Thieves Target Youth Racing Association Again; $12,000 In Equipment Stolen

RIO LINDA (CBS13) - The Capitol Quarter Midget Association is faced with their second theft this summer after thousands of dollars worth of equipment was stolen from the local racing team.

"We race weekend to weekend to try and make ends meet," said Sean Larsen, Capitol Quarter Midget Association. "It really puts a wrench in our program."

The racetrack tucked away in Rio Linda was vandalized, and more than $12,000 in training equipment was stolen.

All the kids are left in the dust after four cars were stolen in the past two months.

"It kind of hurt me; because one of the cars they stole was how I started, the training car I used," said 13-year-old David Zeiter. "It's sad for all the kids that want to race."

It's a huge cost for the non-profit club.

"We're taking donations. We're going to try and make sure we get new cars back out there," said Larsen. "We've been a club since the 50s. We're not going down. We'll continue and come back stronger next time."

They are still racing and having fun, but desperately hoping they get back up to speed for the kids.

"I can understand that times are tough but this is a kids' organization. Look at all the kids. We're trying to do what's best for them and keep them off the streets," said Larsen.

The free training sessions are still being offered on Tuesday nights.