The term "midgets" was actually coined by a newspaper out in California, they held exhibition races of smaller versions of the "Big Cars" they were refered to a midget cars. This was in the 1912-1914 era. They were little replica's of the Stutz. There is actully footage of this in one of Max Sennett's films called "Kid Races at Venice" featuring Charlie Chaplin in one of his first films.

These cars competed as a prelim before the Vanderbilt Cup races in Santa Monica, Culver City,Venice and Ascot Park.

After this they went on tour in the midwest fair circuit.

Midget racing was organized in 1934 in California.