Larry Cleveland 317-894-8107
Beginning the week of April 7th our "Novice Only" practice sessions will move to Tuesday nights
between 6-8 PM. The track is closed to all other classes during this time. These practices are
not required; however, I encourage you to take advantage of this time whenever possible.
Quarter Midget racing is a competitive sport for children ages 5-16; however, the whole
family is invited to get very involved with dad as Crew Chief and Mechanic, mom working in
the Tower helping score 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 race-car trailers
and motor homes.
The cars are essentially 1/4-scale Midget race cars. Unlike Go-Karts, quarter midgets feature
full four wheel independent suspension and full roll cages. Seat belts and shoulder harnesses
are mandatory. Power comes from roughly a 120 to 160cc engine, whose specifications are closely
set by the national governing board and enforced at each local club race by officials. The
tracks are 1/20 mile ovals on dirt or paved surfaces.
- It's a family sport- all races are staffed and run by family volunteers from local tracks.
- Drivers develop physical skills such as coordination, timing, alertness and basic mechanical theory.
- Internal strength is developed through sportsmanship, accomplishment, self-reliance, and recognition.
- It's just plain fun!
Since it's start in the 1930's, Quarter Midget racing is now held in virtually all 50 States.
There are several tracks in our Midwest region where various series races are hosted.
Depending on what part of the country you find yourself in and what type of track surfaces are
available, there is quarter midget racing going on somewhere 12 months out of the year! Most
races are held on weekends, with the annual "Grand's" championship races taking place over three
different weeks each summer; one for the East, one for the West, and one for the Dirt championship!
Many second-hand cars in good condition can be found and are perfect for starter cars.
The cost can run from $1,500 for an older used car, to nearly $5,000 for a brand new car set
up for the upper, faster classes. Stock motors range in price from below $500 to well over
$3,000 for a motor that has a reputation for winning at the national level events. Local
clubs can often put a smart shopper in touch with a member offering a package deal of a used
car, motor and spare parts.
In the Indianapolis area, we invite you to get involved with Central Indiana Quarter Midget Association.
Although the youngest age a child can start racing is 5, they can begin the practice as young as
4 1/2 years old! A new driver is taught how to pass, the meaning of the flags and the flagman's
signals, how to line up to begin or restart a race, and what to do in common emergency situations.
The last sessions often include the other new or experienced drivers, practicing together what they
have learned before entering a racing situation. Although the student is taught these racing basics,
the real focus of the training is SAFETY, and is not intended to produce a seasoned race car driver.
This will come from their first season on the track in the Novice class, racing in their own car against
other relatively new drivers within their age group. Drivers remain in the Novice class about one
racing season, or until their parents and the Novice Committee determine that they are ready to
progress into a competitive racing class, based on age and motor type of their car.
If your son or daughter thinks this sounds like fun, take a moment and
contact us!
