Rookie Starter Pack

Welcome to the World of Quarter Midgets!

We’re excited to have you join us in this incredible journey. Quarter Midget racing is more than just a sport—it’s a powerful learning experience for young drivers. Along the way, they’ll pick up valuable life lessons such as:

1. Winning and losing with dignity

2. Practicing good sportsmanship

3. Being a respected competitor and club participant

In life, victories aren’t guaranteed, and learning how to handle both wins and losses with grace is essential. This sport helps instill that mindset early. Sportsmanship starts with us—the adults. Our drivers watch and learn from our behavior, so let’s model respect and positivity. We encourage drivers to shake hands or high-five after races, regardless of the outcome.

Competition vs. Fun

There are two sides to racing: the competitive side and the fun side. Every driver wants to win, and that’s natural—but only one can win each race. Most drivers will lose more often than they win, and that’s okay. Every child who gets out there, gives it their all, and improves is a winner. This sport is called racing, not winning. If your child gets to race, we’ve already succeeded. Winning is just a bonus.

Driving these cars is no small feat. The mental processing speed required is comparable to driving a full-sized car at 60 mph. Until you’ve driven a few laps yourself, it’s hard to grasp what your child is experiencing. Every child learns at their own pace—some pick it up quickly, others take time. Be patient and encouraging.

Encouragement & Goal Setting

Stay positive around your driver. If they believe they can’t improve, they won’t. Set small, achievable goals for each practice and race. When they reach those goals, bigger ones will feel more attainable. Like the little train said: “I think I can, I think I can…”—soon they’ll know they can.

Lead with encouragement before offering constructive feedback. For example: “Great job stopping under the red flag! Next time, let’s try to stop a little sooner.” If your driver knows you believe in them, they’ll start believing in themselves too.

Hands-On Learning at Home

After the first week of rookie training, build a mini racetrack at home using cardboard or other materials. Use toy cars to model what they’re learning each week. Include:

• Racing line

• Light locations

• Flag stand and finish line

• Start box

• Paper flags with meanings

Number the toy cars like real race cars and practice lineups, position changes, and race starts. Parents can also mimic race official hand signals—see if your driver knows how to respond!

Communication is Key

As the season progresses, ask your driver for feedback about their car:

• Was it easy or hard to turn?

• Did the front or rear feel off?

Ask, listen, and explain calmly. Never make them feel inadequate. Help them describe how the car feels—tight, loose, etc.—and include them in setup decisions early. They’re capable of more than just putting numbers on the car!

Teach pride in their equipment and respect for others’. Race cars aren’t cheap—let’s treat them with care.

We’re Here for You

If you ever need help, just ask! We hope every family enjoys their time in Quarter Midgets and builds lasting friendships across the country. This is a sport where the whole family can be involved. You’re now a team: crew chief, support crew, and driver. It takes a team to succeed—be patient and have fun!