WHAT IS QUARTER MIDGET RACING?
Quarter Midget Racing is a family oriented sport that involves racing designed specifically for kids ages 5 to 16. The
racing environment is about children and family. Races are divided into many different classes based on age, skill
level and motor type. Quarter Midget tracks are approx. 1/20 of a mile.
WHAT IS A QUARTER MIDGET?
A Quarter Midget car is a scaled-down version of an actual midget race car, 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, usually painted to the driver’s preference. Surrounding the driver is a chrome-moly roll cage and nerf bars.
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.
IS THIS JUST A LOCAL SPORT?
The Terre Haute Quarter Midget Association’s (THQMA) home is the Hulman Mini-Speedway, located at 3150
Houseman St in Terre Haute, IN. Local events are held most every Saturday between April & October. There is
never an admission charge to watch our racing. THQMA is a member of the United States Auto Club (USAC) which
is a national racing organization. USAC sanctions many types of racing including the .25 Midget Series. There are
many USAC sanctioned tracks located throughout the country in which to race. There are also Regional & National
events scheduled during the year. Many of the National races are held alongside INDYCAR, NASCAR & USAC
events.
WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?
Safety is a top priority at all USAC events. The national organization is constantly reviewing and evaluating safety
rules and regulations to ensure that Quarter Midget racing remains a safe competitive sport. While pileups, bumps
and flips occur, there has never been serious injury. This is a result of a comprehensive safety program that
mandates many safety procedures and equipment. Roll cages, race clothing, helmets, gloves, neck braces, arm
restraints and safety harnesses are required for all drivers.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF QUARTER MIDGET RACING?
While Quarter Midget racing was developed as a family oriented sport to teach children sportsmanship, there are
many additional benefits.
Benefits
Family involvement – The kid is the driver, but others work as pit crew, mechanic, etc.
Development of sportsmanship – following the rules and how to be a good winner or gracious loser
Development of coordination and a sense of timing
Development of self-reliance, independent thinking, and a sense of responsibility
Development of knowledge and appreciation of mechanical devices
Quarter Midget racing gives children a well-earned right to a sense of pride and accomplishment. The kids often
become more confident and develop social skills that will benefit them throughout their lifetime. Our Sport is unlike
most, in Quarter Midget Racing the entire family participates. It is certain that you will make many lifelong friends
during your Quarter Midget years.
United States Auto Club - USAC .25 Midget Series
Since 2009, the United States Auto Club has sanctioned .25 (quarter-midget) racing, Drivers can start as young as
age five and clubs can be found throughout the country. The USAC national .25 Midget Series races coast to coast
throughout the year with the crown jewel event (Battle at the Brickyard), held each year at the famous Indianapolis
Motor Speedway. The USAC National .25 Midget Series offers drivers the ability to compete for a Pavement or Dirt
National Championship throughout the season.
Follow USAC on Facebook @USAC25
Information to Join THQMA
Contact our THQMA Secretary at: secretary@thqma.com for additional information regarding club membership.