2009 American Mini Sprint Association (A.M.S.A.) champion Beau Stewart is only a few years removed from his days as a quarter midget driver.  But over that few year period he and his family have crafted a consistent progression that resulted in the 2009 championship.  For a young man, Stewart has spent a considerable amount of time in the seat of a racing car.  Stewart currently continues to work a plan that he hopes will deliver a career in the sport he so dearly loves.   

Although Stewart’s career appears to be advancing according to plan, his start in the sport was more of an accident.  In 1998 Stewart’s father Dennis was employed by Don Thompson’s company Thompson Excavating.  Thompson an avid racing fan who once owned Dayton Speedway, was intent on getting his grandson involved in quarter midget racing.  Unfortunately Thompson’s own son was not mechanically inclined and lacked a general interest in the sport.  Thompson turned to employee Dennis Stewart to help out.  If Dennis would prepare and escort Thompson’s grandson to the races, a car would also be provided for Stewart’s son Beau.  When the elder Stewart presented the opportunity to his son, Beau answered ‘YES’ and then proceeded to ask what a quarter midget was.

Stewart’s first outing in a quarter midget was at an indoor event in Columbus, Ohio.  His grandfather commented on how fast he looked for it being only his first time in the car.  After the race they discovered that the throttle was sticking and Beau was just hanging on for dear life.  Although a bit embarrassed, he was not discouraged and actually really enjoyed the event.

From the time Stewart was seven until he was fourteen the entire family was immersed in the sport of quarter midget racing.  It was something the whole family could do together and became the focal point of their vacations and free time.  While a mother’s perspective on racing is often full tension and apprehension, Stewart’s mother Bea is openly thankful for the fact that the sport has kept her family together.  “There aren’t too many families I know where the teenagers spend too much time with their parents—with the exception of racing families.  I really enjoy all the time that I get to spend with Beau and Dennis”, commented Bea Stewart.