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Who can participate?
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, and big
brothers and sisters working in the snack
bar. Lots of little brothers and sisters
can be found playing all day in the race-car
trailers and motorhomes.
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
roughly a 120 to 160cc engine, whose
specifications are closely set by the
national governing board and enforced at
each local club race by officials. The
tracks are 1/20 mile ovals on dirt or paved
surfaces.
The Benefits
are virtually immeasurable:
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It's a
family sport- all races are staffed and
run by family volunteers from local
tracks.
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Drivers
develop physical skills such as
coordination, timing, alertness and
basic mechanical theory.
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Internal
strength is developed through
sportsmanship, accomplishment,
self-reliance, and recognition.
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It's just
plain fun!
Where?
Since
it's start in the 1930's, Quarter Midget
racing is now held in virtually all 50
States. There are several tracks in our
Midwest region where various series races
are hosted.
When?
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 "Grand's"
championship races taking place over three
different weeks each summer; one for the
East, one for the West, and one for the Dirt
championship!
How much?
Many second-hand cars in good condition can
be found and are perfect for starter cars.
The cost can run from $1,500 for an older
used car, to nearly $5,000 for a brand new
car set up for the upper, faster classes.
Stock motors range in price from below $500
to well over $3,000 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, motor and spare
parts.
How do I get my child involved?
In the Indianapolis area, we invite
you to get involved with Central Indiana
Quarter Midget Association. Although the
youngest age a child can start racing is 5,
they can begin the practice as young as 4
1/2 years old!
A new driver
is taught how to pass, the meaning of the
flags and the flagman's signals, how to line
up to begin or restart a race, and what to
do in common emergency situations. The last
sessions often include the other new or
experienced drivers, practicing together
what they have learned before entering a
racing situation.
Although the
student is taught these racing basics, the
real focus of the training is SAFETY, and is
not intended to produce a seasoned race car
driver. This will come from their first
season on the track in the Novice class,
racing in their own car against other
relatively new drivers within their age
group.
Drivers remain
in the Novice class about one racing season,
or until their parents and the Novice
Committee determine that they are ready to
progress into a competitive racing class,
based on age and motor type of their car.
If your son or
daughter thinks this sounds like fun, take a
moment and
Contact Us:
Novice Manual
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Novice Program
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Novice Check List
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Judging Rules
08 Rule Book
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Safety Sheet
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Code Of Conduct
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Scoring Procedures |
