"Championship Midget racing is the oldest continuous form of automobile racing in the United States. Midgets evolved from 'big cars', racing machines that raced on mile plus tracks and in the Indianapolis 500. The original midgets were miniaturized versions of the 'big cars', that allowed for more economical racing, and provided for exciting racing on smaller tracks.
Midget racing began in June, 1933,in California, and quickly spread across the nation. Midget racing was extremely popular, as fans thronged to see the small, fast cars on 1/4 mile tracks, primarily dirt. Midget racing reached the height of its popularity following WWII, when a war weary public would pack some of the largest stadiums in the country to see the midgets run. Crowds in excess of 75,000 people were not unusual at venues such as the Rose Bowl, and popular wood tracks sprung up around the country.
Competition for entertainment dollars stiffened in the post war years, and the popularity of midgets declined. Yet even during the slow years, midget events were held across the country and remained a viable form of motor sports. Today, midget racing is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, as fans recognize the importance of midget racing as a proving ground for drivers who want to go on to the 'big leagues'. A significant number of NASCAR and IRL drivers are emerging from the midget ranks, and proving that the powerful midgets still have a place in American racing."
This is by way of a breif history of this uniquely American genre of motor sport from the web site deicated to this form of racing in the United States. The cars of the late fifties and early sixties were especially beautiful.
E.J.'s slot cars in the USA has just produced a beauty. This is an Offenhauser Midget that can be finished with a choice of a 1/24 scale driver or a 1/18 scale figure as a 1/4 midget. The kit comes with a sheet of decals allowing any of about a dozen varients or fantasy liveries.
The inspiration lies in the old Monogram kit from the sixties. Its a brilliant tribute to a form of racing that even today fills the stands at quarter and half mile ovals at fair grounds and venues across the States.
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Midget racing began in June, 1933,in California, and quickly spread across the nation. Midget racing was extremely popular, as fans thronged to see the small, fast cars on 1/4 mile tracks, primarily dirt. Midget racing reached the height of its popularity following WWII, when a war weary public would pack some of the largest stadiums in the country to see the midgets run. Crowds in excess of 75,000 people were not unusual at venues such as the Rose Bowl, and popular wood tracks sprung up around the country.
Competition for entertainment dollars stiffened in the post war years, and the popularity of midgets declined. Yet even during the slow years, midget events were held across the country and remained a viable form of motor sports. Today, midget racing is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, as fans recognize the importance of midget racing as a proving ground for drivers who want to go on to the 'big leagues'. A significant number of NASCAR and IRL drivers are emerging from the midget ranks, and proving that the powerful midgets still have a place in American racing."
This is by way of a breif history of this uniquely American genre of motor sport from the web site deicated to this form of racing in the United States. The cars of the late fifties and early sixties were especially beautiful.
E.J.'s slot cars in the USA has just produced a beauty. This is an Offenhauser Midget that can be finished with a choice of a 1/24 scale driver or a 1/18 scale figure as a 1/4 midget. The kit comes with a sheet of decals allowing any of about a dozen varients or fantasy liveries.
The inspiration lies in the old Monogram kit from the sixties. Its a brilliant tribute to a form of racing that even today fills the stands at quarter and half mile ovals at fair grounds and venues across the States.
