Quarter Midget Racing is a competitive sport for children
ages 5 - 16; however, the whole family is invited to get very involved with dad as Crew Chief and Mechanic, mom working in
the Tower helping score races, or in the concession stand helping to feed the hungry and thirsty drivers. Lots of little
brothers and sisters can be found playing all day in the race-car trailers and motorhomes. As a young driver grows and
develops, they move up through the racing classes that are defined by engine type, the drivers age and weight. There
are approximately 17 different classes to progress through and find what fits your driver best. It is a great spectator
sport since the admission is free and there is usually a snackbar nearby with reasonable prices.
The cars are essentially 1/4-scale Midget Race Cars.
Unlike Go-Karts, Quarter Midgets feature full four wheel independent suspension and full roll cages. Seat belts and
shoulder harnesses are mandatory. Power comes from a 120 - 150 cc engine, which specifications are closely set
by the national governing board and enforced at each local club race by officials. There are over 57 sanctioned Quarter
Midget clubs throughout North America. The tracks are 1/20th mile banked ovals comprised of dirt, concrete and asphalt
surfaces. Quarter Midgets lap their 1/20th mile track in about 6 - 7 seconds. Quarter Midgets can attain speeds
of 20 - 40 miles per hour.
The benefits are vitually
immeasurable. It's a family sport - all races are staffed and run by family volunteers from local tracks.
Drivers develop physical skills such as coordination, timing, alertness and basic mechanical theory. Internal strength
is developed through sportsmanship, self-reliance, accomplishment and recognition. It's just plain fun!!!
The most important parts of your child's racing education is practice,
practice, practice. There's no substitute for practice. Your child must become so comfortable in the car and
with their driving pattern and position of the car relative to the race track and walls that driving becomes second nature.
Only when they become very comfortable with this will they be able to start concentrating on competitive racing. Most
clubs will give you a key to the track when you join so you can go out whenever you want to practice.
Since it's start in the 1930's in the Los Angels area, Quarter
Midget Racing is now held in virtually all 50 continental United States and also in Canada. Depending on what part of
the country you find yourself in and what type of track surfaces are available, there is Quarter Midget racing going on somewhere
12 months out of the year! Most races are held on weekends, with the annual "Grands" Championship Races taking
place over three weeks each summer; one for the East, one for the West, and one for the Dirt Championships!
Many second-hand cars in good condition can be the perfect
starter car for your new driver. The cost can run from $1,000 for a used car to approximately $5,000 for a new
car set up for the upper, faster classes. Stock motors range in price from $700 to well over $4,000 for a motor that
has a reputation for winning at the national level events. Local clubs can often put a smart shopper in touch with a
member offering a package deal of a used car and motor and sometimes gear as well.
You can find a club near you by clicking the link below. You are always welcome to visit
a track, meet the members and racers and watch a race. Many clubs have training programs, where your child can actually
learn the rules and how to drive the car before ever being placed in a competitive situation. These programs are HIGHLY
recommended for your child's safety, and safety of the other drivers.
Some clubs set a side a special day and provide all equipment necessary for potential drivers to come try a race car
and check out the sport. This is a good way to see if racing is the sport for your child without investing alot
of money in a car and personal safety gear. This special day is usually called a Try-A-Ride Day, check your local track
for details.
