Many times I have been asked how I got started in racing.
My dad use to race an IMCA’s and from the first time I saw him race I knew that was what I wanted to do. I bugged him so much that he finally took me to South Mountain Park to see Quarter Midgets race. http://www.quartermidgets.org He also told me I had to learn the rule-book; so I did.
Quarter Midgets are a family oriented sport for kids. There are fewer injuries in quarter midgets than little league football. Quarter Midgets have a fiberglass body and are painted to the drivers liking. Mine had a sort of blue water flame swish. They run on a 4-cylinder Honda engine. They have a roll cage, 5-point harness and are actually a ¼ scale small midget.
I was 10 when we bought a used quarter midget. Once I got the hand of racing we bought a new one. As I began to win races my dad and I decided to build my own in the garage. Building a quarter midget really help jump-start my interest in how the car actually works. Building a car helps you not only understand the mechanics but the “why” things are done the way they are.
The thing I remember most about Quarter Midgets are the first time I got upside down! I don’t remember exactly how it happened I just remember the part of being upside down. Everyone ran over and all I could do was say that was fun. I wasn’t hurt. All the safety equipment worked so I was fine. The best part about going upside down is that you get a trophy at the next race of a quarter midget upside down and you are then enrolled in the “upside down club”.
I hope you enjoy the photos I have included and this look into how this crazy ride all lit a fire in me for racing.
Make It A Great Life
Cassie Gannis – Race Car Driver, Animal Lover