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Quarter Midgets...
A Quarter Midget
car is a scald-down version of an actual midget racer, approximately
1/4 scale. The cars are built around a tubular frame and are fully
suspended with springs or torsion bars and shocks. The bodies are
fiberglass, usually painted to the drivers preference. Surrounding the
driver is a chrome-moly roll cage and nerf bars. The engines are
single cylinder and are manufactured by Honda, Continental, Briggs &
Stratton, and Deco. In the motors stock configuration they produce
between 2.5 & 4 horse power. 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 much as
10,000 rpm's in their more highly modified forms.
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Quarter Midget Racing
Quarter Midget racing is
a volunteer based, competitive sport for children ages
5 to 16 that began in the Los Angeles area in the
1930s. Today, kids race in virtually all 50
continental United States and Canada and typically
have their entire family involved as crew chief,
mechanic, or supporting other race day activities.
- The Cars
The cars are ¼-scale
Midget race cars and feature full four wheel
independent suspension and full roll cages. Seat belts
and shoulder harnesses are mandatory. Power comes from
a variety of engines - both Honda and Deco and Briggs
& Stratton type 120-150cc engine, which specifications
are closely set by the national governing board and
enforced at each local club race by designated
officials
- Tracks
Most tracks are 1/20 mile
banked ovals comprised of dirt, concrete, and asphalt
surfaces. There is one track (Syracuse, NY) that is
actually 1/10 mile fairly flat track that has been in
the organization for some years. It is unique in
itself.
- Benefits
The benefits are
virtually immeasurable. Quarter Midget racing is one
of the few sports that bring the entire family
together for active participation. Families take pride
in maintaining the race track facilities and drivers
develop physical skills such as coordination, timing,
alertness and basic mechanical theory. Above all,
personal character is developed through sportsmanship,
self-reliance, accomplishment and recognition. Bottom
line - quarter midget racing is just plain fun!
- Races
Most races are held on weekends beginning late
April through early 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 12 months out
of the year depending upon where you live.
- Cost
The cost to
purchase a car can run from $700 for an older used
car, to nearly $5000 for a brand new car set up for
the upper, faster classes. Honda Engines range in
price from $450 - $1500. Stock engines range in price
from below $700 to well over $3000 for a motor that
has a reputation for winning at the national level
events.
-How To Get Started...
 How
do you get started? First you should visit our local
club before buying any equipment. Talking to some of
the other parents at the track, as well as the
directors who run the club will be a huge education on
how to get started. Once you have joined PQMRA, the
novice training director will arrange for a time 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
are ready to purchase a car and equipment and start
racing.
Check our classified section for cars and related
equipment.
- Learn More
If you would like to learn
more about how you can get your child involved,
contact our club President,
Greg Mahoney
or come to one of our upcoming races and see first
hand why so many families are joining quarter midget
racing today!
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