By: Ron Burt
The Quarter Midget
Several families introduced me to this fun class. Just like the Mini Wedge, these parents and young drivers are willing to help new people to their racing class. If you live in N.W. Ohio or N.E. Indiana, the closest track is in Maumee at the Lucas County Fairgrounds. Northwest Ohio Quarter Midgets have a Facebook page where you can look at pictures and contact them for questions. There’s a National governing body that has the rules in an easy PDF download file. Before you get too far ahead of yourself, I suggest you go on Youtube.com and check out Quarter Midget racing and see if your son or daughter has an interest. Currently the area racers are competing indoors in Columbus at the Ohio State Fairgrounds during the Winter Nationals that run several weekends until Mid-February.
Parents and drivers talked with me at the Rumble in Fort Wayne and followed up online. Quarter Midgets can race locally and not travel. If you have a good skill set and are a steady top finisher in your heats and features then you might look at State, Regional and National events. The driver is required to have safety gear but before you buy anything check the rules! And talk with parents at the track. You don’t have to buy a Quarter Midget to start racing. Many tracks across the country have scholarship cars you can rent for the season. There are requirements! They will direct you in the process. At the end of the racing season the car must be returned to the condition you received it. If you don’t want to mess with a loaner car, you can buy a used race car sometimes from $2,000.00-$5,000.00 or a brand-new car for $10,000.00. Keep in mind these are race cars running single cylinder stock motors and produce 2.5 & 4 horsepower. Upper classes allow motor modifications. Most tracks are 1/20 of a mile and car speeds max out around 45 mph. Classes are divided into age groups and most drivers are 5-16.
I’m featuring TJ in the article. He recently competed in the Tulsa Shootout and had over 100 racers in his class. Normally he races a Quarter Midget but in Tulsa he raced a Winged Mini Sprint for the first time. In his heat race he finished 4th. He then started on the pole in the C Main. Only the top two drivers got to advance and unfortunately TJ missed the cut. His parents provided him with a great opportunity and I’m sure they’re looking forward to next year’s Tulsa Shootout.
RSR Seminar
Veteran DIRTcar Late Model driver Rusty Schlenk, is hosting the RSR Seminar Friday, February 9th at the Fulton Co. Fairgrounds with dinner provided. This is for Late Model, Modified and Street Stock drivers. Rusty will be going over car set-ups, driving tips, weekly maintenance and he’ll be taking your questions. Contact Rusty directly on his Facebook page, Rusty Schlenk. You must register to attend.
Swap Meet Coming To Lima
The 39th Annual Lima Swap Meet will take place at the Allen County Fairgrounds January 28th, with over 200 venders. The Swap Meet will run from 8:30AM-3PM and admission is $7.00. It’s the largest and oldest swap meet in N.W. Ohio. Dozens of dirt and asphalt racers will be set up in the 4 heated buildings to sell new and used items. There will also be venders catering to drag racing, muscle cars, truck enthusiasts and even man cave items. Ultimate Racing Promotions LLC runs the event presented by Sunoco. Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron out!
