Introduction to Quarter Midget Racing
 

Who?

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.
 

What?

The cars are essentially ¼-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 120-160cc engine, which specifications are closely set by the national governing board and enforced at each local club race by officials. The tracks are 1/20 mile banked ovals comprised of dirt, concrete, and asphalt surfaces.
 

Why?

The benefits are virtually 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, basic mechanical theory.
• Internal strength is developed through sportsmanship, self-reliance, accomplishment and recognition.
• It's just plain fun!

Where?

Since it's start in the 1930's in the Los Angeles area, Quarter Midget racing is now held in virtually all 50 continental United States and in Canada.
 

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 "Grands" championship races taking place over three 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 $1500 for an older used car, to nearly $6000 for a brand new car set up for the upper, faster classes. Stock motors range in price from below $500 to well over $3000 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 gear.
 

How (do I get my child involved?)

By contacting QMA , you can find the local club are in your area. You are welcome to visit their 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 the safety of other drivers on race day. Some clubs provide all equipment needed for training, so you can check out the sport without investing your own money in a car or personal safety gear.

At Little Wheels, contact Marc Deaver, our Club President, or any of the Board Members on the Contacts Page

So... your kid has had a taste of quarter midget racing and now they want to race one of their own. What steps need to be taken to get racing? First, on the home page for this website, click on "What is quarter midget racing?" Many of your initial questions could be answered here. To really get rolling, here are some suggestions:

Step 1: Join the club. Email Theresa Gamble (theresa.wsiada@worldnet.att.net) and she will send you a membership form along with instructions.

Step 2: Find and buy a quarter midget. There are cars for sale under the classified section of this website. Or you can go to the QMA website (quartermidgets.org) and check out the national quarter midget classifieds where you'll find hundreds of cars for sale. You can get a good starter car for around $1500.

Step 3: Get driver's gear. You'll need a SA2000 helmet, 2-layer Nomex gloves, a cordura, leather, or 2-layer Nomex jacket, arm-restraints, and a Nomex neck collar. Many of these items can be obtained used from club members. Just post a message listing what you need. Somebody out there might just have it! If not we can direct you to where you need to go.

Step 4: Come to novice training. This will start the 2nd Saturday in February. Training sessions are approximately 4 hours and will run every Saturday for 8 weeks.

Step 5: Practice, practice, practice. You get a key to the track when you become a member. Use it! More seat time makes better drivers!

Step 6: Race! Racing season begins in April with the Novice Graduation race and Novice Challenge (This is when we get to race against all other novices in the region!)

Quarter midget racing is a blast and the club members at Little Wheels are the friendliest and most helpful in the region! Please, if you ever have any questions about quarter midget racing, contact one of our club officers through the "Contacts" button on this website or just post a message. If you prefer meeting face to face, Little Wheels has a club meeting the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM at the Poodle Dog restaurant in Fife. You don't have to be a member to attend. Stop by and see what's happening in our club.

If you have any questions about novice training (or anything else for that matter) feel free to email me (2mdeaver@comcast.net or mdeaver@auburn.wednet.edu) or give me a call at 253-941-6445. I'm Marc Deaver, the Little Wheels novice trainer.

Welcome to Quarter Midget racing! You're in for quite a ride!