YAKIMA, Wash. – The third annual Arrive and Drive event is revving up excitement at State Fair Park in Yakima. Hosted by the 509 Quarter Midget Association (“509 QMA”), this event invites local kids to experience the thrill of racing professional quarter midget cars.
Despite a rainy forecast, dozens of kids suited up to take the wheel like real-life race car drivers. The event welcomed children as young as four and a half, offering them the chance to test-drive competition-ready vehicles.
“Some of my best childhood memories were at the racetrack spending with the family,” said organization president Randy Geary
Geary explained the safety measures in place for the young racers.
“You get strapped in the car with all the safety gear, and you get to go out and take like 15 laps. It’s all controlled. We have remote kill switches. We have the throttle disconnected with the idle turned up for them to go out there. They have a brake pedal and everything, but it’s just something that’s so they can see if they like it or not,” he said.
Geary emphasized the family-oriented nature of the sport.
“It’s almost like a well-kept secret. I wish it wasn’t secret. I wish it was out to everybody because this is an awesome sport. I love it. And it’s a great family sport because all every aspect of it is all family run and family-involved. The moms run tower and they help on the cars and the kids race the cars. The dads work on the guards, moms work on the guards, too,” he said.
For Geary, the sport holds a special multi-generational significance.
“My parents are actually still involved. Me and my brothers all raced, and then I’ve got five sisters that raced also. It’s pretty awesome. It is. I enjoy it. It’s pretty cool to progress like I enjoy driving them but I enjoy setting the car up for my daughter to win races. So it’s a pretty cool experience,” he said.
Looking ahead, the track will host two significant events in the coming months. In April, the Western Region Race will take place, followed by the Grand Nationals Race in the summer.
For more information about the 509 Quarter Midget Association and their events, please visit their Facebook.
