Bandimere Speedway says goodbye after 65 years of business in Morrison
KDVR Fox 31
DENVER (KDVR) — It is the end of an era for a speedway that has called the mountains of Morrison home for 65 years.
"It’s time to say farewell… for now." Bandimere Speedway said Friday is the last day they will do business at the original location at 3051 S Rooney Road.
While Bandimere hasn't held any races in 2024, Friday marks the official end of business. The last national event was hosted at the track on July 14-16, 2023.
Fans of the speedway flooded the business' Facebook comments. Many shared their favorite memories while wishing the Bandimere family good luck on their next venture.
"This is so Bitter Sweet. As everyone says, the Memories, Friendships, Family. The Chapter has to Turn, and we need to Focus our Attention to what the Future has to Hold. Stay Bandimere Strong, and lets Race!!!!" said one fan.
What's next for Bandimere?
While the future of the speedway business is still unclear, the family has said they plan to relocate to an upgraded track.
In a Facebook post from Oct. 13, the business responded to a fan who asked for an update on the new track.
"Details will be shared soon. For right now we can tell you we have land secured and that we are taking care of our due diligence on the property," said Bandimere Speedway.
So, while it's unclear what the next step is for Bandimere, it appears a new track has been secured.
Final prayer walk
While Bandimere had its last day of business on Friday, its website says one final event is scheduled for Sunday.
A flier is posted on the homepage of Bandimere's website, saying "Say your final goodbyes to Thunder Mountain during the final prayer walk."
The event will be held Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Any remaining "Surrender the Mountain" artwork will be available and there is a final tree removal at 2 p.m. The event is rain or shine.
A look back at some major moments in Bandimere history
The race track has been open since 1958 in the location at the base of Hogback Mountain under the ownership of the Bandimere family for its entirety.
According to the speedway’s website, some notable achievements in the history of the track include:
- 1968: Bandimere Speedway receives sanctioning from the National Hot Rod Association
- 1977: Bandimere Speedway hosted the NHRA Sports Nationals, which was the first NHRA national event in Colorado
- 1978: The NHRA Mile-High Nationals is the first time professional categories compete for points at Bandimere Speedway
- 1988: Bandimere Speedway undergoes a $4.2 million renovation and does not host an NHRA national event
- 1991: Lori Johns runs a 4.991 during Friday-night qualifying at the Mopar Mile-High Nationals to become the first “4-second” driver on the “mountain”
- 1998: John Force runs 301.70 mph during Friday night qualifying to become the first 300 mph driver on the “mountain”
- 2016: The Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals becomes the first NHRA event telecast live to a national audience on Fox network television
- 2019: John Bandimere Jr. is inducted into the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame, 39 years after his father was inducted
Details on Bandimere's next plans will be made available through social media or its website.