CASTROL LISMORE SPEEDWAY: INAUGURAL BRUCE MAXWELL CLASSIC – MARCH 30-31

Feature photos: Bruce Maxwell, as the fans remember him.

By Dennis Newlyn:

The inaugural Bruce Maxwell Classic at Castrol Lismore Speedway March 30 and 31 in honour of a man who was a vital part of the local racing scene for many years, has attracted an impressive entry list across all divisions.

It typifies, the high regard and respect this affable character with the gravel voice, matched with a heart of gold courtesy of his Variety Club of Australia charity work, was held in by so many. Bruce, 79, passed away in his Thailand home land on November 18 after he sustained injuries as the innocent party in a road accident.

For many years he sat beside long serving Lismore venue commentator Neil Marks calling the action after his racing years

finished. A former Sydney sedan competitor and headliner at Sydney’s Liverpool City Raceway after Bruce started his career during the 1969-70 season, he is also remembered for his later seasons racing V8 Dirt Modifieds. It’s therefore fitting a very impressive V8 Dirt Modified entry list will race for honours in the Bruce Maxwell Classic, culminating with a 40-lap main event, March 31.

All the heavy hitters at national level, headed by Mark Robinson, Andrew Pezzutti, Kevin Britten, David Clark and including Phil McNamara, Trent Scofield, Scott Quirk, Brayd Stephenson, Sam Bruggy, Seiton Connor-Young, to name but a few from the cast of the fast are, among the 29 entries received by race organisers. 

Also included in the V8 Dirt Modified nominations is another representative from the Herne family, namely Josh Herne, cousin of Nathan. Josh, who will make his debut in the V8 Dirt Modified class, previously raced Modlites and is also an accomplished Go-Kart racer. In 2023 he was awarded Sportsman of the Year in Lismore.

Victoria will be well represented by a driver who is one of the best in the business Steven Milthorpe.

A regular traveller to all the major east coast V8 Dirt Modified shows, Steven was one of the first entries received. Drivers from three states – New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria – have nominated.

Castrol Lismore Speedway promoters Kim and Mick Sauer have put a lot of planning into this very special Easter meeting and are delighted with the response.

“Every year from now on we want to honour Bruce Maxwell at this track because of his magnificent contribution not only to this venue, but also the sport,” Kim Sauer said.

“We understand there will be people coming from near and far to be a part of what will be two very special nights of racing for the man nick-named Rocky. He was a larger than life identity whose work for the Variety Club of Australia was also legendary.”

The V8 Dirt Modifieds will be supported with racing for RSA Stockers (Saturday only), RSA Sedans (Sunday only), Production Sedans, Junior Sedans and AMCA Nationals (Sunday only).

There’s no doubt the passing of Bruce Maxwell has left a void in the sport that will never been filled.

For so many years he was such a devoted worker travelling on the Variety Club of Australia “Bash” circuit around Australia raising money for children.

Bruce was that kind of bloke.

Through this involvement, he was a man of the people and became friends with entertainers, namely John Paul Young and “Angry” Anderson, among others.

This was the popularity and magnetism Bruce Maxwell possessed.

He was a dedicated husband and father.

From a personal note, I got to know Bruce in 1971 and a strong bond of friendship followed. He was also a journalist’s dream when it came to getting that vital quote for a news story. More than a colourful, charismatic character, there was also something inside Bruce that made him a such very special person.

While it’s an old cliché, it’s so accurate in the description of this wonderful man who was the typical likeable rogue, larrikin, prangster, but more importantly all round good bloke, they threw away the mould when they made Bruce Maxwell. He was one of a kind!