The West End Quarter Racing Midget Association in Gilbert is gearing up for the West End Fair.

“At one time, we had more than 100 families and racers, and the parents all got involved,” said Patrick Borger, president of the association.

Spending part of his weekends along with his wife, Nicole Borger, at the West End Fair arena and helping the young racers build their racing skills, is important to the couple.

His goal, he said, is to bring the club back to what it used to be, with lots of parents volunteering to help young kids who want to race. Borger’s wife, who is also the club’s secretary, emphasized that learning how to race a car is not all they learn.

“They learn about commitment, responsibility and sportsmanship in addition to making lots of new friends,” she said.

The club will race ahead of the official West End Fair opening at 11 a.m. Sunday at the fairgrounds.

It is a family activity, and the families of the racers have to sign up for at least one committee every year. The parents have a wide range of committees to choose from: tech driver trainer, the concession stand, trophy committee, banquet committee and fundraisers.

“We are really like a big family and the kids all become friends,” she said.

The young racers meet every Sunday to practice and build their racing skills and how to work on the cars. The only time they close the club is when a larger club is racing.

The club likes to travel and go to the larger club’s events and compete and gain experience and possibly win, Borger said.

Racing is not cheap, but used race cars can be found online to start with.

“It is a great way to spend time with your kids and have fun as a family. Plus, it is better than sitting home playing video games,” he said.

If you have a son or daughter interested in getting into quarter midget racing, or want to know more about the sport, now is the chance to try it and see how they like it.

There will be a Driver Experience Day on Sept. 11 at the West End Fairgrounds. The rain date is Sept. 18.

Borger said the kids 5 to 16 who come to participate in the Driver Experience Day must wear jeans, socks and sneakers. All safety equipment and cars will be provided. The cost is $20 per driver and sign-ins are 10 to 11 a.m. There will also be an information meeting from 11 a.m. until noon. Proof of child’s age is required.

Contact President Patrick Borger, 570-730-0916, or Vice President Mike Esterly, 610-413-5788, for more information.