Rock Island, Illinois — The Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s most prestigious karting street race, has announced dates for its 31^st annual race weekend, Sept. 5-6, 2026. Once again, it will feature race classes for 2 cycle, 4 cycle, shifter and Vintage racers.

The 30th running of the Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix, the world’s largest and most prestigious karting street race, this year will feature 20 races on the Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend, August 30-31. Admission is free to this family-oriented event.

Back in 1978, The Blues Brothers took the world by storm with a skit on Saturday Night Live. A movie followed in 1980, then a sequel and some albums as Dan Aykroyd (Elwood) and John Belushi (Joliet Jake) rose to fame and stardom. The back story is that Jake and Elwood were raised in a Catholic orphanage in Rock Island and learned the blues in the basement from the janitor, Curtis, who wore sunglasses, a thin black tie, and porkpie hat. The brothers went on “a mission from God” to raise money (and create mayhem) so the orphanage could pay its taxes.

Texan Jeff Dolian notched three wins and Quad-Cities native Tony Neilson grabbed his 26th Rock trophy at this year’s Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix presented by The Hemp Doctor.

Rock Island - Lots of exciting changes are in store for competitors at this year's Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix Presented by The Hemp Doctor, the world's largest and most prestigious karting street race. That's especially true for drivers winning a number of classes this Labor Day weekend, August 31-Sept 1.