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The Midget Grand Prix formula
is the fastest of all those that grace the country's Stock
Car circuits, but these machines are just about as far from
Stock Cars as you can get. The cars are pure racers and use
highly tuned engines, but are still well within the budget
of the working man.
The tracks, known to aficionados these days
as 'small ovals' rather than Stock Car tracks, consist of
two short straights joined by two 180 degree bends. Average
speeds over the quarter mile tracks are therefore lower than
the likes of Brands Hatch, but the acceleration is phenomenal
as the cars burst up to seventy miles per hour for a few seconds
before the driver slams on the brakes and turns into the bend.
Powering out of the corner, the motor howls into life once
again before the driver is back on the brakes for the next
bend. Add twenty five other cars to compete with over a race
distance of twenty laps and you can begin to understand what
Grand Prix Midget racing is all about.
Why Grand Prix Midgets?
Midget car racing dates back to the 1930's making it small
oval racing's longest serving formula. It's effectively American
'Indycar' style, but on a smaller scale. Unlike 'Indycar'
racing, however, the more experienced drivers start at the
back of the grid, which ensures plenty of overtaking and therefore
entertainment for the spectators and a sporting chance for
the racing newcomers.
The current Formula was developed in the
late sixties. The first cars in the class were very similar
to the Maserati, Connaught and Vanwall Grand Prix cars of
the late fifties. Over the years however, the designs of the
cars have changed with rear engine machines becoming more
evident in the late seventies.
The Club
The present Midget Grand Prix Club was formed in 1975 with
the late Graham Hill as its' President until his tragic death
after which Stirling Moss took up the position. In 1987 World
Sportscar champion and former Grand Prix driver Martin Brundle
accepted the position. There is no 'secret society' in the
pit area and more importantly help and encouragement is freely
available and given to new drivers.
What Are Midgets?
Don't be fooled by the word Midget because there is nothing
inferior about these racers. The cars are single seaters using
independent wishbone suspension, racing tyres and highly tuned
engines to a capacity of 1427cc. Cars may be either front
or rear engine, but the overall length of the car is restricted
to just 130", the wheelbase to 82" and the track
width to 66" - hence the name Midget. Despite being the
fastest of the small oval formulas, the Midgets are also the
most cost effective with competitive cars available in the
region of £4,500. Cars are either purpose built or converted
from circuit racing chassis and there are always cars for
sale, details of which the Club will be pleased to supply.
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