back often for updates.

11:00am~ The driver parade is about to get underway and the fans are lining the fences. The SuperPro (KoS) introductions and autograph session will follow. The weather is absolutely perfect today…., please stay tuned for a 12:30 pm start for the drivers battling for the RIGP crown.

SWE Racing has their Indy Lights car on the grid for display.

12:25 Engines are fired up. The streets are cleared. The drivers are set for their introductions and warm up laps.

Terry Riggins has just announced for drivers to start their engines…. warm up laps have begun.

The field is being set for their standing start….. GREEN GREEN GREEN

Speed and Wiegand through turn one….all drivers make it through clean.

Speed leads with Wiegand in tow…..right on his bumper.
The field is beginning to spread out…lap 3
Lap 4- Cole Mathewson and Crockett battling for fourth
Lap 5- Speed beginning to develop a slight gap, Crockett staying with Wiegand.
Top 4 are running nose to tail.
Kurt Mathewson has pulled off with a rib injury.
Jason Lee fifth
Wiegand is closing on Speed.
Crockett beginning to fall back slightly.
2/10’s seperate Alex and Kyle.
Patrick Malacarne starting to close in ….Jason Lee.
Nick Johnson making the move through the field up to fifth.
Wiegand is right on Speed’s bumper being patient
Crockett and Mathewson are in a heated battle for third.
Lap 12- Alex Speed and Kyle Wiegand in a heated battle pulling away
Mathewson remains on Crockett’s bumper
Nick Johnson closing on the duo, still in fifth.
Nearing the halfway mark…..
Speed looks over his shoulder with Wiegand right on his bumper
Crockett beginning to pull away from Mathewson who runs fourth.
10 laps to go
Speed developed a bit of a gap on Wiegand that lap.
Wiegand is gone….
Speed is running away with it…. something happened to wiegand.
Nick Johnson continues to close on Crockett and Mathewson
I haven’t received what happend on Wiegand….mechanical trouble
7 laps to go….
Wiegand broke his water pump and threw the chain.
Crockett in 2nd… running strong.
Alex Speed is closing on Jonathan Koorsen and Alex Conlin (lap cars)
10 second advantage for Speed….Crockett running close lap times.
Mathewson third
Nick Johnson fourth
Jason Lee fifth
one lap remaining…
Alex Speed is the 2008 King of the Street!
His brother Scott won the race in 2002
Alex Speed is doing his victory lap…..flawless performance.

Alex Speed, Derek Crockett, Cole Mathewson, Nick Johnson….
full results to follow.

Check back later for live updates of the ICC race, Wiegand should be back on track.

2:15 ICC Race

The 125cc Moto class just finished up a Wild race with Rob Pretts taking the victory on the final lap. Pretts has done some tuning/mechanic work for F2000 driver Chris Miller. A nice run by the AMA bike racer. The ICC field is on the pre-grid as they prepare for their race.

Alex Speed will start second to Kyle Wiegand. Speed just won the KoS race, so he will have his eyes set on a top finish to solidify his chances at a Indy Lights test with SWE Racing.

The warm up laps have begun and the field is setting up. A number of drivers going back to back after running the 125cc moto class.

The field is set… GREEN, GREEN, GREEN…..

Speed leads through turn one…..

Derek Crockett takes second from Wiegand…

Wiegand takes second back from Crockett

Lap 4 order remains the same….Collin Lynn in fourth.

Scott Barnes in fifth…order un changed

Alex Conlin in sixth, Nick Johnson in 7th

Speed continues to lead….

The top four are spread out evenly but pulling away from the field…..

Wiegand beginning to improve…

Nick Johnson is out…

Kyle Wiegand has taken the lead.

Wiegand is beginning to pull away from Speed.

Caution in turn one….

Lynn is third, Barnes is in fourth.

Crockett is out….Betts into fifth.

Wiegand continues to lead, Alex Speed is closing in.

Jonathan Koorsen into sixth.

Alex Speed running 3/10’s quicker, on Wiegand’s bumper.

Justin de Sa lost a chain…out.

Wiegand putting in a solid lap…building a small gap.

Kevin Broderick just went a lap down.

