Bandimere Speedway: In Memoriam 1958-2023

 Bandimere Speedway

This historic icon of a globally-renown racetrack celebrates its 65th–and final–racing season in 2023. Bandimere Speedway's stately presence on Thunder Mountain along the Foothills will be deeply missed, even by those on and off the racing circuit.

The "What"

Bandimere Speedway was created in 1958. It is a drag strip racetrack along the West side of C-470, a brainchild of John Bandimere, originally named the Safety Proving Grounds of America. 

It's been a fun and cutting edge testament to car racing, with events such as the High School Drags, Mopar Mile-High Nationals, and other NHRA racing events. 

The "How"

Bandimere Speedway immediately borders C-470 on the West at Morrison Rd. 

Unfortunately, Bandimere Speedway will be making way for further development, and will close after the 2023 racing season in October. 

After 65 years, there will be no more events at Bandimere Speedway. I, among many, can hardly imagine no longer hearing that rumble of Colorado's finest local performance vehicles flying down Thunder Mountain.

Native Love

As a Colorado native and the writer of this travel blog, I feel part of my responsibility is to be a advocating voice for my state and my city. Circumstances like the closing of Bandimere Speedway offer a window into a quickly changing situation around Denver. 

Change is inevitable, and not always good. Watching icons like Bandimere disappear, for the sake of neighborhoods and shopping malls, is a level of heartbreak beyond words. Even though I wasn't personally particularly involved in racing, I had friends who worked, raced, tuned, and practically lived on that track. Icons like Bandimere Speedway are priceless, and they are quickly disappearing. This isn't even to mention the infrastructure strain this new development will place on that area. 

For those new to my native city: please respect her. In a city and a world where development is king, stories like that of Bandimere slip through the cracks. Once they're gone, they're gone forever. Watching 65 years of history being bulldozed under the guise of progress is devastating. I implore our newcomers: please fight alongside us to maintain the foundation and integrity of Denver and Colorado. Otherwise, all the aspects that make it such a magnificent place to live may soon no longer exist for us all to enjoy.