Traeder ‘at peace with decision’ to end Grand Prix of Karting

QUINCY — Terry Traeder felt the time had come to make the decision he has long known was inevitable.

“And I’m at peace with that decision,” said Traeder, who told Muddy River News Tuesday afternoon the Grand Prix of Karting was ceasing operation.

Traeder, 71, said the event, listed by Ekartingnews.com as one of the top 10 races in the United States, will not be returning to South Park next summer.

Traeder said he came to the decision after conversations with family members and and long-time associates who assisted with the Grand Prix. He said he felt what he had hoped to accomplish had been, and coupled with other upcoming personal and business ventures, the time was perfect to wave the checkered flag for the Grand Prix.

“The Grand Prix was a world-class event in everyone’s opinion. We had a world-class group of officials and volunteers from all over the country who helped the event run smoothly,” he said. “I hold my head high and know everything was done to make this event special. I feel like we are going out on top. This was an amazing event.”

Traeder is the son of original Grand Prix founder, the late Gus Traeder. He resurrected the event in 2018 following a 17-year absence. The Grand Prix’s original run was 1970-2001, a 32-year stretch that put Quincy on the world karting map, once drawing a record 625 participants in 1994.

The second edition of the Grand Prix was averaging more than 300 entries per year — with a record 343 in 2021. That allows Traeder to step away with a feeling of accomplishment.

“Five years ago, we wanted to start this up again for the community, plus honoring my dad,” he said. “I think we accomplished both.”

The most rewarding part of resurrecting the Grand Prix for Traeder was honoring the memory of his father. He also believes that was done in a successful and tasteful way. The Grand Prix championship trophies were called “Gussies” and bore the likeness of his dad.

The non-profit Grand Prix operated on a budget of about $110,000.

Attendance at the Grand Prix leveled off after a robust turnout in 2018. No actual crowd counts are kept since admission is free. This year’s turnout, while more than in 2021 (the first post-COVID Grand Prix after the pandemic canceled the event in 2020), was far less than in 2018.

The number of event entries was down 11 from 2021 (343 to 330), but it had been more than 300 each of the four years since it returned. While that count remained relatively steady, Traeder was uncertain about the potential for sizable growth in the future. He admitted a certain degree of disappointment the crowds had not kept up with the 2018 turnout.

“Obviously, our sponsors were phenomenal,” Traeder said. “We did this for the Quincy community. This was one of the premier races in the country.

“(Racers and fans) around the country all know how big racing is in the Quincy area and how much interest there is in karting here. We can’t thank this community enough for the support it has shown to the Grand Prix since it returned and to the way it has supported TNT Kartways (in West Quincy, Mo.) through the years.”

Traeder is a former world champion karter himself. He owns TNT Kartways and runs the TNT Golf Cars and Motorsports business in downtown Quincy.

“We’ll now be focusing more on (TNT Kartways) and helping bring some premier events to that site,” Traeder said.

The West Quincy track has hosted more national meets than any other site in the nation, according to Traeder. However, it has not entertained a national championship race since 1994.

Traeder also praised the assistance of the Quincy Park District, especially Director of Parks Rome Frericks, for helping re-establish Quincy as a center of karting. The twisting 1.125-mile South Park course “was always a special place to hold the Grand Prix and the Park District’s contribution to this event was incredible.”