Burton, Stanleys Partner To Boost Quarter Midgets

Jeff Burton

Jeff Burton Autosports, Inc., and Robbie Stanley Racing, Inc., announced today that the two entities have partnered to create an easier way for families to get started in the sport of quarter midget racing.

The new alliance brings together Jeff Burton, a noted successful NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver who has been a part of many technological advances in NASCAR, and Ryan and Ron Stanley, respected leaders in innovation and supporters in the quarter midget world since 1977. 

The goal of the new "Robbie Stanley Racing" joint venture is to provide youngsters a simple, easy and effortless way to compete in quarter midget racing, and to provide easy access to state-of-the-art quarter midget race cars and the very best, ground-breaking products at affordable pricing. 

"I have a huge passion for quarter midget racing," said Burton, whose 12-year-old son Harrison has competed in the open-wheel series since he was five. "We want to expose the sport to families and let them try it out. We are going to have the best original parts, the best service, the best pricing, and we will make it easier for beginners to get started in the sport, and help the ones at the top of their game become better. 

"Ryan and Ron have the best reputation of anyone in the sport. Ask any family who has ever needed help at the track, and they will tell you that the Stanleys are always willing to lend a hand. We all want to educate people about a sport that is a 'best kept secret.'" 

Quarter midget racing has been around for more than 50 years. Both USAC (United States Auto Club) and QMA (Quarter Midgets of America) sanction many race tracks (1/20 mile ovals) across the country. The series allows families to spend time together, and the young drivers (5 to 16 years old) help work on the race cars (1/4 the size of full-size midget cars) and see what it takes to be successful. They learn skills and sportsmanship, providing lessons in life. 

Get your kid in a Quarter Midget!

"That is why we are going to make it easy for racers to find whatever parts and pieces they need. We want the sport to continue to grow nationwide, and for other families to see what they are missing," said Ryan Stanley of RSR, which is based in Concord, NC. "We will completely upgrade to a state-of-the-art website (www.robbiestanleyracing.com) to make it simple for customers to get the items they need quickly and in an efficient way. We also have dealers across the country who will carry our products as well. 

"Jeff has seen motorsports from pretty much every aspect. He built race cars as a youngster and has driven for nearly 40 years. His knowledge of technology used at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series level only helps us. We will be able to learn from his experience, his expertise, vision and desire to be the best. This partnership will help take us to the next level." 

The website is being revamped so that anyone can easily maneuver their way on the site to find the items they are in need of. In addition to showcasing hard-to-find products, the web will also showcase tutorials to educate the novice on the specifics of quarter midget race cars. There will also be additional education videos to assist each customer. 

The new Robbie Stanley Racing will serve as an outlet for anything related to quarter midgets and will offer "exclusive" items that won't be able to be purchased anywhere else. Inventory will be large, offering more parts and pieces with the best prices. 

"We want to see the sport grow," said Ron Stanley, Ryan's father, who started the business. "Seems like we have been in business forever and we have always tried to do the right thing with our customers. We certainly have good intentions with this endeavor. 

"Jeff has some great ideas, and knows a lot of people throughout all forms of motorsports. He will be able to help us get in new doors to ultimately help make our sport better. He knows and understands what families need to be in quarter midget racing. He brings a technological savvy to our organization. We have some great things coming down the pipe." 

Many recognizable names in motorsports today got their start in quarter midget racing. Some include: NASCAR Champions' Jeff Gordon, Terry and Bobby Labonte, and this year's titlist Brad Keselowski, along with legendary, four-time Indy 500 winner A. J. Foyt and 1996 Indy Car Series Champion Jimmy Vasser. 

A quarter midget car is a scaled-down version of an actual midget racer, approximately ¼ scale. The cars are built around a tubular frame and are fully suspended with springs or torsion bars and shocks. The bodies are fiberglass and the driver is surrounded by roll cage and nerf bars. 

To learn more about how to get involved in quarter midget racing, contact the new Robbie Stanley Racing via website at www.robbiestanleyracing.com, or by phone at (704)-STANLEY (782-6539).