ABOUT US
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.
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
SAFETY
Incorporating the latest SFI and FIA driver safety standards, for harness, race suits and helmets.
Tubular space frame chassis construction, with energy absorption structures.
PERFORMANCE
Utilising powerful 1.4L naturally aspirated engines for over 130hp.
Combined with a vehicle weight of 420kg, giving a powerful power/weight ratio of over 300hp/tonne
RELIABILITY
Simplified ignition and electrical systems.
Robust suspension designs to cope with enormous cornering forces.
Excellent knowledge base available to all drivers.
COST
Competitive on any budget.
Race format designed to equalise performance advantages.
Design freedom to allow drivers and engineers to develop cars in a variety of ways.
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
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Maximum capacity of 1427cc
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Maximum wheelbase 2085mm (82”)
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Maximum width 1675mm (66”)
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Minimum weight (excluding driver) 375kg
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.
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.
Initial Start Up Costs | Cost |
|---|---|
Competitive ready to race car (rear engine - side engine) | £5000 - £10000 |
ORCi licence (per season) | £45 |
Club membership (per season) | £40 |
Estimated Costs Per Season | Cost |
|---|---|
Driver entry fees | £400 (£25 per meeting) |
Race car fuel costs | £400 |
Tyres (6 new slick tyres) Avon A10 | £1000 (approx. £170 per tyre) |
Total per season | £1800 |
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.
Position | Points |
|---|---|
1st | 15 |
2nd | 12 |
3rd | 10 |
4th | 8 |
5th | 6 |
6th | 5 |
7th | 4 |
8th | 3 |
9th | 2 |
10th | 1 |
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.
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?
1
Driver Variety
The club caters for a variety of drivers of different backgrounds. Some drivers begin their racing career with us and others choose to join the club for a new challenge in there established racing careers.
2
Low Cost Racing
Grand Prix Midget racing is one of the cheapest forms of motorsport in the UK, whilst still allowing drivers to experience what it is like to drive the fastest cars on the ovals.
3
Wheel to wheel racing
No matter your grid position you are guaranteed wheel to wheel racing with multiple different drivers.
4
design freedom
The technical regulations are specifically designed to encourage design freedom. Allowing drivers to personalise their cars to their individual style.
5
family atmosphere
Although all drivers are fiercely competitive, every driver on the grid will help every other driver to get them out on track. No matter what your problem or issue there is a passionate and knowledgeable roster of drivers and mechanics to lend a helping hand.
2023 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
2023 ORCI Safety
Specification Regulations
2023 Licence Form (Spedeworth)
2023 Grand Prix Midget Club Membership