QUARTER MIDGET

RACING

Quarter Midgets…

Quarter Midget race cars are approximately one quarter (1/4) the size of an actual full size midget racer. The cars are built around a tubular frame and all four wheels are fully suspended with springs and shocks. Surrounding the driver is a chrome-moly roll cage, painted fiberglass panels, and nerf bars. Drivers are safely secured in the seat of the Quarter Midget with five point restraints, racing suit, full face helmet, gloves, and more. The engines are single cylinder and are manufactured by Honda, Briggs & Stratton, and Deco. Modifications in the upper classes allow these engines to reach several times the stock horse power. These air-cooled 4-cycle engines are reliable and can produce as many as 10,000 rpm’s with modifications.

Quarter Midget Racing

Quarter Midget racing is a volunteer based, competitive sport that was developed from the original home built full size Midget race cars that started in the 1930s in Southern California and popularly progressed to adult racers building quarter midgets in the post World War II era of the 1950's for their family of younger racers. Today, kids race in virtually all 50 continental United States plus Canada and typically have their entire family involved as crew chief, mechanic, or supporting other race day activities.

Tracks

Most quarter midget tracks are 1/4 scale size of the full size midget race car tracks and commonly measure 1/20 mile. The banked and flat oval tracks are comprised of dirt, concrete, and asphalt surfaces.

Benefits

There are so many different qualities that kids learn besides how to race. They truly learn values that will mold and shape them into respectful, confident, hardworking, and conscientious adults.

They learn the meaning of sportsmanship, to compete fairly, be a good winner, and how to be a gracious loser.
They learn coordination, sense of timing, and independent thinking.
They learn self reliance. When that green flag drops, they're on their own.
Spirit of competition: they learn to drive hard and observe the rules. They learn about consequences if rules are not respected and followed.
They develop knowledge and appreciation for the mechanical skills of racing.
They learn and acquire safe driving skills. They learn to respect motor vehicles and when to race and not to race.
They develop a sense of responsibility , becoming alert and concerned for the safety of others.
It establishes a well earned sense of pride and accomplishment.
They become more confident after becoming a quarter midget driver and have a sense that they belong, helping them develop good decision making skills that will benefit them into adulthood.

Races

Most races are held on weekends beginning early April through late October with annual “Grands” championships taking place over three weeks each summer (one for the East, West and Dirt). There are also additional opportunities for racing all year long depending upon where you live.

Cost

The cost to purchase a car can run from $500+ for an older used car, to nearly $2K - $5K for a brand new car set up for the upper, faster classes. Honda Engines range in price from $300 – $1200. Stock engines range in price from below $700 to over $2500 for a motor that has a reputation for winning at the national level events.

How To Get Started…

First visit our local club before buying any equipment. Talk to some of the parents at the track, as well as the directors who run the club you will receive a big education on how to get started. Once you join PQMRA, the novice training director will arrange for your child to begin a required novice training program. Once the training program is complete, usually 3 to 6 sessions depending on the child, you will be ready to start racing.

Check our classifieds section for cars and related equipment.

Learn More

If you would like to learn more about how you can get your child involved, contact us, or come to one of our upcoming races and see first hand why so many families are joining quarter midget racing today!