The group is spreading out…Wiegand is pulling a bit of a gap on Alex.

Collin Lynn remains in third, Scott Barnes fourth, Zach Betts fifth.

Wiegand is pushing the limit …..touches hay bales.

White Flag….

Speed closing on Wiegand….

Kyle Wiegand wins with Alex Speed right on his bumper.

Stay tuned for full results: Kyle Wiegand, Alex Speed, Collin Lynn, Scott Barnes, Zach Betts (top five).

Thanks for joining us at the Rock this year! Full Results and a weekend wrap up to follow.

8:25am ~ Good morning from the Rock.
The King of the Streets competitors are on the grid as we speak warming up their engines. The smell of premix is beginning to fill the air. This is one of the best moments of the weekend, that first session on track…where all you see is a cloud of blue smoke as the field takes off down the front straight. And then as the drivers come around turn six sliding on the slippery street surface completing the first laps of the year….

Alex Speed is first out. The one minute warning has just sound…..

There are 11 karts taking to the track…..
Very few drivers are using transponders at this point (maybe 4), so the lap times aren’t available. Based on perception both Alex Speed and Kyle Wiegand appear to be quite quick as they are moving through the field with ease. The fastest times at this point are already right around the 33.0 mark. Watch for the lap times to drop dramatically as the rubber begins to build. KoS and ICC have one practice session remaining prior to qualifying. I will try to get complete lap times online if drivers decide to use transponders….

10:30 am~ The KoS drivers just completed their second session. Both Alex Speed and Kyle Wiegand remain the drivers to beat, I haven’t been able to get the full lap-time results yet, but based on my stop watch, both were running consistent 32.7 second laps. The ICC drivers are next out…

11:00am- ICC drivers are on track now for their final practice session.

Stopwatch shows: Wiegand 32.82, Speed 32.90, Wiegand 32.80…. stay tuned for updated (accurate) results.

Qualifying to follow….

King of the Streets Qualifying 1:00 PM

The karts are on the track…

Nick Johnson leads the field around… 12 drivers on track.

34.244 Wiegand

32.967 Wiegand

Nick Johnson out with a broken chain.

Alex Speed 32.175

Derek Crockett in third… 32.960

Speed still holding the top spot.

4/10’s of a second seperating Kyle and Alex.

Cole Mathewson into fourth.

Jason Lee up to sixth.

Patrick M. up to seventh.

Wiegand and Speed into the pits, to save tires.

Alex Conlin and Koorsen remain on track

Speed only turned three laps. All drivers have pulled off track with five minutes remaining.

Alex Speed takes pole position with a 32.175 for the King of the Streets.

Unofficial Qualifying Results

Alex Speed: 32.175

Kyle Wiegand 32.568

Derek Crockett 32.960

Cole Mathewson 33.018

Kurt Mathewson 33.136

Jason Lee 33.137

Patrick Malacarne 33.175

Jonathan Koorsen 33.3

Nick Johnson 33.388

Justin de Sa 33.344

Alex Conlin 33.348

Scott Barnes 33.597

ICC Qualifying: 2:30 PM

The 125cc moto class is just finishing up and the ICC drivers are next on track for their qualifying session.

Kyle Wiegand will be trying to beat his track record from last year 32.176.

Collin Lynn holds the top spot.

Alex Speed on track… just in front of Kyle Wiegand.

32.839 Kyle Wiegand holds top spot

33.514 for Alex Conlin taking the third quickest time.

33.880 for Alex Speed caught in traffic. 32.974 moves into second after clearing traffic.

Speed…takes it …32.711, Wiegand takes it back…

Two drivers into the 32 second mark, Collin Lynn maintains third.

Barnes into fourth.

Crockett moves into fifth, getting quicker: 33.337

32.540….Wiegand pulls off track, Speed has followed him in, looking to save tires.

Alex Conlin 33.262

Crockett takes fourth 33.080 just behind Lynn.

Two minutes remaining in the session. Most of the drivers are pulling off.

Justin de Sa stays out in ninth. Zach Betts in 7th 33.5.

