Life is about bucket list items. In karting, many drivers set a list of tracks or events they want to compete at during their career. What many have already experienced since 1970, others can still check the Quincy Grand Prix off their list. The 2026 edition of the historic street race will take place on the roads of South Park in Quincy, Illinois over the June 27-28 weekend.

What began with Gus Traeder putting on an event for five categories has become one of the most famed street races in karting history. From 1970 to 2001, the Quincy Grand Prix was a focal point for the sport, providing a unique opportunity to compete around the South Park at the annual event. In 2002, the event did not return, and it wasn’t until Terry Trader, the event’s winningest driver and son of Gus Trader, brought the event back in 2018. After hosting four more editions of the race, it featured a second hiatus before longtime competitor and Quincy business owner Jeff Scott took over the reigns of promoting the event.

Just searching for videos of ‘Quincy Grand Prix’ on the internet brings you the magnitude of how unique of a racing circuit this is for karting and motorsports in general. We were able to connect with Jeff Scott as the 2026 Quincy Grand Prix is just over one month away for a new edition of ‘Fast Five’.

One of the many starts from the 2025 Quincy Grand Prix (Photo: Mark Schwigen)

eKartingNews.com: Thanks Jeff for joining us. 2026 marks the third year serving as the promote for the Quincy Grand Prix. When did planning for this year’s event begin and what are some of the major changes or updates heading into the June 27-28 weekend?

Jeff Scott: I believe 2026 planning started while we were racing in 2025. It honestly never stops. My team is always looking for ways to make the event bigger and better the following year. In the off season, we purchased more of our own barriers to continue to make it safer than in previous years. For the 12,000 spectators that attend the race over the weekend, we are always looking at different things to make it unique and fun. This year the addition of a foam cannon should be a hit! It will be used for the kids Friday night party, and the adult downhill power wheel races. I mentioned that we should put a pile of foam at the finish line but it got voted down (laughing).

EKN: One thing that makes the Quincy Grand Prix unique from other karting events is the spectator aspect. As you mentioned, the city shows up in full force to see that action live. How much of your time preparing for the event is spent on that side of the fence, as the racing side can be pretty much a cut and paste from last year. Are there ways for people to learn more about the sport of karting when they come to stand along the fence for the two days of racing?

JS: For me, the spectator aspect is just as important as the race, so making sure the fan experience is something they want to come back to year after year is important. From kids power wheels races, to bounce houses, and we now allow spectators to walk the pit area. It’s so cool to see kids getting autographs and pictures taken with the drivers. It’s added so much for the fans and the drivers too! Quincy is my hometown and the city is 100% behind this event!

Thousands of spectators will line the coures for the Quincy Grand Prix at The Park (Photo: Mark Schwigen)

EKN: For the on track portion, the class structure and format is staying the same from 2025 with the addition of Briggs Super Heavy. What was the feedback from the competitors last year regarding the classes and track time on the course?

JS: Once you drive ‘The Park’ there is never enough track time. I think we need a 24 hour race there (laughing) The heavier guys that run Ignite Heavy were some of the only guys wanting more track time, so we added the Briggs Super Heavy classes to get them a second time on the track if they want.

EKN: The Quincy 24 or a 12 Hours of Quincy has a great ring to it. Maybe this is something to look at doing in back-to-back weekends with the city. You have mentioned the power wheels races that are happening on Friday. What other special activities are happening around the race course throughout the weekend that both competitors, their families and the spectators can enjoy outside of the racing action?

JS: As I mentioned already, the power wheels races with a drivers meet and greet, followed by a FOAM party. Last year was a hit, complete with head flagman Jason Burgess conducting his showmanship flagging ability and our event announcer Randy Kugler. Saturday, we have a $1,500 cash prize cornhole tournament (Switchholio) that spectators will be able to take place in. Sunday will be the adult downhill power wheel races that is another fan favorite. We will also have a monster truck, and the Batmobile on display, kids bounce houses, and much more for everyone to enjoy during their time here in Quincy.

Winning at the Quincy Grand Prix is a unique and memorable experience every time (Photo: Mark Schwigen – Margay Racing)

EKN: Putting on an event like this takes many man hours, including pre-event planning, and of course building up and tearing down the track. Who are people you would like to recognize that are a major help in piecing together what makes the Quincy Grand Prix so much fun and unique, along with who are the major sponsors for this year’s event?

JS: Yes, it takes a village to put on the Quincy Grand Prix. Over the race weekend, we have about 80 people working through the park in all different aspects, both on and off the track. Each and every one of them are important in making this race what it is. After that, my wife and family are always there to help with things that come up. Tammy Hoschar and Dennis Wingereter work year round to make the event happen, and I can’t thank them all enough. Sponsors, like staff, are all important, with over 50 companies and businesses stepping in to help us host this race. Our title sponsor Rober & Phillips Attorneys At Law have been with us since I took over, and they are a big part of what makes the Quincy Grand Prix so special.

EKN: Thank you Jeff for speaking with us and we hope you have a great 2026 Quincy Grand Prix

JS: Thank you guys. Registration is open until June 26 so make sure you get ready now for what will be an amazing two days of karting. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone once again at The Park!

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