New prizes and GPS timing for Illinois’ 2nd Annual Glencoe Grand Prix

Thanks to the support of Presenting Sponsor AT&T, as well as several local businesses and volunteers, the 2008 Glencoe Grand Prix will feature numerous improvements for both riders and spectators when racing returns to downtown Glencoe this Aug. 10. Riders can expect lager purses, lower entry fees, winner’s jerseys, chip timing, more premium lap prizes, SRAM Neutral support and better overall
amenities surrounding the course. In addition, the Village of Glencoe will repave the picturesque .90-mile criterion-style racecourse, which weaves throughout the village’s downtown business district and tree-lined residential streets.

“The tremendous support we have received from AT&T and numerous important local sponsors is helping us turn the Glencoe Grand Prix into an exceptionally special event,” said Jon Knouse, Race Director and Glencoe Educational Foundation President. “In just its second year, this race has begun to establish itself as a significant stop for competitive cyclists of all levels, as well as a great family event for the community.”

In addition to AT&T, sponsors for this year’s races include Alberto’s Sport Bike Shop, Imperial Motors, American Family Insurance, Hannah Banana Bread Company, Scott Byron & Co. Landscape and Architecture, MetLife Cycling, Magnetar Capital, Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, Shelle Jewelers, Progressive Builders and Jan Marion Framing.

About Race Technology Upgrades:
One of the most significant new racing features this year will be chip timing—Global Positioning Chips placed on each bike which will allow race officials to provide much quicker results, places down to the last rider and various race statistics as well as assist in identifying prime lap winners.

“Both experienced and newer racers want to know how well they did in their event as soon as possible,” Knouse said. “Chip timing provides an additional level of professionalism that we think all competitors who come to the Glencoe Grand Prix will appreciate.”

About Increased Purses:
Another significant improvement this year is an increase in available prize money for all the races. Purses have been increased to $11,500, nearly $5,000 more than last year and will be awarded to top finishers in applicable events throughout the day. An increased number of prizes are also expected to be awarded as premium-lap incentives.

Other amenities for racers include the presence of professional photographer Jay Mirasol who will be taking pictures of the races throughout the day. His photos will be available for purchase online.
Imperial Motors will be providing a pace car to be driven in advance of cyclists during each race. The Embassy Suites in Deerfield is also offering discounted room rates for those attending or participating in the races. Finally, like last year, the GGP is proud to have formerprofessional cyclist and US Postal Rider Kenny Labbe as race announcer.

Online registration for all of the 11 category races is now open at www.glencoegrandprix.com, where a schedule of all races, categories and purses is posted. A copy of the schedule is also included in this release as an addendum.

About Raising Money for District 35:
All of the event’s operating expenses are covered through corporate and private sponsorships. All other revenues generated from registration fees and select merchandise sales will ultimately be reinvested into School District 35 through the Glencoe Educational Foundation (GEF). This is one
of two reasons why the GEF hopes improvements to the 2008 event will encourage more racers and spectators to visit Glencoe this August.

“To be sure, we are really excited about the race and we are even more excited about what it will mean to School District 35 and the community as the event grows each year,” Knouse said. “Ultimately we want to not only raise money for the kids, but also present the entire community with
an opportunity to enjoy a wonderful day of competitive cycling and other activities with their families and friends.”

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About the Glencoe Educational Foundation:
The Glencoe Educational Foundation (GEF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1996 by parents seeking to enhance the rich tradition of educational excellence in Glencoe School District 35. The GEF sponsors projects that enrich the classroom experience and funds them through a variety of programs and events that benefit all of Glencoe. The GEF workswith school district officials to teach students the value of giving back not only to their community, but also to those outside of Glencoe that need assistance.

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