A bittersweet feeling has struck the Bandimere family, as the Bandimere Speedway recently hosted its last NHRA Mile-High Nationals. The track will close after the 2023 season ends in October.

Generations have grown up at the Speedway, with many starting as fans before becoming racers themselves. All racers who've made a name for themselves at Bandimere Speedway have been considered a part of the Bandimere family. And the Bandimeres have been growing their family for 65 years!

This track has been called special by the masses, and we carry heavy hearts as we say goodbye.

Courtesy of Drag Illustrated (YouTube)

John Bandimere, Sr. opened Bandimere Speedway (then "Thunder Mountain") in 1958. The purpose of the Speedway was to create a safe environment for those who were interested in racing; the streets were the only option for racing at the time. Bandimere Speedway hosted its first national race in 1977. Since then, the track has hosted scores of local and national races. Many Front Range Coloradans have spent most of their summer days at the Bandimere Speedway, and will soon be left without a track.

The Speedway must say goodbye, in order to say hello to new opportunities. The Bandimere family has been eyeing a new location to build their track, but nothing has been confirmed at this time. They have their sights on providing the space and tools for educational purposes, as they look to teach future generations about auto repair alongside the racing sport.

While the bright future seems to be relieving for the Bandimere family, there's not one person that won't miss the sound of the engines echoing off the mountain. The original Thunder Mountain will forever live on in our hearts.

View the remaining events of the Bandimere Speedway's last season.