Quarter midget racers circle the track at Roy Hayer Memorial Speedway in Rio Linda. Photo courtesy of Capital Quarter Midget Association

RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - On Feb. 15, quarter midget racing will return to the fastest little dirt track in the west, Roy Hayer Memorial Speedway, which is slated to host the Capital Quarter Midget Association’s “Arrive and Drive No. 1” event that day.

Tucked away behind Rio Linda High School in a grove of shade trees is one of the oldest dirt quarter midget racetracks in the country. Roy Hayer Memorial Speedway is named for a longtime quarter midget supporter that  “produces great racing programs and great citizens.” Home of the Capitol Quarter Midget Association, the facilities include a 1/20-mile dirt racing surface, permanent timing and scoring tower, snack bar, permanent restrooms, shaded spectator stands and a large pit area.

Established in 1954, the Capital Quarter Midget Association club and racing facility have long played a part in quarter midget racing for youth in Northern California. Quarter midget racing is a fast-paced family sport that teaches children the meaning of sportsmanship, win or lose, fairness and discipline.

Nascar legend Jeff Gordon, a Vallejo native, began his illustrious racing career at Roy Hayer Memorial Speedway, then known as Cracker Jack Track, at age five and he learned quickly. Hundreds of quarter-midget wins would follow for Gordon, many of them at the iconic Rio Linda racetrack.

Roy Hayer Memorial Speedway in Rio Linda hosts quarter midget races during the racing season, which runs from March through November. Photo courtesy of Capital Quarter Midget Association

The stated purpose of the Capital Quarter Midget Association club is to create and maintain a clean, safe, healthy sport, which can be enjoyed by all family members in a close relationship with good sportsmanship toward all. To teach the younger generation about the proper handling of mechanical devices, coordination, self-reliance, alertness and ability to handle motor-driven vehicles. To impress upon the younger generation the idea of fairness, generosity, good sportsmanship and a sense of responsibility, without envy of others.

Quarter midget races are held approximately twice a month at Roy Hayer Memorial Speedway during the racing season, which runs from March through November (weather permitting).

Roy Hayer Memorial Speedway is located at 800 G St. in Rio Linda. For more information, visit the Capital Quarter Midget Association website at http://www.capitolqma.com or call 916-991-1128.