Shawn Beto’s love for racing started when his uncle, Kevin Youngquist, would take him to races as a child.
The racing seed was planted, and years later, after Kevin had raced in a midwest modified, Beto decided it was time to buy a car of his own.
“He started bringing us when we were kids,” Beto said. “He ended up getting a b mod, and I always told him I was going to do it. In 2018, I went and bought myself a car, and came back and figured that’s where I was going to start.”
Beto, from Wahpeton, N.D., is in his fourth year behind the wheel of the #0 Short Tracker/Mini Stock. He races weekly at I-94 Sure Step Speedway in Fergus Falls and also has raced at Sheyenne Speedway in Lisbon.
“This is my fourth car in four years,” Beto said.
And now, he finds himself racing against his uncle, Kevin, who drives the #00 machine.
“Lots of fun,” Beto said. “It’s fun racing alongside Kevin.”
Youngquist built the car Beto currently pilots and built his previous machine too. The two pit next to each other frequently at I-94.
“He’s teaching me a lot of stuff about them,” Beto said. “Everything I’ve learned about racing is from him.”
Beto is having a solid year behind the wheel. He’s second in the points to Youngquist at I-94. He’s raced 22 times in 2021 and has 11 top five finishes. His season-best finish is second at I-94 on June 25.
“I think a win is coming this year,” Beto said. “The car is fast; I have numerous top fives. I have one coming; I’ve got to be patient.”
Beto, who works for campus police at the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, mathematically can’t catch Youngquist in the points at I-94, but is in a fight for second. He leads Zach Kort of Fergus Falls by just six heading into this Friday’s season championship.
“As long as I can stay consistent,” Beto said. “I’d be happy (finishing) 1-2.”
He’s enjoying being part of the Short Trackers group at I-94.
“I like being around all the guys we race with,” Beto said. “We’ve got a good group here in Fergus.”
Driver Profile
Shawn Beto
Short Tracker/Mini Stock #0
Residence: Wahpeton, N.D.
Age: 20
Sponsors: Colonial Rental, Quality Garage Door, Vivid Cameraworks, Andy Booke Trucking,
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