Bandimere Speedway: 65 Years On The Mountain

Bandimere Speedway: 65 Years On The Mountain

By DodgeGarage  Racing Video 1 min read
Drag racingNHRA

One man’s vision on the side of a mountain in Morrison, Colorado turned into 65 years of racing memories that fans, drivers and teams will never forget.

So much quarter-mile history has been made on the hallowed grounds of Bandimere Speedway. From earth shattering times and ear splitting engines to legendary icons racing each other during the NHRA Mile-High Nationals. Will we ever hear the thunder of 12,000 horsepower on the mountain again?

We’re sad Bandimere Speedway is closing its doors, but we’re thankful for the memories and the chance to look back at how it all began. The Bandimere family takes us back to what started out as a dream and turned into one of the most coveted race tracks in drag racing history. 65 years is, undoubtably, a good run. We can’t wait to see what comes next.

9 Comments

Fowler1983

Out of all the drag strips in the country Bandimere Speedway was the only side by side drag strip that I really wanted to go to. It just looked like a cool atmosphere of cars, people and the scenery when I would watch races on TV.

Madmiller

I remember when I was 10 years it was my first time at Bandemere speedway, then as a Bandemere at Bandemere’s racing, then a spectator roll your events sad that you’re leaving that mountain. What sad is that people are trying to profit off of your loss oh that race track. We will be there no matter what i Street outlaws no prep race thank you Bandimere family

jmceneny

This has been one of my favorite places for over 20 years. I am sad to see this era end. I pray the next Bandimere chapter is even more amazing!!

Calkins

Fantastic video, Thank You! I have been lucky enough to attend races at Bandimere for the past three years. It is truly magical. God bless the Bandimere family.

Demonboy

Great little documentary!

TCS1249

Missing those 1960 and 1970 drag racing days ! Gods Speed America.

dragpak

I am deeply moved and motivated by the inspiring story of Mopar and JRT/Dodge Garage, and the Bandimere family’s unwavering dedication to the sport of Drag Racing. As a passionate Drag Racing enthusiast myself, I have involved my eight children in the races and taught them how to build cars, which in turn has passed on many valuable life lessons to them. This economy is making the continuation of that almost impossible for us, but my hope is that America will turn itself around at some point in the future.

With the sport of Drag Racing at a critical juncture, and many tracks facing uncertainty with the impending retirement of the baby boomer generation, I plan to move to Wisconsin to be closer to Great Lakes Dragway (which is still open 6 days a week today) in the hopes that the sport will continue to thrive. If the worst should happen and the sport starts to fade away, I will do everything in my power to keep it alive by building a new strip at a different location. Drag Racing has been an integral part of my life, and I will never give up on it. Even if all I can ever afford is an 1/8th mile and one lane and a used timing system!

If anyone shares my passion and wants to collaborate with me on building what the sport needs to continue, please contact Chuck at ReadyChassis.

dtzinke

Awesome video of the family I love and race with and God’s track - Bandimere Speedway - hey, ZinkeMotorSports is even in the video at 15:51 with that 69 RR - Mopar. - Thank you for all the memories, passion, competition, championships, Wally’s and the great People as Sporty pointed out​:checkered_flag::checkered_flag::checkered_flag::checkered_flag::checkered_flag:

Mopar.Cutie

Thank you Bandimere family for the core memories I have at the track. Starting in 1985 when my dad raced his 68 Camaro and we spent many weekends watching him race. My birthday is July 4th so my tradition became to celebrate my birthday at Bandimere. Either at Jet car nationals or even Mile High Nationals. Remember the Nitro knock out days and all the amazing events thus far. I was able to take some friends to Jet car nationals for their first experience seeing Jet cars and they became addicted! Haha! Who wouldn’t? Well…Here we are in 2023 and I am so blessed to have been able to showcase my car at Bandimere several times along with bringing home some awesome trophies including two of the “65 years” trophies. Seeing Sporty give me a “nice car” nod as I headed to the Winners circle. I am forever grateful to all the great times and inspiring moments. I look forward to what’s next for Bandimere and the legacy continues!! God bless and again… thank you!