STL All Sports

In the early 1940's auto racing enthusiasts, unable to afford costly cars required for "big time" speedway racing, started building midget cars. Many types of engines, such as motorcycle, motorboat and discarded automobile power plants-were put into skeletonized bodies and pepped up with special fuel. Thus midget auto racing was born.

The sport gained in favor rapidly. So many races are held that the better drivers devote full time to it.
In the early years of midget racing, the contests were on dirt tracks at fair grounds. Since then hundreds of special midget tracks have been built. The distances for the races vary, but 25 miles is considered a long race. The top prizes also vary. Most midget races are on the basis of a minimum purse guarantee, with an option of a percentage of the gate. Purses at some of the tracks scale up to $3,500 for a race.

At least a part of the success of midget racing is due to the circuit plan of operation. This means a series of races that enable the drivers to see action often. The arrangement not only keeps them busy, but also affords reasonable weekly earnings. In the East, one circuit includes tracks in New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. There are many circuits in the Middle West, the South Central area, Texas and the Pacific Coast.

The cars, depending upon the motors, the daring of the drivers, the strength of the tires and the fuel, can make from 60 to 85 miles an hour on a straightaway stretch.

One rule specifies that cars using valve-inblock engines are limited to a maximum displacement of 140 cubic inches, whereas 105 cubic inches is the maximum displacement for engines employing overhead valves. The wheelbase is restricted to a maximum of 76 and a minimum of 66 inches, and the tread width is restricted to a maximum of 46 and a minimum of 42 inches.

Regardless of how little or how much has gone into the midget construction, the cars rigidly comply with specifications drawn by some of the most experienced men in racing. Particular attention is paid to the use of special hats and other safety measures for protection of the drivers and the spectators.