Former Confederation of Australian Motor Sport president, and owner of the Ralliart team in Australia, Doug Stewart has died.

Stewart was CAMS president from 1969 to 1971, and played a key role in the development of rallying in Australia.

A competitor in trials during the 1950s, including the Ampol Round Australia which he won with Jack Witter in a Volkswagen in 1957, the pair tied for the event win the following year.

Away from the driving seat, Stewart was a successful team owner and manager, with teams contesting the Australian Rally Championship and campaigns in the Asia Pacific.

He owned the Australian Ralliart franchise and took part in events like the Southern Cross International Rally during the 1970s, and the Australia Safari in the 1980s and 1990s.

Stewart is credited with raising the level of professionalism in rallying in Australia, which had otherwise been an amateur endeavour.

Following his time as CAMS president he was bestowed with the organisation’s highest honour, the CAMS Award of Honour in 1972.

Speedcafe.com extends its condolences to Stewart’s friends and family.