Starting out
We are pleased that you have taken the time to find out about Grand Prix Midget racing - thank you.
On this site you will find a brief description of the formula, list of cars for sale, a technical Specification, rule book and a full fixture list. On this page you can find out how much racing with us costs and what happens when you actually race with us.
What does it cost ?
A racing licence is £65 per year which also includes one mechanic. You receive a newsletter between most meetings telling you the gradings (see below) for the next meeting and any relevant information.
With regard to cost, this varies very much on what you want to put in but given a reliable engine and no major crashes you should be able to attend a full season for under £2,000 including towing fuel and maintenance of the racing car. GP Midget racers do not pay race entry fees and admission to the circuit for the driver (and occasionally one mechanic) is usually free. Club funds are boosted by the annual licence fees and by running raffles at race meetings.
Cars can be purchased for as little £3,000 or less for a starter car. A good average price is £4,500 to £5,000 for a competitive car. New kits are available for around £3,000 without engine and gearbox and cars also become available when drivers decide to build a new one. Cars can be built by a number of driver/builders to any given stage, paying as you go in many cases. Help in building, buying, converting and setting up is freely given and once you have a car every advice you could want will be offered on race days or between them.
What would be expected of me as a driver?
We'd love it if you attended all meetings but would be like to think you will do at least 60% of the meetings staged. Full grids make for exciting racing and keeps promoter/spectator interest, so we get asked back the next year. Qualification for all championship races eg World, European, British, National, Southern, East of England etc. are all based on attendance of 60% of the previous meetings that season - newcomers and non-qualifiers run off the back half a lap down (numbers permitting) so it is in your interest to qualify.
What is the race meeting format?
As you will see from the events list we race at a variety of tracks nationwide .
At all domestic meetings the cars are lined up with the most experienced drivers starting further back on the grid with newer drivers at the front. There are white, yellow, blue, red (star), superstar and silver grades. Grades are principally decided on averages over six meetings raced, with averages also determining the positions within the grade until mid season after which the points determine the grid position with averages still determining the grade. The top six are generally red grade but moves from one grade to another are done one grade at a time. Top points scorer is silver top and at the very back of the grid.
Our World & European Championships are International Events open to drivers from Europe (and we hope may possibly be attended by drivers from even further afield in the future). Qualifying rounds are used to qualify for a place on the front half of the grid. The main event for the Championship is run over 30 laps.
Prizes - what could you win?
There are both front engined and rear engined cars, this is a matter of personal choice but the engine rules are exactly the same. There is one overall championship, or National Points Series, in which the top 6 are rewarded with trophies at the end of the season
As in 2004 and 2005 the 2006 Championship has the support of AWS Racewear who are supplying the top three drivers in the competition with a Proban Race Suit.
There are also trophies for the highest driver is each 'category' - front & rear engined. The essence of our formula is that the designs of the cars can be as varied as the drivers themselves but within the constraints of a strict set of safety biased rules. We also have a Best Presented Car competition the top six places being presented with trophies at the end of the year; an annual returnable trophy also awarded. This competition is judged at all meetings by members of the public such as supporters, ex drivers and promoter staff.
So how do I get to join?
To get an application form please email us with your name and address and we'll send it in the post. If you prefer email we can send it to you as an attachment - if so please state which word processing format you use. If you cannot email us please check out our contacts page for more details.
We look forward to hearing from you!
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