The 1990’s

From also-ran to the Top Man

John Steward’s National Hot Rod racing continued into the 90’s with the same Toyota Starlet that was built by George Polley in 1988, this was campaigned until May 1992 when a second hand SHP Peugeot 205  was acquired from Mark Skilton. This car has proved to be a great investment as it is the same chassis that John still races to this day. The car was not really fiddled with until the build-up to the 1994 World Final when during the annual rebuild it was put on a strict diet and 40kgs were removed with the help of a drill, grinder and plasma cutter. This proved to be the turning point in John’s Hot Rod career as he lapped Ipswich in 14.99 seconds which was the fastest of the day, but due to the qualifying system this was only good enough for 13th on the grid. November 94 brought the first major win  when he won the NHRPA Championship at Ipswich.

Click on the thumbnails for the bigger image.

The Toyota Starlet on display on the Comma Oils stand at the Kent County Show 1991

On the grid next to Jeff Simpson at Ipswich 1993

Hednesford 1991

Just before the first meeting for the ex Mark Skilton Peugeot 205

Big Crash at Wimbledon 1993

John raced a full season in 94/95 and finished 2nd in the points to Steve Skitmore and once again set fastest time in qualifying for the World Final which this time was good enough for pole.Even after a mid race accident which damaged his steering he still managed to lead 69 of the 75 laps until Ian McKeller just pipped him to the title. The roles were reversed at the National Championship were John won his first of three titles in the 90’s with McKeller 2nd. He also won his first driver of the year title in this year. 1996 brought another National Championship as well as the British Championship at Ringwood

In Action at Mallory Park

Holding the spoils of his third National Championship in 1997 with second place Colin White and third man Ormond Christie

3am and just finished preparing for the 1996 World Final

In the pits prior to the 1998 World Final

Waving to the fans after his first National Championship in 1995

Wimbledon 1998

In 1997 John managed to equal Pete Stevens record and win his third consecutive National Championship even after starting 13th on the grid. In this year he also recorded the fastest lap time at the World Final for the third time and won his second driver of the year award. 1998 saw John win his first National Points Championship and also won the Hednesford Superbowl which earned him a trip to race a pick-up in the USA. John broke his leg on this trip but still managed to finish second in the National Championship two weeks later.1999 was a bad year as although he finished second in the points and was voted driver of the year for the third time he was also banned for 6 months following the World Final when his engine was found not to conform strictly to the rules. Although this was not John’s fault he took his punishment with dignity and sat out the last 6 months of 1999.

Click Here for the story of the trip to the USA

copyright johnsteward.com 2000