It’s not a full announcement, but John Bandimere Jr. delivered the first piece of the puzzle in returning drag racing to Denver, Colorado.
The family’s Bandimere Speedway held its last NHRA national event in July 2023, and while there might have been a glimmer of hope of the track returning, that slight change went away on October 18, 2024.
However, the Bandimere Family has maintained they will seek an alternative location.
On October 22, 2024, an article by Tracy Renck reported the Morrison (Colo.) Town Board approved the 125-acre annexation of the former Bandimere Speedway on Aug. 6. The deal also calls for the new landowner to transfer 16 acres zoned for mixed-use to the town, giving Morrison control over future retail or commercial development at its front door.
In a second vote, the Town Board approved rezoning the land to planned development, which opens the path for global auto company Copart to move ahead with plans for a vehicle auction center on the remaining property. Copart is under contract with John Bandimere, Jr. to buy the land.
Under the contract terms, Copart will take down the grandstands, stadium lights, and signs, then fence and revegetate much of the speedway site. Developers describe the planned operation as a “passive use” that will be quiet and preserve views of the hogback.
Bandimere and the family have found a new parcel of land. It’s not the full deal, but it’s a start.
“We knew that our faith and trust would direct us, and we promised you that when we had news, we would share it,” Bandimere said. “I know that most of you understand that while our family hasn’t been operating a schedule of races in Colorado, we have been working to continue the legacy of automobile racing that was started by my parents in 1958.
“Believe me when I tell you that this has not been an easy undertaking, nor has it been a quick process, but earlier this week, our family, in partnership with a trusted team of associates, was able to close on the first parcel of land located in Weld County’s Hudson area.
“This highly anticipated transaction is the first piece in a complex puzzle of a planned timeline for anticipated future negotiations for surrounding property. Unknown factors of zoning and annexation will continue to take place, and the exact timing is unclear.”
Bandimere said more updates are forthcoming.
“I’d like to share a verse that I shared with my family and staff that sums up the season we are currently experiencing,” Bandimere said. “It is in the book of Philippians – chapter 4, verses 6 and 7 – ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
