The 2026 Racing Season is Just Around the Corner!!!!!!
As we approach the final big race of the year, the Silver State Winter Nationals, we are already looking forward to 2026 for SoCalQMA. Our yearly nominations email and forms are being prepared, our 2026 membership is up and ready (click HERE to join for 2026). The NASCAR Youth Series has opened their 2026 membership applications as well (you can find that HERE). Both these will be needed when we have our membership meeting where voting for board positions will take place.
In conclusion, SoCalQMA would like to thank all of our members and out of town guest for what was a remarkable 2025 year of quarter midget racing. We had some fantastic racing that showed we really are building the next generation of racers. We look forward to another year watching our many new drivers grow, while continuing to be in awe of our more seasoned racers. Our club is growing, it is strong, and the future is very bright.
Good luck to everyone racing in Las Vegas. Safe travels and lets bring some slot machines home to Southern California.
2025 CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS
Quarter midget racing features small-scale, safe race cars for kids aged 5–16, competing on oval tracks roughly 1/20 mile in length. Emphasis is placed on safety (roll cages, multi-point harnesses, etc.) and family involvement.
Arrive and Drive
SoCal QMA hosts arrive and drive events throughout the season to allow kids from 5 to 15 to test drive a real quarter midget race car. We provide the safety gear such as helmets, race suits, gloves, etc. All the driver needs to bring is close-toed shoes, long pants, and hair tied back (if long). All of our cars have safety belts and the throttle is controlled to an appropriate speed for driver’s age and experience.
Club Races
A typical club race at SoCal QMA is a full-day, family-oriented event designed to give kids an authentic racing experience in a safe and structured environment. Quarter midget racing requires family member involvement in order for the sport to be successful.
Basic member duties include: track set up and break down, scorers, lap keepers, flaggers, safety, track directors, pit crew, and operators of a raffle booth on major race events.
A typical race day schedule:
- Track set up
- Practice
- Driver’s meeting
- Heat Races
- Main Event
- Trophies
- Track break down
All members will have the opportunity to learn and grow to support our young racers.
Rookie Training
Drivers can enter rookie training at 4½, but must be 5 to race in a competitive class
All new drivers, regardless of actual age, begin at the Red Rookie level and progress to Blue Rookie before advancing to competitive classes
Red Rookie (with a red restrictor plate): Focuses on teaching core skills: safety, flag etiquette, pit procedures, track entry/exit, lining up, and response to officials.
Blue Rookie (with a blue restrictor plate): Builds race skills and confidence at higher speeds.
Equipment & Membership
Must own or rent a quarter midget car and have full safety gear: helmet, fire suit, gloves, arm restraints, neck collar/restraint (e.g., HANS), and Race receiver with earbuds .
Each family must be active members of the club and USAC/NASCAR Youth Series, maintaining annual memberships.
This structured Red → Blue → Competitive progression ensures young drivers learn the fundamentals of safety, race awareness, car control, and respect for rules before racing at speed. All drivers across USAC-sanctioned clubs follow this same path.
Our Partners
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NASCAR YOUTH SERIES
The breeding ground of Champions.
SoCalQMA Drivers:
Board of Directors
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Anthony Hoffman
President
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Greg Stevens
Vice President
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Sharon Wandler
Secretary
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David Lenaker
Treasure 2
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Kelly Hoffman
Marketing & Social Media
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Rodney Rayborne
Track Director
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Sal Rose
Rookie Trainer / Technical Director