Stu Vavra began racing in 1958 and raced for a total of 24 years. He raced throughout the state of Nebraska for a major portion of that time. His Beatrice Speedway ties began in the mid 1970's. Vavra was as consistent of a front runner as anyone in that time fame against competition that included 2002 Hall of Fame inductee Kenny Parde, Tom Svoboda, Kenny Kovar and Rex Nun. Vavra would finish as the Runner-up in the Championship races in both 1978 and 1979. He would claim the Championship honors in 1981 and finish 5th place in both 1980 and 1982, making it five straight seasons finishing in the Top 5. Driving the purple #35, Vavra would also go on to become one the biggest fan favorites of his time, living up to his nickname "Super" Stu Vavra.