Open Wheel Madness, Part 2 - Midget Racing (Stephen Bubb)

In Part 2 of “Open Wheel Madness” we embark on a journey through the golden age of motorsport as we explore the exhilarating world of Midget Racing from 1920 to 1942, expertly guided by the esteemed historian Stephen Bubb from the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing (EMMR). Stephen takes us back to a time of roaring engines and daring drivers, where Midget Racing captured the hearts of enthusiasts across the country. With meticulous research and passion, Stephen unravels the riveting tales of innovation, competition, and triumph that defined this vibrant era in racing history. From the early dirt tracks to the rise of iconic venues like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Stephen paints a vivid picture of the pioneers who pushed the boundaries of speed and engineering.

This episode is part of our HISTORY OF MOTORSPORTS SERIES and is sponsored in part by: The International Motor Racing Research Center (IMRRC), The Society of Automotive Historians (SAH), The Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Argetsinger Family - and was recorded in front of a live studio audience.

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00:00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements

00:01:19 Stephen Bubb's Background and Racing Passion

00:03:07 The Evolution of Sprint Cars

00:07:15 Racing in the 1920s: Tracks and Competitions

00:08:40 The Role of AAA and Other Sanctioning Bodies

00:10:11 Notable Drivers and Their Stories

00:22:51 Organized Crime's Influence on Racing

00:29:19 The Impact of the Great Depression on Racing

00:31:20 Racing's Growing Pains in the 1930s

00:32:13 Barney Oldfield's Critique of Racing

00:34:29 Government Interventions and Safety Measures

00:35:25 The Dust Dilemma

00:44:31 Midget Racing Takes Off

00:56:29 The Nutley Velodrome Experiment

00:59:35 Jalopy Racing and the War's Impact

01:00:19 The Legacy of Racing Innovations

01:03:14 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements