Evans brings history of success to Grand Prix of Karting, now serving as Neilson’s crew chief

QUINCY — For Scott Evans, the Grand Prix of Karting at South Park is more like a family reunion than any sort of national-caliber karting competition.

Even though he’s been retired as a driver for a number of years, Evans, a longtime competitor at Quincy, has remained active in the sport. Evans serves as crew chief for driver and best friend Tony Neilson. The two Iowa residents have left their marks in the Grand Prix record books, and both will be in attendance this weekend for the two-day event. 

Evans is tied atop the Grand Prix career victory list with 27 championships, while Neilson sits sixth with 10. Evans has worked as Neilson’s crew chief since 2018.

“There isn’t a day that goes by that Tony and I don’t talk about racing,” Evans said.

Those 27 titles won by Evans over the twisting 1.125-mile course represent the same number belonging to former rival and another good friend, Terry Traeder of Quincy. Traeder, the former world karting champion, is the one-time president of the Grand Prix and son of event founder, the late Gus Traeder.

“It means so much to share that (record) with Terry,” Evans said. “Quincy has always been such a special place. The drivers and fans have always felt so welcome there, unlike in some other cities where we felt like we were not wanted. We know we’re always welcome in Quincy.

“Gus and Terry gave us such a high-level platform to compete on in Quincy. It feels great, and it feels right to be able to share the record with Terry.”

Terry Traeder is scheduled to be on hand for this year’s Grand Prix, serving as the grand marshal. This will mark the first time he will be attending after opting to end the Grand Prix following 2022.

Traeder and his family had been an integral part of the event from its inception in 1970 through its first stoppage after 2001, a 32-year stretch that put Quincy on the world karting map, once drawing a record 625 participants in 1994. Terry and associates then oversaw its revival in 2018, following a 17-year absence. The second edition of the Grand Prix was averaging more than 300 entries per year — with a high of 343 in 2021.

Quincy’s Grand Prix has been listed multiple times as one of the top races in the United States by Ekartingnews.com.

It’s no wonder Evans considers Quincy “a special place.”

“We look so forward to coming to Quincy,” Evans said. “We love seeing the race back, and can’t believe the job Jeff (Scott) is doing building it back up.”

Jeff Scott is the second-year promoter of the Grand Prix, whose natural love for racing moved him to revive the event in 2024. With advice from Terry Traeder, coupled with community support, that dream became a reality a year ago. 

“It takes a lot of coordination,” Scott said. “We’re not planning any major changes from last year.”

There will be 17 features this year, including 11 on Sunday. The colorful Jason Burgess, who has worked at the Indianapolis 500, will again serve as flagman.

In many ways, Scott was natural for the task of overseeing the reincarnation of the Grand Prix. His family founded and operated Quincy Raceways from 1975-2007. Racing was always in his blood.

“All things considered, there have been very few problems,” he said.

Scott, too, has plenty of praise for Terry Traeder and the rest of his family.

“Without the Traeder family, we would not have this event,” Scott said.

And what an event it is.

More information on the Grand Prix of Karting is available at quincygrandprix.com.