Thunder Mountain’s Last Blast

Bandimere’s Last Top-Fuel Spectacle is Coming Soon

You would be forgiven for thinking Bandimere Speedway’s drag strips were carved out by glacial formations millions of years ago and wooly mammoths thundered down the pavement in Denver’s prehistoric days. For as long as you, I, or anyone can remember, Bandimere has been perched on Denver’s Western foothills. It felt like it’d stay that way, too.

Maybe it’s a sign of the times. Maybe it’s inevitable. Maybe we’re overthinking this. But Bandimere’s long run as the dragstrip in the clouds is all done. The raceway announced that encroaching neighborhoods and a crowding metro area meant the dragstrip couldn’t continue. The family said they would consider opening a new track near Denver International Airport, far away from the doorstep of the so-called “Thunder Mountain” raceway that we’ve known for decades.

The last Mile High Nationals was held at the strip this year, and the event calendar is winding down. We were lucky enough to catch one of the final remaining events at Bandimere last month. The dragstrip will hold a few local events for racers through October before it finally races off into the last, Red Rock-soaked sunset. We hope to see you there!

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