From Quarter Midgets to Micro Sprints: Memarie Ashcraft’s Racing Journey Continues

From Quarter Midgets to Micro Sprints: Memarie Ashcraft’s Racing Journey Continues

There’s something special about growing up at the racetrack. For 15-year-old racer Memarie “Mem” Ashcraft, racing has never just been a hobby — it’s been part of who she is from the very beginning. Living just minutes from a racetrack, Mem grew up surrounded by engines, dirt, and the excitement of race night. Today, she’s taking on the challenge of 600cc micro sprint racing while continuing to learn, grow, and chase her dreams one lap at a time.

Mem recently joined the Women’s Motorsports Network Podcast to talk about her racing journey, family support system, and what it’s really like competing in one of dirt racing’s most competitive classes.

A Racing Bond Between Father and Daughter

Unlike many racers who come from multi-generational racing families, Mem’s story started a little differently. Her dad wasn’t a racer growing up — he simply loved motorsports. One day while working at their local racetrack with the fire department, he spotted a quarter midget on display. Before long, he asked Mem if she wanted to race.

The answer was an immediate yes.

From that moment on, racing became more than a sport. It became a father-daughter bond that shaped both of their lives. Her dad eventually tried racing himself for a short time, but he chose to step away so the family could focus fully on Mem’s racing career and travel schedule.

Racing as a Team

One of the unique parts of Mem’s racing program is the teamwork involved. She races alongside teammate Peyton, and together their families work as one unit at the racetrack. Whether it’s changing tires between classes or helping prepare each other’s cars, everyone contributes.

During a recent race weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, Mem raced both winged and non-wing micro sprint classes using only one car. That meant quick turnarounds between races, with both dads working together frantically to switch setups, install wings, and change tires in time for the next event.

Mem credits having teammates and supportive families as one of the biggest advantages in her racing career. The girls constantly share feedback and learn from each other, helping each other improve both on and off the track.

Learning the Challenge of Dirt Racing

Moving from asphalt racing into dirt micro sprints brought an entirely new learning curve.

Mem explained that one of the biggest adjustments has been understanding how rapidly dirt tracks change throughout the night. Unlike asphalt, where drivers can run nearly identical laps over and over, dirt racing requires constant adaptation. Racers must learn to read moisture, ruts, cushions, and changing grooves every single lap.

Even more challenging has been mastering the footwork required in A-Class micro sprint racing. In these powerful cars, drivers can’t simply lift off the throttle in the corners without upsetting the car’s balance. Instead, racers must carefully manage braking, throttle control, and weight transfer with incredible precision.

For many fans, this side of racing often goes unnoticed, but Mem’s explanation showed just how technical and demanding dirt racing truly is.

Handling Setbacks and Staying Positive

Like every racer, Mem has experienced difficult weekends, crashes, and mechanical failures. But one thing that stands out about her is her maturity and mindset.

Rather than dwelling on bad luck or mistakes, she focuses on learning from every race. Whether it’s figuring out how to recover from a mistake while leading or understanding how setup changes affect the car, she sees every challenge as another opportunity to improve.

That positive attitude is already paying off as she gains confidence in the A-Class micro sprint division.

The Tulsa Shootout Experience

One of the highlights of Mem’s racing career has been competing at the legendary Tulsa Shootout — one of the biggest micro sprint events in the country.

For young racers, the Tulsa Shootout is both thrilling and intimidating. Thousands of competitors and fans pack into the massive indoor facility, creating an atmosphere unlike anything else in motorsports. Mem described the event as nerve-wracking but unforgettable, with racers constantly on edge knowing one mistake can end an entire week of competition.

But beyond the racing itself, the Shootout also gives racers a chance to reconnect with friends from across the country — many of whom they only see once a year at the event.

Balancing Racing and School

Despite her busy racing schedule, Mem also balances school through a hybrid learning program. She attends in-person classes part of the week while completing the remainder of her coursework online from home. The flexibility allows her to spend more time helping prepare the race car and getting ready for upcoming events.

And when it comes to working on the car, Mem is heavily involved. She helps assemble, maintain, and prepare the car at home, learning nearly every aspect of the race car except the heavy motor changes that still require dad’s help.

Looking Ahead to a Busy Season

Mem’s 2026 season includes both local racing and major travel events across several states, including Kansas, Washington, Colorado, and Nebraska Speed Week. While the schedule will be demanding, she’s excited for the opportunity to continue developing as a driver while competing against top-level competition.

For fans wanting to follow her journey, you can find updates through:

• Ashcraft Motorsports Racing
• Memarie Ashcraft Racing

A Young Racer With a Bright Future

Listening to Memarie Ashcraft talk about racing, it’s impossible not to notice how knowledgeable and thoughtful she already is at just 15 years old. From understanding track conditions to discussing setup changes and race strategy, she speaks with the experience and confidence of someone far beyond her years.

Most importantly, she continues to represent exactly what grassroots racing is all about — family, hard work, teamwork, learning, and passion.

The future is bright for Mem, and the Women’s Motorsports Network will definitely be watching where her racing journey leads next.