Return of the roar: Karting coming back to South Park in June

QUINCY — As one iconic local racing family ends its run at South Park, another is stepping up to take its place.

The Quincy Grand Prix will return June 8-9 to South Park, with Jeff Scott running the event.

Scott, who was the promoter at Quincy Raceways after following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Albert and father, Bob, made the announcement Tuesday after the City of Quincy’s Bring Entertainment to Quincy (BET on Q) Committee approved a $30,000 grant to Scott and WinOne LLC.

The Quincy Grand Prix of Karting was a staple of the city’s summers for 30 years before it ended in 2001. Gus Traeder ran the event and his son, Terry, a long-time racer who still holds many South Park track records, brought it back in 2018 before its final incarnation in 2022.

Bob Scott worked many Grand Prix’s running the tech crew. His wife, Jan, and daughter, Becky, have served as scorers for the races. Jeff Scott and his children, Riley and Avery, have raced in the event.

Now they will be running the show.

Jeff Scott said he has been working on the event for months. It’s a challenge he’s looking forward to.

“We believe that the Quincy Grand Prix is more than just a karting event. It is a place where families can come spend the day and make some memories,” he said. “We are committed to making this year’s event the best one yet and look forward to welcoming participants and spectators from near and far.”

Scott, who also runs Scottie’s Fun Spot, said he’s looking to bring more activities to the weekend, including bounce houses for kids, a cornhole tournament and a band on Saturday night. Sunday events being considered are a motorcycle rally and an adult power wheels race.

Scott said he is working on having a class of motorcycle racing as well.

“This event has a long history of bringing together racing enthusiasts from across the region. We are excited to once again showcase our community and provide a platform for talented drivers to compete,” Scott said.

The Quincy Convention and Visitors Bureau (SeeQuincy) and the Oakley-Lindsay Center are also sponsoring the event along with the support of BET on Q.   

Additional details, including registration information and event schedule, will be available soon on the event’s official website, www.quincygrandprix.com. For sponsorship opportunities or general information, contact Jeff Scott at scottiesfunspot@gmail.com.