Steven was born in Newtownards, Co. Down in 1980 and grew up on the family arable farm. By the time he was 14, Steven was competing in motocross races, using birthday and Christmas money to put together a bike and learning how to mechanic it himself. In 1995, 1996 and 1997 he won major motocross championships.

After leaving school and working an apprenticeship, Steven introduced himself to karting - selling almost everything he had to buy his first kart without telling his parents. In his first year, and after only being able to compete in the last four races, Steven won the Best Newcomer award.

In 1999, after his first full year, Steven won the Championship outright and was awarded Northern Ireland Kart Driver of the Year. All this was achieved with Steven acting as both driver and mechanic, making this feat all the more outstanding.