Rock Island Grand Prix Cancels 2026 Race, Hopes To Return In 2027

Another one of the Quad Cities' biggest summer events has been cancelled. First, it was the air show, then the fireworks, and now it's the Rock Island Grand Prix.

Organizers announced yesterday that the 2026 Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix will not be held on Labor Day weekend, or in 2026 whatsoever. In their release, they said they're cancelling this year's race due to increasing costs and a nationwide decline in kart race participation.

man riding on go kart

But, it's not going away forever. Organizers are hopeful in bringing the race back for 2027.

“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,”a press release from Roger Ruthhart of the Rock Island Grand Prix said. “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.”