Side by side - Peter Barber Photography
The formula dates back to the 1930s, making it the longest-serving formula to race on the Short Ovals. The cars themselves take influence from famous American IndyCar styles but on a smaller scale, and unlike IndyCar racing and much like the majority of our oval motorsport, the faster drivers start at the back of the grid. This ensures that plenty of overtakes take place across a race, which is exactly what spectators want to see.
The 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.
The current formula was developed in the late sixties with the first cars in the class being very similar to the Maserati, Connaught and Vanwall Grand Prix cars of the late fifties. However, over the years the designs of the cars have changed significantly with rear engine configurations becoming more prominent in the late seventies and new side engine configurations developing the formula further in the late 2010s. The formula is constantly progressing with new drivers bringing in different innervations, what will be seen next?
Clifford Bunn's Side Engined Midget – GridArt
The current modern cars place a huge emphasis on design freedom. Cars often use independent double-wishbone suspension, slick racing tyres and highly tuned engines to a capacity of 1427cc. The overall length of the car is restricted to just 130", the wheelbase to 82" and the overall width to 66" - hence the name Midget. Cars are either purpose-built or converted from circuit racing chassis and there are always cars for sale.
The technical specifications are designed to carefully balance design freedom whilst keeping the cars on a level playing field, so that no matter what your budget you can still race competitively. With this in mind, driver aids such as; ABS, Traction control, active suspension and active aerodynamics are banned.
The majority of cars in the Grand Prix Midget formula can be split into two different configurations; side engine and rear engine cars. Front engine cars are available but are less common. Despite the range in cars, a competitive ready to race rear-engine car can be purchased in the range of £2500-£4000, with this price compared to other formulas this gets you a ‘lot for your buck’. Side engine cars are a little more expensive costing anywhere between £7000-£10000 new built. However, the beauty of this formula is that everyone can race on any budget and still be competitive and win.
Grand Prix Midgets at the Motorsport With Attitude Show – Daniel Pooley
A driver’s licence fee is £45 with club registration for £40, with the price of entry to each race meeting for a driver ranging between £10-£30 dependent on the track and after these initial costs are covered, a driver can run their car on whatever budget is suitable for them. The most common costs associated with the formula are consumables such as fuel and tyres. Tyres are an open selection although the maximum size is controlled; the compound and manufacturer are open to drivers.
The club says that “Grand Prix Midgets have proven to be one of the most cost-effective motorsport series for the speed, power and sheer excitement and unpredictability of the racing”.
The formula race at a range of tracks and don’t venture onto the shale surface. They have a fantastic fixture list racing at Aldershot, Birmingham, Buxton, Eastbourne, Hednesford, Ipswich, Skegness and Lelystad in Holland. With this in mind, the formulas short term plan is to increase the number of average cars racing per meeting; this will, in turn, provide even more variety in car design, increased variety of race winners and a larger support network for drivers.
Challenging Conditions – Peter Barber Photography
The clubs long term goal is to keep the formulas ethos of design freedom, enforcing a carefully selected set of technical regulations whilst encouraging new ideas, concepts and technologies. “Our constant mission is to keep start-up and running costs as low as possible, so drivers of all backgrounds can race competitively”. The club is currently updating and revamping their social media platforms, so definitely make sure to give their Facebook page a like and a follow them on Instagram. The club has ventured onto YouTube as well, with a range of onboard footage from a range of cars being displayed. This is a great way to show exactly what the drivers experience out on track and provides another perspective for fans and spectators as opposed to watching from the outside.
If you want to find out more about the Grand Prix Midgets, visit their social media pages or see gpmidgets.co.uk.