The legendary and historic Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colo., 30 minutes outside of Denver, officially closed at its original location, 3051 S Rooney Road, on Oct. 18.
The Speedway had called Thunder Mountain home for 66 years.
“It’s time to say farewell… for now,” Bandimere Speedway said in a statement on social media Oct. 18.
Bandimere Speedway had not held any races in 2024, but Friday marked the official end of business at the Speedway’s original location.
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 future operation as a “passive use” that will be quiet and preserve views of the hogback.
While Bandimere Speedway’s future 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,” Bandimere Speedway said.
So, while it’s unclear what the next step is for Bandimere, it appears a new track has been secured.
While Bandimere’s last day of business was Oct. 18, its website said one final event was scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 20.
A flier posted on Bandimere’s website read, “Say your final goodbyes to Thunder Mountain during the final prayer walk.”
The event was held Oct. 20 from 1-5 p.m. (MT).
On April 21, 2023, the NHRA and the Bandimere family jointly announced that the 2023 Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway, July 14-16, would be the last NHRA national event at the historic track.
First opened in 1958, the Bandimere family agreed to sell the current property and land, with the 2023 racing season marking the end of drag racing at the facility.
Since 1958, Bandimere Speedway has had the following:
· 500,000-plus racers and fans on average per year
· 1,700-plus registered racers
· 100-plus events from April to October
· 25-plus different racing categories
· 35-year partnership with Dodge
· 43 years running the Mile-High Nationals
· $15,000,00 economic impact from the Mile-High Nationals
