The annual Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix is welcoming a new national level sponsor: The Hemp Doctor.
The world’s largest karting street race announced recently that the Mooresville, N.C.-based company will be the Presenting Sponsor of the event that will run this year from Aug. 31-Sept. 1.
This year marks the 29th for the annual Labor Day Weekend event now known as the Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix Presented by The Hemp Doctor.
The business is a major national manufacturer and distributor of legal hemp and CBD products. Rock Island is The Doctor’s first house call into motorsports, the Grand Prix organization said in a news release.
“We are excited to be part of this year’s Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix in the Quad-Cities. Our hope is to share knowledge about the hemp industry, while offering products that aim to improve one’s well-being. We look forward to meeting you all,” The Hemp Doctor CEO Robert Shade said in the release.
The Rock Island race has a history of working with national, regional and local sponsors, most of which have stayed involved for many years, the organization said.
Deep roots in racing
“The Doctor’s office is in Mooresville, N.C., the heart of NASCAR and American motorsports. They understand the draw and I’m sure they have a long-standing history of aiding race fans and keeping drivers on the track with the pain that comes with making the podium,” said Roger Ruthhart, a longtime member of the Grand Prix organization’s team.
He added, “Racers and race fans know that street racing can be a unique, fun and challenging form of motorsports, so we’re glad to have The Doctor in the house.”
The Hemp Doctor said it provides a physical location and online community where people can openly discuss their issues, ask questions, and ultimately get relief. All of The Hemp Doctor’s products are legal in Illinois.
The Grand Prix typically attracts race teams from coast to coast to downtown Rock Island. There have been drivers from 10 foreign countries and 16 foreign winners. Last year saw more than 17,000 spectators over the two-day event.
Sponsors for the 2024 event include: Mediacom; The Hemp Doctor; National Karting Alliance; Briggs & Stratton Racing; Simpson Racing; Bally’s Quad-Cities Casino & Hotel; Hoosier Kartsport; MG Tires; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Lincoln Electric; Modern Woodmen Financial, Joe Schurr agent; C&W and Sons Trucking; Shaw Electric; Halligan, McCabe, DeVries Funeral Home; CBS TV4, Fox 18, and CW.
Also included are the local iHeart radio stations: Big106.5, Fox Sports QC, WOC and WLLR; QCSportsnet.com; Group O; Eagle Concrete Construction; Moon Printing; Illinois Casualty Company; Hiland Toyota, Courtesy Car City; Schurr Power Racing Engines; Sunbelt Rentals, Johannes Bus Service; Holiday Inn Rock Island; eKartingNews.com; Gas & Electric Credit Union; Rogan Scale; Triple E Sales; RLV Tuned Exhaust; Speedway Fire & Rescue; Fastenal; 61 Kartway; Duncalf Karting; Hughes Tire; RIGP Corner Workers; and Transmissions Plus.
