The First One was Spectacular

Words by Larry Crum
Photos by Bryan Epps/BME Photography

Over the past 40 years thousands of different drivers from all corners of North America have hoisted trophies and celebrated victory with the International Hot Rod Association.

None, however, have done it more than Anthony Bertozzi.

Bertozzi, a native of the small town of Ashland located in the heart of Virginia, has compiled an impressive resume during his lengthy drag racing career that includes a record 16 IHRA championships and over 60 national event victories, all of which sweeter than the last.

So when the IHRA decided to celebrate the past four decades with a special race held over the weekend in southern Maryland featuring a record payout and other prizes just a few hours from Bertozzi’s home, it was only fitting that the winningest driver in IHRA history participate.

And even more fitting, win.

Bertozzi was one of nearly half a dozen winners from the inaugural Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Spectacular held at Maryland International Raceway over the weekend, winning the Super Stock class and pocketing a cool $5,000 in the process awarded to class winners at MIR.

Other winners from the first Summit Racing Equipment Sportsman Spectacular included Don Rudd (Top Sportsman), Brett Nesbitt (Top Dragster), Myron Piatek (Stock), John Dustin (Quick Rod), Scott Lawton (Super Rod), Jeff Martin (Hot Rod), Dave Brodsky (Top ET), Ronnie Proctor (Mod ET) and Blair Buckler (Junior Dragster).