The driver accused of causing a spectator's death at a burnout event committed multiple driving offences while suspended in the months afterwards, a court has been told.
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Bryce Dridan, who was 28 when Trent DeZoete, 18, died at Stawell Motor Sports Club on November 4, 2023, was denied bail at Ballarat Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Dridan was caught on multiple occasions driving without a licence in the months after the event, the court was told, and was charged over another incident on Friday after the Lamborghini he was allegedly driving lost control at a roundabout and crashed into a garage.
The Lamborghini had no licence plates and Dridan tested positive to a preliminary drug test but refused an evidentiary one, the court was told.
Magistrate Guillaume Bailin said Dridan had shown a "flagrant disregard" for the law over the past six months.
"Without intervention or removal from the community, I have a very real concern Mr Dridan will again drive and put the community at risk of death or serious injury," Mr Bailin said.
In the fatal crash, Victoria Police allege Dridan drove into a food court after his burnout run at the LOO5ENATS event, eventually hitting Mr DeZoete, who died at the scene.
The court was told Dridan blamed faulty brakes, which has been confirmed by mechanical analysis.
He also tested positive for methylamphetamine.
Detective Senior Constable Melanie McFarlane, of the major collisions unit, said Dridan exited the burnout area early and failed to stop at the fire marshal area, running over the foot of a marshal.
"The accused was meant to take a left-hand turn towards the pit area, however it was blocked by other vehicles," Det McFarlane told the court.
Dridan and his passenger reportedly yelled warnings to people as the car careened into the food court area before colliding with Mr DeZoete.
He has entered no plea to charges of dangerous driving causing death, reckless conduct endangering life and reckless conduct endangering serious injury over the incident.
Dridan will face court in relation to the November crash on August 1 and on May 14 for Friday's collision.
Australian Associated Press
