The Beginning...
On March 8, 1953 a meeting was held at the Thompson Speedway Clubhouse for the purpose of forming a new midget racing organization. Out of that story grew a success story: The Northeaster Midget Association, Inc. (NEMA). The founders were dedicated racing men determined to salvage the remains of what had been the most successful spectator sport in the Unites States following World War II.

The first officially sanctioned NEMA race took place at the famed Seekonk Speedway, in Seekonk, Massachusetts on May 30, 1953. It was a two billed show in conjunction with the the American Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) of New York, with each organization running it's own program. The cars and drivers came from the ranks of several other racing organizations which had fallen on hard times and the pits of the infant organization were filled to capacity with no less than forty six cars signed-in. Fred Meeker captured the first NEMA victory driving the Kerhan #17 V-8, and smooth driving Bill Eldridge won the following night at Waterford Speedbowl.
The years of 1953 and 1954 saw the fortunes of midget racing at their lowest ebb. Total purses of less than what is paid to the winner of a race feature today were common place. Dedication and fortitude were indeed required during those dark days. These qualities were provided under leadership of Milt Dentch, the first club president, car owners Ray and Wen Kelley, and John McCarthy; drivers Al Pillion and Ray Roberts; racing officials Lenny Poe and many others. NEMA gradually outgrew its humble beginnings and emerged as a solid professional division.
The years of 1953 and 1954 saw the fortunes of midget racing at their lowest ebb. Total purses of less than what is paid to the winner of a race feature today were common place. Dedication and fortitude were indeed required during those dark days. These qualities were provided under leadership of Milt Dentch, the first club president, car owners Ray and Wen Kelley, and John McCarthy; drivers Al Pillion and Ray Roberts; racing officials Lenny Poe and many others. NEMA gradually outgrew its humble beginnings and emerged as a solid professional division.
The early rules of NEMA restricted the use of costly specialized racing engines, specifically the twin overhead camshaft Offenhauser. These engines were so powerful and expensive that owners with modified stock engines had little chance at the top prize money. By 1957 the stock block powered machines had developed to such an extent that this restriction was removed. Along with this improved competition with this rule change came a renewal of interest in midget racing among competitors as well as the fans, who came out in large numbers to see the Ford Falcon and Chevy II engines take their share of wins over the mighty Offy.
NEMA has grown steadily throughout the last six decades and continues to be considered the most innovative midget racing club in the country. (1982 NEMA Midgets - Official Program) |
More to come with your help!