Steve Lewis grew up in Colton, California, where he followed auto racing from an early age.

Lewis began his business career at United Airlines, and then spent 10 years in sales at the William Lawrence Corporation, which produced the Motorcycle and Accessory Trade Show, and published Motorcycle Dealer News Magazine.

In the fall of 1978, Lewis and business partner Jeff Wetmore developed the concepts for trade shows and trade magazines for the surf lifestyle with Action Sports Retailer and the backpacking and camping industries with Outdoor Retailer.

[3] The trade show currently takes place annually in Indianapolis, Indiana, every December.

[10] Nine Racing earned over 130 feature race wins and claimed 10 USAC National Midget Series Championships with drivers Stevie Reeves, Tony Stewart, Kenny Irwin Jr., Jason Leffler, Kasey Kahne, Dave Darland, J. J. Yeley, and Bobby East.