Driver Finds Other Avenues of Success

Not too long ago off-road racer Ivan Stewart dreaded the thought of winning a race because he was uncomfortable at the awards presentation. Simply put, he didn’t like crowds.

Today, Stewart, 40, is still winning races, but enjoying himself more as well. Stewart, a Toyota factory truck driver from Lakeside, is even featured in one of the company’s popular television commercials.

Stewart, voted the SCORE Driver of the Year last season, will be endorsing his sport today at the eighth Off-Road Equipment Show at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The popular driver has become a spokesman for his sport and a marketable item much to his surprise. Besides his Toyota commercial, he also has done television advertisements for a tire company and a public service announcement endorsing the use of seat belts.

“This is all pretty new to me,” Stewart said. “It’s hard for me to believe I’ve got fans.”

Stewart quit his construction job to become a full-time race driver two years ago. It didn’t take long for Stewart to gain a following, which has been advantageous.

“I got pulled over by a police officer in Utah last summer for speeding,” he said. “The guy recognized me and we started talking about racing. He gave me a warning and let me go. The same thing happened on Interstate 5 here.”

Stewart has one goal for the 1985 season--winning the overall title at an off-road race in his truck. He came close last year in the Frontier 500 with a second-place finish, which is quite a feat because he is competing against faster and lighter dune buggies.