The best way to get started in quarter midget racing is to attend a race or two. There is never an admission charge to watch the races. Talk to club members and ask questions. Everyone will be willing to answer any questions you may have. Talk to some of the drivers and get their opinions.
If you are serious about trying quarter midget racing, then our club can help. Good Times has a club car that is used for training new or prospective members. Kids have to be at least 4 1/2 years old before they can be trained. They can race at 5 years old.
Our club charges a $115 fee for training. Part of this goes to Quarter Midgets of America (QMA), the national sanctioning body for quarter midgets, for the purposes of membership and insurance. The rest remains with the club to offset the cost for maintaining the training equipment. You will get up to 5 sessions at the track. This should give you enough time to decide whether or not you want to continue in the sport. The kids are taught how to safely operate a quarter midget. They are also instructed on what the different flags and hand signal represent. Students will then be shown the proper racing line around the track. Cones will be used to delineate the driving line. After the driver has gained the skill to maneuver around the track, the cones will be removed. If the student shows enough skill at handling the car, he/she may be put on the track with another car. If the student masters the skills of lining up, passing, and getting passed, then the driver should be ready to race. The next step would be to get your own car to race.
Again, the club can help you here. You can buy a new car from various quarter midget builders. For some new members, this may be prohibitive because of cost. New cars may cost from $3000 to $4000 without engine. Engines start at $375 for a Honda up to whatever your pocket book can handle for the Continental/Deco classes. Also allowed in the novice and stock classes are Briggs & Stratton engines. It may be a risk also if the kid doesn't like to race. There is always a supply of used cars for sale. Used cars run from as low as $1000 to $3000. A decent car can be found for about $2000 to $2500. The problem is finding one that fits the kid correctly. Sometimes when you buy a used car you will also get some spare parts and extra wheels and tires. Club members can put out the word that new members are looking for used cars.
The most import part of the racing package is the safety gear. Select a helmet that fits properly. A helmet that is too loose will not provide adequate protection. Try the helmet on before purchasing. Make sure the helmet provides adequate circulation when the neck collar is in place. Tinted visors are acceptable except when racing at night. Also needed will be a driving suit or jacket, gloves, arm restraints, and a neck collar. The equipment does not need to be fireproof. Seat belts usually come with a car. Check to make sure it is installed properly. Make sure the webbing is intact and that all hardware is sound. You will need 2 shoulder harnesses and a lap belt. You can obtain this equipment at most racing, kart, or motorcyle shops.
Because quarter midgets are true open wheel race cars, you should count on buying spare parts. Parts to consider are: front axles, front spindles, radius rods, bumpers, nerf bars, engine gears, and axle gears. Tires come in various compounds and sizes for dirt or paved tracks. Some dirt tracks allow you to run a treaded tire, while others require dirt slicks. You have to match the tire to the track conditions. Wheels come in 1 or 2 piece varieties. Pick which ever suits you. Generally speaking, what ever can break, eventually will.
You also need to think about how your are going to transport your quarter midget. A trailer is almost always essential, unless you can work out of the back of a pickup truck or van. At the bigger, two day or more races, the cars have to remain at the track, so an enclosed trailer is essential. Trailers vary as much as the cars do. Again, this is up to needs, preferences, and finances. Motorhomes are nice and allow kids a place to rest.
Quarter midgets is intended to be a family sport. All members of the family get involved in one way or another. The kids have fun playing with each other between races. The adults can get together and socialize. We are here to make the challenges of quarter midget racing fun, enjoyable, and rewarding to all.