About SJQMA

SJQMA provides Quarter Midget dirt racing for children in the New Jersey area. Located on the grounds of Atco Raceway, Sandstone Speedway is a 1/20^th mile clay oval that provides fast and exciting racing action for kids ages 5 to 16.

What is Quarter Midget Racing?

A Quarter Midget car is a scaled-down version of an actual midget racer, approximately ¼ scale. Unlike go-karts, quarter midgets feature full four wheel suspension and full roll cages; seat belts and shoulder harnesses are mandatory. Power comes from a variety of engines – Honda, Deco and Briggs & Stratton type 120 – 210 cc engines, which specifications are closely set by the QMA Board of Directors, and enforced by Regional Directors and at each local club by club officials.

Who Races Quarter Midgets?

Quarter midget racing is a competitive sport for children ages 5-16; however, the entire family is invited to get very involved. Dad as a crew chief and mechanic, mom working in the tower helping score races, and all family members can work at flagging, pit stewarding and various other race day and club activities.

Quarter midget racing was started to develop sportsmanship in the children while providing a family oriented sport. In recognition of the drivers, trophies are awarded at Local, Regional, State and National events. No cash prizes are awarded.

Benefits of Quarter Midget Racing

It’s a family sport – We are not a “drop off your kid” kind of sport. Few other sports permit all members of the family to participate. The kids do the driving while other family members serve as pit crews, child mechanics, scorers and timekeepers.

• It teaches the meaning of sportsmanship. They learn to compete fairly, be a good winner, and also a gracious loser

• It develops coordination, a sense of timing and independent thinking.

• It teaches self-reliance. Once the green flag has dropped, they are on their own.

• The spirit of competition also comes along here. They learn to drive hard, but that rules must be observed. Rule infractions may result to disqualification.

• They develop knowledge and an appreciation for mechanical devices.

• It teaches safe driving and driving skills. Very few people develop the skill that these children acquire. We believe this level of skill will be valuable when they become adult drivers. They learn that there is a place to race an automobile, which is NOT on the public highway systems where so many fine youngsters lose their lives.

• It develops a sense of responsibility, alertness and concern for the safety of others.

• It gives the drivers a well-earned right and a sense of pride and accomplishment. They stand a little taller and are more confident after becoming a proficient quarter midget driver. This confidence and sense of “belonging to a group” along with our Race Against Drugs program, could someday be a factor in helping them to “Say No to Drugs”.