A 28-year-old man has faced court over the death of a teenage spectator at an organised burnout event in western Victoria last year.
Detectives from the Major Collision Investigation Unit arrested Bryce Dridan, who has no fixed address, on Monday morning over the crash at Stawell Motor Sports Club on November 4, 2023.
The crash claimed the life of Trent DeZoete, 18, who was a spectator at the LOO5ENATS event.
Mr Dridan was charged with dangerous driving causing death, reckless conduct endangering life, and reckless conduct endangering serious injury.
The 28-year-old was also charged over a separate crash in the Ballarat suburb of Wendouree last week.
In the Wendouree incident, police allege Mr Dridan lost control of a car and crashed through the garage of a home on Learmonth Road, causing major structural damage.
On Monday afternoon, Mr Dridan briefly faced the Ballarat Magistrates' Court over both incidents.
His lawyer, Micky Milardovic, requested the matter be adjourned until Tuesday for a contested bail application.
This was granted by Magistrate Guillaume Bailin, who remanded the accused in custody ahead of Tuesday's hearing.
Alleged victim a 'kind-hearted guy'
The death of Mr DeZoete, who was a popular footballer from the town of Pimpinio, near Horsham, sparked an outpouring of grief within his tight-knit community.
At the time the president of Pimpinio Football Netball Club, Jock Baker, described Mr DeZoete as a "true larrikin".
"Trent was a kind-hearted guy who wore his heart on his sleeve and could be heard from one end of the field to the other," Mr Baker said.
"He played with real passion and emotion and gave all he could.
"He was a true larrikin and very lovable person who will be greatly missed by all."
Stawell Motor Sports Club still closed
Racing and events are yet to re-commence at Stawell Motor Sports Club following the fatal incident.
The ABC understands the club had been told the police investigation would be wrapped up by the end of January, but that the probe continues.
It is also understood that no events will be held until the investigation is complete.