Midget Racer Plastic Model Kit (AANM110)

The Midget Racer Plastic Model Kit, with the model number AANM110, is a detailed 1/20 scale kit that brings the excitement of midget auto racing into your hands. This model kit is based on original tooling and was the first all-plastic kit developed by Monogram in the early 1950s, making it a piece of history in the world of model-building. The kit features 32 intricately molded parts in a striking baby blue, including a clear acetate piece for the windscreen, a driver figure, and a finely detailed Offenhauser engine. With an updated decal sheet that offers a variety of numbers and sponsorships from the era, this kit is designed for builders at skill level 2.

Midget auto racing, known for its thrilling close-quarter competition and high-speed action on both indoor and outdoor tracks, has captivated enthusiasts since its inception in the mid-1930s. The compact race cars, characterized by a 72-inch wheelbase and 41-inch tread, are typically powered by small Offenhauser engines or modified Ford V-8 60 engines. Remarkably, in the wake of World War II, midget racing experienced significant growth, and by the 1960s, the engines had advanced to 110 cubic inches, although many drivers continued to use the classic Ford V-8 60s.

This particular model reflects the iconic Frank Kurtis design from the 1960s. Variations in wheelbase and engine power mean that midget racers can achieve speeds nearing 140 miles per hour, especially when geared correctly. Primarily raced on quarter-mile ovals, these agile cars also perform impressively on half-mile and tenth-mile tracks, as well as road racing circuits, where they have been known to outpace more traditional sports cars. Midget racing remains a popular draw for audiences, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, where it is affectionately referred to as 'Speedcar Racing.'