(Photo: Mark Schwigen)

In the history books of American karting, a full chapter could most certainly be dedicated to the Quincy Grand Prix, or ‘The Park’, as those in the know call it. The annual street race that runs through Quincy, Illinois’ South Park has been a bucket list race for many in the sport, and thankfully, it will return after a one-year hiatus.

Last year, long-time Quincy GP promoter Terry Trader made the tough decision to end his 40-plus year run with the event, much to the dismay of many racers who place the event at the epicenter of their annual calendars. Most understood that promoting and organizing a race such as ‘The Park’ is a monumental task, and with Traeder now 72 years-of-age and looking to back down his responsibilities, the decision was understood. The race was started by Terry’s father Gus in 1969, so he can only be commended for an incredible steward of the legacy. Thankfully for the sport, a local racer and businessman stepped up to the challenge. Former Quincy GP winner and well-known Briggs 206 driver Jeff Scott came to the forefront during the off-season, picking up the torch to ensure that the event will go on, for the foreseeable future.

With the prestigious race back in the rotation and once again lined up to challenge racers like no other event in the sport, EKN reached out to Scott to learn more about his plans for the 2024 edition.

eKartingNews.com: Jeff, we appreciate you both taking time to talk with us and for stepping up to keep ‘The Park’ alive. Let’s start by discussing what motivated you to take over the promotion of the race, and how did it all come about? Was it off-season bench racing chatter that led to a ‘why not’ question?

Jeff Scott: Yes, we were hearing whispers of the Park not coming back in late 2022. In the back of my mind, I’d already made the decision to try and bring it back. Once the official word came out, numerous racers and friends messaged me, suggesting me. You could say the wheels were already turning.

It was a sad day in Quincy when the word came out. An event that has seen generations of spectators and racers in attendance was now gone. I felt that with my background of running a quarter-mile dirt track for 20+ years with concerts, monster jam, etc. that I could make it happen.

New Quincy Grand Prix promoter Jeff Scott (Photo: EKN)

EKN: You’ve raced at the Grand Prix for years, and in other street races as well, and obviously have a different perspective than Terry Traeder. How will you bring those new ideas to life for Quincy in 2024?

JS: I think from the racing aspect, Terry has done an amazing job, and I don’t see much changing on that side of things. We are adding a class of 125cc mini moto bikes to the equation. We had a test day in early April. The riders after the first session came in and one said that is “the most badass thing I’ve ever driven on”. This was a rider that raced in Europe, so you can say the Park left its mark on him.

I’m trying to bring more to the spectator side. With an annual attendance of 10,000 people, we are doing other things in the Park to make it an event. For instance, we’re planning a cornhole tournament, big bouncy houses for the kids, a Saturday night band with awards ceremony, and an adult power wheel redneck race. I must give kudos to Elkhart Grand Prix. I’ve been racing there for years and some of these ideas I am borrowing from them.

EKN: Let’s talk class structure. You’ve mentioned bringing on the Mini Moto rides, and I’m sure the crowd will love that. What will the karting class structure look like?

JS: Shifters, FK100, Briggs, and Ignite classes are all on tap. Briggs and Ignite also have a mix of Masters, Legends, and Heavy classes. We also have an open vintage class. On Sunday, we do have a $1000 to win for Shifters, FK100, and Briggs Heavy.  We have changed the format so that each race day has feature winners.

The shifter class will look a little different this year. Insurance was tough to secure, and they weren’t interested in karts at nearly 100mph. We will be adding a couple of chicanes just for the shifter to bring their speed down, which honestly might make their racing a little better.

One new class we’ve added is a non-competitive class. Designed for racers that want to come drive the park, but not at a white-knuckle pace. We will space these drivers out to give them room to enjoy their laps.

Unfortunately, we are changing the top step award know as the Gussies. The problem is they nearly doubled in price, and they just don’t fit into the budget. Gus created this iconic event and Terry brought it back to life. We are sad we can’t do the Gussie, but we think our new unique award will still bring honor him.

Quincy GP is bringing in Mini Moto Bikes to add to the show for the thousands of spectators

EKN: An event of this magnitude needs backing from the industry and I know that the City of Quincy has always been a big supporter of the race. Would you like to put a spotlight on the companies that are stepping up to support the return of the Quincy Grand Prix?

JS: Yes, we’ve had so many people and companies step up to the plate and help sponsor this event. Rober and Phillips law firm came in as a major sponsor as well as The Rinella Company with a Busch Light tie-in. I was able to receive some grant money from the city. What’s amazing is I’ve had multiple racers just want to pitch in and make sure the event is a success. At the end of the day, if it doesn’t end in the black it would be tough to bring it back next year.

EKN: As a former winner and racer of the Quincy GP, can you put into words what it feels like to not only navigate The Park, but to be competing in the main event in what many call the karting version for ‘Isle of Man’?

JS: Well first I’ll say I’ve never won a feature; however, I won the first Saturday sprint race when the race returned in 2018 and have been the bridesmaid ever since. That year my son Riley won at the age of 15. Being in that race watching it all unfold was simply amazing. Crossing the stripe and being able to take the lap in the back of a pickup listening to the thousands of people cheer is something we both will never forget.

Winning this race isn’t everything, but being at the event is. I love racing The Park. The course is amazing, but the fans and the atmosphere are simply unforgettable!

EKN: That seems to be the common thread for all who have been to Quincy in the past, and certainly is the leading component for someone to check this event off their bucket list. Thank you, Jeff for taking the time to speak with us and we hope you have an amazing first event as promoter of the Quincy Grand Prix.

JS: Thank you guys.

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