The dwarf car concept was originated in 1979 by Arizonian Ernie Adams. The original prototypes used chain drive and kick starters, and were assembled from scrap metal and old motorcycle parts. The first actual dwarf car race is said to have been held at Arizona's Yavapai County Fair on September of 1983.
In 1987 two Phoenix area dwarf car builders, John Cain and John Proctor joined together to form the Dwarf Car Company, Inc., the first national dwarf car manufacturer. Cain also established the first official sanctioning body for dwarf cars, Dwarf Car U.S.A.. The class rapidly grew throughout the U.S. as the result of the efforts of Dwarf Car Company dealers, and those of other manufacturers such as Torgerson, Pro-Chassis, R-Lane, and Dwarf Car Unlimited. This early popularity was fueled by appearances on ESPN's "Saturday Night Thunder".
In Ohio, the class was established when Keith Putnam and Bob Bowdle, then owners of 35 Raceway in Frankfort, Ohio permitted Greg Watson, owner of Buckeye Dwarf Car Co., to exhibit the first two cars brought into the area in 1993. Local racers took a chance on the new class, purchasing cars on faith that the dwarfs would catch on in Ohio as they have elsewhere. And catch on they have! The Ohio Valley Dwarf Car Association was established mid-way through the 1994 season with twelve members, and has grown now attracts 45 to 50 racers per year!
In 1997 a new national dwarf car association, called the United Dwarf Car Racing Association (UDRA) was formed. Now known as Team USA, the focus of the national sanctioning body is to standardize rules and create opportunities for associations throughout the country to race together, ensuring the continued growth of the dwarf car class. Team USA is also active in attracting major corporate sponsorship for a national points fund and a series of races throughout the county to crown a national dwarf champion. National events have been held in previous years at Eldora Speedway, Challenger Speedway (PA), Deerfield Speedway (OH), Twin Fountains Speedway (TN) and Volusia County Speedway (FL), among others, with support from Pro Chassis Dwarf Cars, Sunoco Racing Fuels, Hoosier Race Tires, Wilwood Brakes and Pro Shocks. Meanwhile, local associations such as the OVDCA continue to lead the way in establishing the dwarf car class on a regional basis, bringing affordable and exciting open wheel racing action to a short track near you!
