gus
CONCORD, NC - The karting family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of TNT Kartways owner and Wisconsin native Gus Traeder. Born on a farm in Rome, Wisconsin, Traeder began his working career at the age of 24 as manager of a Montgomery Wards store in Quincy, Missouri. In just 2 short years, the business was recognized as the #1 farm store in the nation.
In the late 50’s, Gus was introduced to go karting though a store promotion. Not long after, Traeder built TNT Kartways in West Quincy, Missouri. Just 6 years later, kart racing was introduced to the world, as ABC’s Wide World of Sports televised the National Championships, appropriately named The Grand Prix of Karting. The event would run for the next 30 years. In the early seventies, Gus created the now famous Miller Gran Prix Carting Classic in Quincy’s South Park.
In addition to his major karting contributions, Traeder was also a loyal supporter of the Quincy Blue Devil Basketball Program for over 30 years, eventually donating the scoreboard which hangs in the gym to this very day. The Blue Devil Basketball program was but 1 of many various groups that Gus supported for many years.
Traeder is a member of the Talladega Hall of Fame in Alabama, is the inaugural member of the Vintage Racing Hall of Fame, a member of the Quincy High Sports Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the Quincy Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame in 2013.
While Gus would have been 91 August 9th, he truly left his mark on the karting and sports world for the better part of his ninety years on this earth.
Visitation will take place Thursday June 16 at Luther Memorial Church in Quincy, Illinois from 4-7, with the funeral set for Friday at 11am at the same location. Donations of flowers can be sent to:
Luther Memorial Church
12th and Jersey
Quincy, Illinois, 62301
c/o Gus Traeder
The World Karting Association extends its deepest sympathies to the family of a true karting legend and humanitarian.