What are Grand Prix Midgets?

Grand Prix Midgets (GPM) are self-built open wheel, single seater style formula cars, on short track ovals around the UK and Europe. Cars racing in this formula are the fastest formula racing on ovals in the UK, reaching high average speeds on the ¼ mile ovals with steep banked turns and no run off area. Driving inches from the wall against all other drivers fighting for 1st position brings incredible side by side racing with no rest for the drivers from start to finish.

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The GPM Championship is the main points championship contested throughout the season. Due to the close competitive nature of the cars and drivers, the points championship almost always goes down to the last race of the season before crowing the champion. The unique style of this formula and what sets it apart form others is the design freedom on offer here. 

Four Key Concepts

Car Design

GPM cars take their inspiration from both European formula cars and oval racing sprint cars in North America. Cars are usually self-built and personalised by all drivers on the grid. Underneath however, they are very similar and built to a carefully defined set of rules:

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• 4 cylinder, naturally aspirated engines

• Maximum capacity of 1427cc

• Maximum wheelbase 2085mm (82”)

• Maximum width 1675mm (66”)

• Minimum weight (excluding driver) 375kg

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The cars use a variety of suspension systems including; double wishbone, Pushrod and multi-link to accommodate wide slick tyres and extract the maximum amount of grip from them. Cars can also utilise wings and other aerodynamic devices to produce even more grip at higher speeds. All of this makes for a diverse and unique slicks and wings formula.

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Cars generally run with one of two engine configurations, rear or side engine. Both configurations have an advantage over the other at various points on the track. With similar performance characteristics it is often hard to predict a winner between the two configurations, leading to unpredictability.

Cost of Racing

Contrary to the design of the cars and their speed around the ovals, racing on a budget is a key objective of the club to make it as accessible as possible. Below is a table of estimated initial start-up costs and costs for a full season on a budget.

Due to the variety of cars and driving styles, seasonal costs can vary up and down the grid. Despite the variations in budgets, the race format allows all drivers to have an equal chance of winning races and championships.

Race Format & Points

Each race meeting consists of three races, two heats and a final. Drivers line up in their grades based on average points across several meetings. The heat races often give drivers an ideal opportunity to test out setups and learn where the grip is on the track. The final is always a fiercely contested race, with drivers having optimised their cars throughout the heats.

Drivers will also score one point for attendance and one point for each race started. The race format and points reward consistency and fighting for the win. Meaning the points championship always goes down to the last meeting of the year.

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Some of the highlight races of the year include the European championship and the World championship. Grids for these races are determined based on points accumulated since the last championship race. Meaning drivers must be consistent throughout the season to take pole position for those championship races.

Why Race With Us?

2021 Rules & Technical Regulations

Below are the 2021 Rules & Technical Regulations for the formula. Also attached are the ORCI Safety Specification Regulations.

2021 Rules & Regulations

2021 Technical Regulations

2020 ORCI Safety

Specification Regulations

2021 Licence Form (Spedeworth)