What is Quarter Midget Racing?
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,
aluminum or steel, painted to the drivers preference. Surrounding the driver is
a roll (safety) cage, nerf bars and bumpers. Seatbelts and shoulder harnesses, are also mandatory because safety is a prime consideration in this sport.
Nationwide, a quarter midget track is usually a 1/20 mile banked ovals with surface compounds comprised of dirt, concrete, or asphalt surfaces. Silver City's is asphalt.
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.
Engine specifications are set by the national governing board and enforced at each
local club race by track officials.
How Old Does My Child Need to be to Race?
The cars are driven in competitive races by kids between the
ages of 5-16. A child can practice beginning at 4 1/2years old.
The cars are divided into 2 division with 14 classes total:
Junior Division (Ages 5-8)
Junior Novice, Junior Honda, Junior Stock.
Senior Divisions: (Ages 8-16)
Senior Novice, Senior Honda, Heavy Honda, Senior Stock,Heavy Stock, Light Mod, Heavy Mod, Light B, Heavy B, Light
A, and Heavy A. Additionally 1/4 Midget drivers may graduate
to Junior 1/2 Midgets.
Junior 1/2 midget drivers may be ages 12-17.
The whole family is invited to get involved with dad as crew-chief and head-mechanic, mom working in the Tower scoring races,
and big brothers and sisters working in the snack bar.
Lots of little brothers and sisters can be found playing all day in the racecar trailers and motor homes. It is a great spectator sport since admission is free and we have a fantastic a snack bar track side with reasonable prices.
Is it Safe for Children?
Since its inception, the sport of Quarter Midget Racing has enjoyed the finest safety record of all organized children's sports. This safety record did not just happen. Safety starts with car inspections and the driver's must wear proper racing equipment like full face helmets, racing suits, gloves, arm restraints and neck collars. Corner men are present during each race to assist in case of an accident, and probably most important, safe driving habits are instilled in the children from their very first time on the track in Novice Training.
This sport has fewer injuries than little-league, football or hockey. The Quarter Midget Association is constantly reviewing and evaluating safety rules to ensure that quarter midget racing remains a safe competitive sport.
How Fast do the Cars Go?
Quarter Midget tracks are designed specifically for 1/4 midgets and must conform to QMA specs of approximately 1/20 mile. The average speed for a 6.00 sec lap is 30 mph. The faster "AA"s can hit speeds up to 50 mph at the end of the straightaway.
What benefit is there for the Child?
It is a family sport. Quarter Midget racing is not a "drop off your kid" kind of sport, 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, timekeepers, and operators of concession stand or novelty booths.
It teaches sportsmanship. A respect for the rights of other drivers seems to be a natural development.
•It develops coordination, a sense of timing and the ability to plan ahead.
•It teaches self reliance. Once the green flag is dropped, the kids are on their own.
•It is competitive.
•They learn to play hard but that rules must be observed. Rule infractions will result in disqualification.
•It teaches safe driving and develops driving skill. Very few people ever develop the skill that these children develop. We believe this level of skill will be invaluable as adult drivers where they will have the instinct developed to do the right thing in the unforeseen situations we all encounter.
•The child develops a sense of responsibility.
•Alertness and concern for the safety of others is acquired.
•It gives the drivers a well earned right to a sense of pride of accomplishment. They stand just a little taller and are a little more confident after becoming a Quarter Midget Driver.
Many people after seeing their first race feel that they are seeing a group of children far above average in ability. Most of us in the sport remember when we had the same impression. True, some drivers develop faster than others but almost all become skilled, competitive, alert and safe drivers. It is almost 100% certain that your child will too.
Where do Children Learn to Drive?
Upon joining the local club, all new drivers, regardless of age must go through our club's Novice Training School. These classes are usually held once a week or more often if necessary and teach the driver the flags, racing procedure, how to line up for a race, how to pass, the best driving pattern for the track and all of the rules regarding possible disqualification for not obeying the racing rules. the track is open to all members during the week for practice. Older club members are always available to help the newer members.
How Does Our Family Get Started...
First, Silver City is located in Meriden, CT. You should visit your 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 and will give you an idea about the cars and equipment that work well at our track. If you decide to proceed you will need to purchase a car and safety equipment, join the local club and QMA, and the novice training director will arrange for a time for your child to begin a required novice training program.
