What is quarter midget racing?

Quarter midget racing is a family-oriented sport that involves children aged 5 - 16 years old racing in specially prepared cars. The cars, rules, and safety procedures are designed specifically for kids. They race on oval tracks approximately 1/20 mile in size. Safety features include full roll cages, multi-point seat harnesses, full face helmets, and other protective gear. This sport has fewer injuries than pee-wee football. The USAC25 division is constantly reviewing and evaluating safety rules to ensure that quarter midget racing remains a safe and competitive sport. This racing environment is all about children and family. Not only do kids learn valuable skills and sportsmanship, but they also make lifelong friends!

What are quarter midgets?

A quarter midget car is a scaled-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 and 4 horsepower. Modifications in the upper classes allow these engines to reach several times the stock horsepower. These air-cooled 4-cycle engines are reliable and can produce as much as 10,000 rpm's in their more highly modified forms.

How do I get started?

First, find the closest quarter midget racing club. It's important to visit your local club before buying any equipment. Talking to some of the other parents at the track, as well as the directors that run the club will help you pointed in the right direction. Once you have become a member of your local club the rookie training director will arrange for a time for your child to begin the required Rookie Training Program. Once the training is complete, usually 3 to 6 sessions depending on the child, you'll be ready to start racing! Many second-hand cars in good condition can be found and are perfect as 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 national-level events. Your local club can put you in touch with a member that has a used car, motor, and/or gear to sell.

What are the benefits?
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This is a family sport. All races are staffed and run by family volunteers. Drivers develop physical skills such as coordination, timing, alertness and basic mechanical theory. Internal strength is developed through sportsmanship, self-reliance, accomplishment, and recognition. And it's just plain fun!!

By contacting the New Smyrna Quarter Midget Racing Association, you can find all of the resources you need to help your child get started in his or her racing career. NSQMRA offers free training programs, where your child will 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.