On March 8, 1953, a meeting was held at the Thompson Speedway Clubhouse for the purpose of forming a new midget racing organization.

The founders were dedicated racing men determined to salvage the remains of what had been the most successful spectator sport in the United States.

It was a two billed show in conjunction with the American Racing Drivers Club (ARDC) of New York, with each organization running its own program.

The early rules of NEMA restricted the use of costly specialized racing engines, specifically the twin overhead camshaft Offenhauser.

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”.