Microd (short for Micro Hot Rod) racing is a form of youth automobile racing unique to
Central New York
Central New York is the central region of New York State, including the following counties and cities:
With a population of about 773,606 (2009) and an area of , the region includes the Syracuse metropolitan area.
Definitions
The New Yor ...
state. Drivers race on a 1/10 mile dirt or paved oval track. Novice drivers typically race at speeds of , while older drivers may exceed . Traditional wood-frame microds were homemade vehicles built of common materials such as plywood. Microd clubs may also race metal-frame classes which use quarter midget cars (making the length of the track the primary difference between microd racing and
Quarter Midget racing
Quarter midget racing is a form of automobile racing. The cars are approximately one-quarter (1/4) the size of a full-size midget car. The adult-size midget being raced during the start of quarter midget racing used an oval track of one-fifth of a ...
). New York State Microd Association (NYSMA) and the Tri County Microd Club (TCMC) are the only governing body's for this sport.
Cars
There are three divisions of microd racing: traditional wood-frame microds, steel frame microds, and open wheel microds (quarter midgets). The cars in all divisions are powered by a 3 to 6 horsepower lawnmower engine with a single gearing driving the left rear wheel by a chain, or both rear wheels by the use of a live axle. Families often build the cars themselves in accordance with the construction specifications provided in the NYSMA plan book.
History
The sport originated in
Skaneateles, NY in 1954 when Edwin Robinson Sr. and his son Edwin (Bob) Robinson Jr. designed the original wood-frame microd.
After local children began driving the cars around the village streets, the village approached the Robinsons to develop the first microd track. The original clay track was located on the grounds of the current Allyn Arena.
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, LLC (NASCAR) is an American auto racing sanctioning and operating company that is best known for stock car racing. The privately owned company was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1948, and h ...
driver
Doug Heveron
Doug Heveron (born March 29, 1961) is an American race car driver from Liverpool, New York. He has driven supermodifieds, modifieds, Indy cars, NASCAR Winston Cup cars, NASCAR Busch Grand National cars, sprint cars, late models and midgets. began his racing career at the Syracuse-Geddes MicRod Track at the age of 8.
References
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Motorsport in New York (state)
Racing car classes
Auto racing by type
The history of microd Racing
Little Wheels