What Are Quarter Midgets?
A quarter midget is a scaled-down version of an actual midget race car, approximately ¼ scale. The cars are built around a tubular frame and are fully suspended with springs or torsion bars and shocks. The bodies are made from fiberglass or aluminum, and usually painted to the driver’s preference. Surrounding the driver is a chrome-molly roll cage & nerf bars. The engines are single cylinder and are manufactured by Honda, Deco and Briggs & Stratton. In stock configuration, the produce between 3 & 6 Horse power. Some modifications in upper classes of racing allow these engines to reach several times the stock horse power. These air-cooled 4 cycle engines are reliable and can produce over 14,000 rpms in their more highly modified forms.
Who Can Participate?
Quarter midget racing is for kids ages 5-16. Racers are divided into various classes based upon age, weight, engine type and ability levels. All newcomers into the sport are required to pass through a rookie training program at the club level prior to entry into a competitive racing class.
Benefits of Quarter Midget Racing
Quarter midget racing was started to develop sportsmanship in the children while also providing a family oriented racing activity. In recognition for the drivers, trophies are awarded at club, regional, and national events. No cash prizes are awarded.
Quarter midget racing is not a "drop off your kid" kind of activity, but an involved family sport. Few other sports permit all members of the family to participate. The kids do the driving while other family members serve as pit crews, chief mechanics, scorers, time keepers, track workers and operators of concession stand, etc.
It teaches the meaning of sportsmanship, fair play by following rules and how to be a good winner/gracious loser.
It develops coordination, and a sense of timing and independent thinking.
It teaches self-reliance. Once a green flag has dropped, they are on their own. The spirit of competition also comes along here. They learn to drive hard, but that rules must be observed. Rule infractions may result in disqualification.
Development of knowledge and an appreciation for mechanical devices.
It teaches safe driving skills that are carried on in their teen years on the road. Very few people develop the skill that these children acquire. We believe this level of skill is valuable when they become adult drivers. They learn that there is a place to race an automobile, which is NOT on the public highway systems.
It develops a sense of responsibility. Alertness and concern for the safety of others is acquired.
How to Get Started
Arrive & Drive
This is an opportunity for your child to get into a quarter midget race car. Anyone the age of 5 to 16 can give a quarter midget a try, BQMRA members will, at certain times during the racing season, arrange a scheduled date and time for children interested in quarter midget racing to come and try out a race car under the close supervision of a BQMRA experienced club member. BQMRA members will provide all equipment for arrive and drive events. In order to participate, we ask that you wear long pants, socks and closed toed shoes. Child must have one parent present to participate. A liability waiver must be signed by parent & child prior to participating in the event. Cars do only accommodate certain size and heights so there may be a chance not all kids will fit. We will try our best to accommodate everyone.
To participate in the sport of quarter midget racing, racers will need to have their own car. You can order a new car from one of several quarter midget chassis builders, or purchase used cars. There are great used cars, parts and equipment usually from your local club members or many places online. Cars are often available for sale via Facebook quarter midget groups or other quarter midget specific websites. Members of at your local club can be of great resource when deciding to purchase cars and equipment Cars and safety equipment are both required to race.
Safety Equipment Requirements
Because these cars are real race cars, all safety equipment is required each and every time you hit the track. The safety equipment includes:
Helmet specifically for auto racing SA2005 or better Snell Foundation or SFI Foundation 24.1 (or higher).
Fire suit rated SFI 3.2A/1 or better.
Neck collar or neck restraint device rated SFI 38.1 certified.
Gloves rated SFI 3.3/5 or better.
Raceceiver with earbuds (for tower communication).
NOTE: All items must be SFI rated. Shoes do not have to be specific racing shoes. Drivers can wear tennis shoes or wrestling shoes. No open toed shoes will be allowed.
Kids 4 1/2 are eligible to attend rookie training and practice on the track but just not race until they turn 5.
Kids ages 5 and up to 16 are eligible to race competitively. There are two levels of Rookies. All kids regardless of age must start with a red restrictor plate. Once they have completed the Red Rookie requirements they can move up to a Blue Rookie class with a blue restrictor plate before being allowed to race in a competitive quarter midget class after decision of the driver's parents and club's Rookie Director.
Rookie Training is available during the outdoor racing season.
There may be some classroom type of instruction as well as on the track individual training and also group training. You will need to purchase your own car to be able to train & race. Club & USAC membership is required & car and equipment must be safety checked by BQMRA’s Club safety director prior to racing.
Please view Mr Cameron Fontana from the WTTE/WSYX Feature News reporter who did a great segment on our Columbus Indoor Winternationals race in 2014 at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. You can check out his segment with the link below:
ADDITIONAL ROOKIE TRAINING: USAC Rookie Appendix