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Colorado Vignette - Bandimere Speedway

In 1958, John Bandimere Sr. purchased a parcel of land on the west side of Denver nestled up against the Hogback leading up to the Rocky Mountains. He and his family began the process of constructing a small but efficient drag strip that was to be used to augment their auto parts business. It also was the fulfillment of a dream of John Sr.'s to provide a safe environment for young people to learn about cars and race them off the streets.

As time went on, the limited drag racing program grew to a full-fledged operation and in fact by attrition of other drag racing facilities became the only Colorado drag strip in operation. The family sold the auto parts business in 1984 and began devoting their full-time efforts to running the track. John Bandimere Sr. died in 1986 and the track continued under the leadership of John's two sons.

In 1979 the National Hot Rod Association, the largest auto racing sanctioning body in the world, and Bandimere Speedway created an event which they named the "Mile-High Sports Nationals". The following year, the event added the NHRA professional categories and thus became a full-fledged national event. Today the event enjoys major sponsorship, television coverage and record-setting attendance figures that boost Colorado's economy by over $14 million each year. Not only did Bandimere Speedway's status grow nationally, but also grew in Colorado where it began to grow its facility.

In the fall of 1987, highway construction began on C-470 resulting in the condemnation of approximately 15 acres of frontage property belonging to the Bandimere Family. A decision was needed whether to improve the facility to a true "national event status" or remain a small drag racing track without a national event. The family elected to go forward and in 1988, with a year sabbatical on the national circuit, they began a major renovation of the property. Over $4 million was put into improvements, one of which was the construction of a 13,400 square foot VIP/Timing Tower. The many facility improvements allowed for diversity of events, more spectator seating, better pit areas for race vehicles, improved spectator parking and access to all areas of the facility and an unsurpassed venue for sponsor involvement with improved sign visibility and the addition of larger spectator events for added exposure opportunities. The seating capacity of the grandstands was increased from approximately 8,000 to over 23,500.

"This speedway was the fulfillment of a life-long dream of my dad and mom's", relates John Bandimere, Jr., track president. "It gives me great joy to know that through the efforts and support of many dedicated people over the years, we are enjoying this 43rd year as a successful full-time racing facility and look forward to many more years in the business."

At Bandimere Speedway, it's definitely a family affair as families and fun times are synonymous. The staff at Colorado's finest drag racing facility continues to provide, improve and add events with appeal not only to dad and "the boys", but also to mom and "the girls". The Speedway provides a place for everyone to get involved in one way or another as a drag race enthusiast.

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