Kyle Wiegand 32.504

Alex Speed 32.718

Collin Lynn 33.014

Derek Crockett 33.083

Alex Conlin

Scott Barnes

Zach Betts

Cole Mathewson

Justin de Sa

Jonathan Koorsen

Saturday Qualifying

Full Qualifying Results: Classes 1-7

Full Qualifying Results: Classes 8-14

Hello from downtown Rock Island. The trip went smoothly and I’m now sitting in my hotel room, less than a block from the race circuit, at the Holiday Inn (used to be the Four Points by Sheraton). I followed a few race trailers on my way into town and saw Kyle Wiegand among others sitting in the hotel lobby on my way up to the room. I’m going to venture out shortly to see what else is going on at “The Rock”. I expect the race teams will be released into the paddock area shortly as the downtown businesses come to a close….This is typically a race in itself, so hopefully all the teams make it to their pit spot without too much crash damage.

Check back later for updates…

10:30 PM ~It seems most of the teams and drivers have made it safely into the paddock area and are actively preparing for tomorrow’s practice and qualifying session. While walking through the pits I noticed SWE Racing brought their hauler to the event and are proudly exhibiting Mike Potekhen’s Indy Lights car, giving the KoS/ICC competitor’s even more incentive for a solid performance this weekend. (The competitor who has the best overall finish in both classes will receive a test with SWE in their Indy Lights car.)

After making my annual Friday night visit to Huckleberry’s for a Gambler Pizza, I decided to head over to Jumer’s Casino and make my donation to help support next year’s RIGP purse. Signing out for the night, but make sure to check back tomorrow morning for updates throughout the day.

The countdown to “The Rock” has begun…. this Labor Day weekend race drivers from all over the world will gather in downtown Rock Island for the world’s largest go kart street race. Junior Open Wheel Talent will be on hand to provide live updates and coverage throughout the weekend for the King of the Streets(KoS) event and the CIK ICC class.

With the anticipation building, I figured now would be a good time to do a preview of the upcoming weekend and it’s gearbox competitors. (KoS, ICC)

I received the current entry list this morning (8/27/08) for both the King of the Streets class and the CIK ICC class. I must say I was rather surprised at the lack of entries (at this point) in the two headline classes considering the $11,000 purse between the two. The King of the Streets or SuperPro class is the headline class and will provide the winner $4000 in prize money and a free entry into the SKUSA SuperNationals in Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s important to note that the registration for the RIGP doesn’t close until Saturday morning, so the entry numbers may increase. With that in mind, I was still shocked to see the lack of numbers, so I decided to dig into the situation….

SKUSA (Superkarts USA) sanctions the King of the Streets event and has been a huge promoter of the race in past years. After doing a little research, I was shocked to see that SKUSA had actually overlapped their final Southern California ProKart Challenge event with the Rock Island Grand Prix. On top of this, their website www.superkartsusa.com has only one event featured: The SKUSA SuperNationals XII. I found all this rather intriguing after reading Tom Kutscher’s statements in May regarding the King of the Streets event…

“Tom Kutscher, CEO of Superkarts! USA says, “Since purchasing SKUSA a few years ago, I’ve been bombarded from all karting circles with a message that stands out: ‘Please continue to support the King of the Streets program, as Roger’s tireless efforts have made the race and the RIGP the backbone of the Midwest karting scene.’ I couldn’t agree more. I’ve raced it more than once, and it’s a terrific weekend. The atmosphere is truly a slice of Americana, and that makes Roger’s event the ideal pillar for continuing to position our sport globally as well. Thanks to MG Tires for their support, too.”

In all fairness I will say that Tom and SKUSA have done a fantastic job promoting the SKUSASupernationals and their ProKart Challenge events, but it seems that the RIGP has fallen off their radar since May. Hopefully the RIGP (KoS) entries are just slow and we will see a much larger/deeper field come Saturday. I pondered the entries for quite awhile this morning, thinking the low numbers might just be due to the high gas prices… which may and probably does play a major role in your average privateer effort, but I find it hard to believe that some of the “Stars of Karting” ICC factory drivers couldn’t afford the trip. After looking at the Stars of Karting divisional points this year, I began to wonder what the purpose of a East/West division is, …with many of the top pilots running both coasts.

