How To Get Started

Step 1: Try It Out (Try-A-Ride)

The easiest way to get started is with our Try-A-Ride program, where kids aged 4 1/2 and up can experience driving a quarter midget.

$25 for 10 laps
Equipment: provided by the track
What to wear: Long pants, socks, closed-toe shoes
Requirement: parent must be present with a signed waiver
Sign-ups begin at 12:00 PM (tower)
Any questions email amylittlekalamazoo@gmail.com. If you want to add your child’s name to the list to save time filling out some information please provide name, age, address, city, zip, phone & email.

Note: Cars fit certain height ranges, but we do our best to accommodate everyone.

TRY-A-RIDE CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION

2026 Dates: TBD

Step 2: Equipment & Cars

To begin training and racing, drivers will need a car and approved safety gear.

Options:

Use a scholarship car (if available)
Purchase your own (we can help guide you)

Required Safety Gear:

Racing helmet (SA/SFI rated)
Fire suit
Gloves
Arm restraints
Neck collar or HANS device
RACEceiver (with earbuds)

All equipment must meet safety standards before being approved for use.

Step 3: Join the Club

To officially race, you’ll need to complete both national and local registration.

NASCAR Youth Registration (required first)

Complete online registration
Pay all fees directly through NASCAR youth

Little Kalamazoo Membership

Annual membership (Jan-Dec)
Payment options: Venmo, cash, or check
Forms must be printed, completed, and signed

Additional memberships may include:

Little Kalamazoo Membership with parking is $150.00.
Little Kalamazoo Associate Membership is $150.00.
Midwest Thunder @ LKS parking is $25.00 for members.
$25.00 per day to park in a power spot for out of town guests.

Section 4a — Program Overview

Once everything with setup is completed, drivers move into our rookie program, designed to safely introduce kids to racing.

Ages between 4 1/2 and 5 are eligible to practice and train
Ages 5+ are eligible to race (depending on their rookie rank)
2026 Rookie Training dates will be listed on the website schedule.
Rookies will train on Saturday mornings before a scheduled race and on scheduled dates. All dates are TBD for 2026.

Section 4b — Rookie Levels & Training Format

There are two levels of Rookies. All kids regardless of age must start with a red restrictor plate. Once they have completed the Red Rookie requirements they move up to a Blue Rookie class with a blue restrictor plate before being allowed to race in a Competitive class.

Rookie training includes both classroom introduction and on-track sessions, with individual and group coaching.

Red rookie: Focus on safety, basics, and track awareness
Blue Rookie: Increased speed, racing experience, and building more confidence

Section 4c — Requirements to Race

The following tasks must be completed during training sessions before a driver will be allowed to compete in a race:

Consistent lap times (preferably above 12 seconds per lap)
Demonstrate the ability to line up in various positions for double line up and single line up.
Demonstrate the ability to enter the pits and stop in a pit stall.
Demonstrate the ability to follow flagging by the flag person.
Demonstrate the ability to cleanly enter the track from the pits (blend line).
Demonstrate proper response to hand signals.
Demonstrate the ability to take the checkered flag from the flag person at the end of a race.
Demonstrate the ability to safely exit the track.

A minimum of three race events is required before graduating to a competitive (Honda 120/Animal) class. One of these three events must be in the Red Rookie class.
Handlers must be present at all training sessions