PEZZUTTI’S EMOTIONAL BRUCE MAXWELL CLASSIC VICTORY

By Dennis Newlyn:

Andrew Pezzutti’s victory in the inaugural Bruce Maxwell Classic at Castrol Lismore Speedway

Easter Sunday night, March 31, was more than the initial entry into the records books for what will now be an annual event at the venue.

The result of the Classic was very special and fitting for the Pezzutti family.

Race honoured a man who was a part of the Lismore scene for many years, as a competitor and later commentator, a colourful charismatic character who passed away last November aged 79.

“I really wanted to do that (win) for Bruce and his family,” an elated, emotional Andrew Pezzutti said after he unbuckled from the seat of his V8 Dirt Modified following 40 gruelling laps.

“It was very fitting as I’m sure Bruce enjoyed that.”

There was divine intervention and Bruce would have been looking down from above, watching every move the highly skilled Pezzutti made as he weaved his way through lapped traffic and overcame restarts.

Andrew, his dad Neville and the entire Pezzutti family, were long time friends with Bruce in a win that was also more than appropriate.

But Andrew had to work hard for the victory as he was hounded all the way by ultimate runner-up, multi Australian Champion Kevin Britten.

“I knew he was there, though my car felt good,” Andrew added in relation to Britten.

Another star at national level of the V8 Dirt Modified division, David Clark, filed a strong third after a big drive.

Pezzutti set up the victory after he earlier took out the Pole Shuffle and earned the pole position for the final.

The race got away to a spectacular start with a multi-car pileup that saw Josh Herne finish upside down. When the race restarted Pezzutti shot straight to the lead.

A spin by Blake Eveleigh after 16 laps interrupted the action as Pezzutti continued to be pressed by Britten who was followed by Mark Robinson, Clark, Brayd Stephenson, Riley Smith and Tony Dunn as the prominent runners.

As the laps ran down Pezzutti maintained his advantage and took the honours on this very special night.

The top ten were: Andrew Pezzutti, Kevin Britten, David Clark, Mark Robinson, Brayd Stevenson, Ryley Smith, Blake Eveleigh, Tony Dunn, Kyle Armstrong and Brock Armstrong.

As an indication of the high regard, respect and esteem the late Bruce Maxwell was regarded,  through his wonderful charity work raising money for children via the Variety Club of Australia annual “Bash” that was embraced by show business celebrities and entertainers over the years, iconic singer John Paul Young sang the national anthem that was pre-recorded and sent to Castrol Lismore Speedway especially for this night of nights. He also penned a letter that was read out during the night by track announcer Neil Marks who worked with Bruce in the Lismore Speedway commentary box.