What’s Going on with Quarter Midget Racing?

Rumors began swirling this summer about the future of several quarter midget race tracks in the Midwest, the rumors weren’t positive either.

First it was the Capital Quarter Midget Association based in Lansing, MI, closing the track and moving on. It’s important to note that no official announcement of future plans or closure have been yet on the organization’s social media.

Then came another rumor, this one surrounding the Kil Kare Raceway in Xenia, Ohio, which houses the Kil Kare Dragway, Kil Kare Speedway (short track) and the Miami Valley Quarter Midget Racing Association (on a purpose built quarter midget oval). The Kil Kare Raceway complex has recently been purchased by the International Hot Road Association (IHRA). IHRA hosts drag racing events, the Miami Valley Quarter Midget Racing Association focuses on their small oval, which is separate from the short track. The MVQMRA has not competed since June 21st, with their next scheduled event to be held on October 11th & 12th.

Locally, Little Lorain Raceway has a bit of a cloud of uncertainty over it. The Maggio family, which owns Lorain Raceway Park has announced the facility is for sale. The Little Lorain Quarter Midget Association hosts events on the backstretch of the 3/8 mile asphalt oval. A new owner could come in and continue the club or discontinue it as they take ownership of the facility. Any decision regarding the future of the Little Lorain Quarter Midgets Association will likely come after the 2025 season concludes.

In Alabama, the Huntsville Quarter Midget Association faces closure following the 2025 season, Liberty Racing Review recently covered that story. The issue in Huntsville, AL is over a property transfer and a County Commissioner wanting to raise the rent for the club to operate the race track on county property.

While Quarter Midget racing continues to be a launching pad for young racers, it is the only form of racing with a set end date; the drivers either grow out of the cars or age out (at 17 years, 364 days old). Despite the definite end for young racers across the country, quarter midgets still offer young racers an affordable platform to race locally, regionally, or nationally (mostly as part of the NASCAR Youth Series).