Full Throttle Racing
for Kids
Full Throttle Racing
for Kids
|
Getting Started: Cars and Equipment Kids ages five to 16 can participate in Quarter Midget racing. The cars are essentially 1/4-scale Midget race cars. Quarter Midgets feature four-wheel independent suspension and full roll cages. Seat belts and shoulder harnesses are mandatory in the race cars, which are powered by 120-160cc engines. Specifications for the cars are set by the national governing board and enforced at each local club race by officials. The tracks are 1/20th-mile banked ovals comprised of dirt, concrete and asphalt surfaces. There
are many benefits to Quarter Midget racing: * Drivers develop physical skills such as coordination, timing, alertness and basic mechanical theory. * Internal strength is developed through sportsmanship, self-reliance, accomplishment and recognition. * It's just plain fun! Since its start in the 1930s in the Los Angeles area, Quarter Midget racing is now held in virtually all 50 states, and in Canada. Many second-hand cars in good condition can be found and are perfect for starter cars. The cost can run from $700 for an older used car to $5,000 for a new car set up for the upper, faster classes. Stock motors range in price from under $500 to well over $3,000 for a motor that has a reputation for winning at national-level events. Local clubs can put a smart shopper in touch with a member offering a package deal of a used car, motor and gear. By contacting the New Smyrna QMRA, you can find all the resources you need to help your child get started in his or her racing career. The New Smyrna QMRA offers free training programs, where your child can actually learn the rules and how to drive the car before being placed in a competitive situation. These programs are required-- for your child's safety, and the safety of other drivers on race day. Contact the New Smyrna QMRA at thosford@cfl.rr.com for more information. (Thanks to www.QuarterMidgets.com for providing the information for this article.) |