The Rock Island Grand Prix is my favorite event of the year and I truly hope to see more of you out there. Without further ado, here are your competitors…..

King of the Streets and ICC field (Entry as of 8/27/08)

Scott “Skitchy” Barnes: The 24 year old from Bermuda will make his return to the Rock after winning the 125cc Moto class in 2007. Barnes has never had much success in the ICC or the KoS class, but this may be his year. (KoS & ICC entry)

Patrick Malacarne: of Belleville, Ill. is another returning driver (known mostly for his road racing efforts) who finished inside the top ten last year in ICC but failed to finish the KoS event as he was out on lap 28. Malacarne finished fifth in the 2006 125cc Moto class. (KoS & ICC entry)

Jonathan Koorsen of Marshalltown, IA is no stranger to the Rock, a loyal attendee who has raced both 80cc and 125cc gearbox karts through the downtown street circuit. (KoS & ICC entry)

Nick Johnson of Maple Grove, Minnesota has been racing at the Rock since 2004. The University of Minnesota engineering student has never had much success at the Grand Prix but has shown his speed on several occasions… Most recently by completing a top 10 finish in the Stars of Karting ICC race at Shawano, WI. (KoS & ICC entry)

Derek Crockett of Cahokia, Illinois has a decent resume, but has failed to finish in his last two attempts at the KoS Crown. If the PG Racing driver can put together a solid qualifying run and stay out of trouble during the race, he should place well. (KoS & ICC entry)

Justin de Sa of Edwards, Ontario, Canada will be making his first Rock Island appearance. The now 22 year old, focused his efforts on the K1 80cc kart prior to making the jump to the 125cc ICC class. The Canadian recently swept the WKA 125 Shifter class at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. (KoS & ICC entry)

Alex Conlin of Indianapolis, In. has been focusing on seat time this season, running uncontested (due to a lack of entries) for the most part in the Great Lakes Pro 125 shifter category. He could be sharp this year if he manages to stay out of trouble. He participated in Rock Island last year, driving in the ICC class, unfortunately his weekend came to an early conclusion on lap one. (KoS & ICC entry)

Kyle Wiegand, another Indiana native, is the clear favorite this weekend based on past results. Enough said.
2007- 2nd (KoS), 1st (ICC)
2006- 1st (ICC)
2005- 1st (KoS), 1st (ICC)
2004- 1st (KoS)
2003- 2nd (KoS)
2002- 1st (ICC)
2001- 2nd (K1-80cc)
(KoS & ICC)

Alex Speed of Manteca, California is the younger brother of Scott Speed (ex-Formula One driver) and the two have grown up dominating the U.S. shifter kart scene. Alex took nearly a two year hiatus from the seat, but has come back right where he left off. He is one of the smoothest drivers I have ever watched, making him another clear favorite for a win this weekend. (KoS & ICC entry)

Cole Mathewson of Indianapolis, In., will be making his second King of the Streets start driving for Evolution karting. This kid could make a splash, should he find the right set-up and put in a solid qualifying effort. Michael Crawford of Michael Crawford Motorsports is a believer. (KoS & ICC entry)

Kevin Broderick of Plattsburgh, New York has been around the 125cc scene for awhile now and will be trying his hand at the ICC category. Broderick has been running select road racing events this year, competing alongside Justin de Sa. (ICC only)

John Meier: Local racer from Bellevue, Iowa will try his hand at the Rock this year after finishing second in the Sprint Kart Speedway Sr. Briggs category in 2007. (ICC only)

Don’t forget that the driver with the best combined results for the KoS and ICC events will receive an Indy Lights test with SWE Racing. Kyle Wiegand took advantage of the opportunity last year and has been working on putting together the funding for a ride with SWE this season.

In an effort to make the greatest karting event even more attractive; the RIGP has announced a $4000 purse to the Super Pro “King of the Streets” winner and a free entry into this years Las Vegas Supernationals. Hands down, this is my favorite karting event in North America and I would strongly recommend everyone put this on their “must do” list.

Take an incredibly accurate virtual lap of the track here. For a real “on board” lap, follow Tag Masters driver Brian Wake around the track here. Hope to see you all there this Labor Day weekend.