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National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame
Johnny Ritter
Inducted into
the Hall of fame in 2003
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Originally from Saginaw, Michigan, Johnny started driving big
cars in 1929. When the midgets became popular in 1934 Ritter
took a liking to the smaller cars and switched to them for
good in 1936.
His career blossomed after he headed east, becoming a
mainstay in the sport from the middle 30’s until his death at
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Medford (Massachusetts) Bowl in
1948 at age 37. In 1938 he placed 8th in the final standings
at both Bridgeport, Connecticut and Castle Hill, (Bronx) NY.
In 1939 he won Championships at Castle Hill and the Nutley
Velodrome. He was third in the AAA Eastern point standings as
well.
During his career Ritter won five track titles, Nutley
in 1939, Castle Hill in 1939 and 40, Freeport, New York in
1941 and Paterson, New Jersey’s Hinchliffe Stadium in 1946.
His death came on October 12, 1948 on the 20th lap of a
200-lap event at the Medford Bowl. Ritter was changing a tire
on the track apron when a midget racer crashed into him.
Several people, including the track owner, George Hatfield,
were injured as well.
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Copyright © 2003 | The National Midget
Auto Racing Hall of Fame | All Rights Reserved |
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