What is Quarter Midget Racing?
This sport centers around competition cars scaled down to one-fourth the size of midget racers and are driven by children between the ages of 5 and 16. Power is by a small one cylinder engine similar in size and construction to most lawn mower engines. The sport is nationwide with many independent clubs and National Association. The Lehigh Valley Quarter Midget Racing Club is a nonprofit organization with funds being derived from annual dues and contributions as well as the money making programs run during the year by the club.
Being an independent Quarter Midget club, the LVQMRC officers and members are responsible for establishing rules concerning safety, car and engine specifications, racing program and conduct and general track operation. By remaining an independent organization, the cost of building and maintaining the racing cars has been greatly reduced.
Is it Safe for Children?
The majority of injuries that occur are the band-aid type. Every precaution is taken to prevent accidents. They include safety inspection by the club's highly skilled Technical committee and recognized safety equipment. The driver safety system includes a four point racing system shoulder harness and integral quick release seat belt. The driver is required to wear a Snell rated helmet with arm restraints and a neck brace. Safety men are present in the infield during every race and none are more than 20 steps away from any car at any time, and probably most important, safe driving habits are installed in the children.
How Quarter Midget Racing Benefits the Child
We believe this to be virtually un-measurable. Some of the benefits are:
- It is a family sport. Few other sports permit all members of the family to participate as much. Moms and Dads helping run the race and the child's role is evident.
- It teaches sportsmanship. A genuine 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 are developed.
- It teaches self reliance. Once the green flag is dropped they 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.
- It 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 proficient Quarter Midget Racer.
Does Quarter Midget Racing Make the Children Tend to Become “Hot Rodders?”
We believe just the contrary. The thrill of driving a relatively high performance car does not last long. After a short time their interest is in matching their skill against competitors. If you will observe closely, these drivers are not at all reckless but are just plain good.
Racing Class Divisions
Beginner – Composed of new drivers who enter the club. These youngsters must go through Driver Training School , where they learn the basics, including safety rules, car handling, and respect for the other drivers.
Jr. Novice – Still the younger group of drivers who have shown their skill and ability on the track. They remain in this class until they have been judged capable of faster speeds in a higher class.
Novice – This is the fastest group of younger drivers who have demonstrated their skill and ability on the track.
Beyond Novice, there are Honda120, Honda160, ”B”, ”A”, 5HP RESTRICTED, 5HP STOCK, and 5HP MOD classes depending on the driver's age, skill, and ability and choice of car and engine. |
