Introduction to Capitol's Training Program...
Who?
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 motorhomes.
What?
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 a 150cc engine, which specifications are closely set by the national governing board and enforced at each local club race by officials. The tracks are 1/20 mile banked ovals, usually paved, but occasionally dirt or concrete surfaces.
Why?
The benefits are virtually immeasurable:
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, basic mechanical theory.
Internal strength is developed through sportsmanship, accomplishment, self-reliance, and recognition.
It's just plain fun!
Where?
Since its start in the 1930's in the Los Angeles area, Quarter Midget racing is now held in virtually all 50 continental United States.
When?
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 "Grands" championship races taking place
over three weeks each summer; one for the East, one for the West, and one for the Dirt championship!
How (much?)
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 $4,000 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 gear.
How (do I get my child involved?)
Here in Rio Linda, we invite you to get involved with CAPITAL QUARTER MIDGET ASSOCIATION. Although the youngest age a child can start racing is 5, they can begin the Capitol training program as young as 4 1/2 years old!
For a training fee that pays for insurance to
allow your child on the racing surface, your child will receive 3 to 4 training sessions, or more if your driver is quite young or needs longer to grasp the basics. All equipment, a training car and an experienced adult trainer is provided for these sessions.
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 other new or experienced drivers, practicing 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:
Ray Curteman
Trainer
(916) 344-7862 |
Site hosted by: www.QuarterMidgets.com