Since the closure of the legendary Bandimere Speedway in 2023, the Bandimere family has remained committed to bringing professional drag racing back to the Denver, Colorado region, and it has taken a major step toward that goal with the acquisition of a key parcel of property.

Photos courtesy NHRA/National Dragster

The 114-acre parcel is located in Weld County, near the town of Hudson — around 28 miles of the northeast of the city-center of Denver along Interstate 76. According to John Bandimere, Jr., who oversaw the famed and picturesque quarter-mile carved into the side of a mountain in Morrison for 48 years, this acquisition is the first piece of what is a very complex puzzle.

“Although our future was uncertain, we knew that our faith and trust in God would direct us,” John, Jr. opened in a social media statement. 

“We promised that when we had news, that we would share it with you. Well, we have some news. 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 back in 1958. 

“Believe me when I tell you, this has not been an easy undertaking, nor has it been a quick process,” he continues. “Earlier this week, my family, along with trusted partners and associates, were able to close on the first parcel of land, located in Weld County. This highly anticipated transaction is the first piece in a complex puzzle of a planned timeline for anticipated negotiations for surrounding property. Zoning and annexation will now be taking place, and the exact timing is not certain.

“Thank you for your patience, and we will continue to post updates as things develop,” Bandimere said in closing.

Overview of the first parcel of land acquired by the Bandimere family, near Hudson, Colorado.

Opened in 1958 and the home of the NHRA Mile-High Nationals for 43 years, the Bandimere family — citing pressures from nearby developments — relinquished the speedway property in 2023 in a transaction with California-based automobile auction company Copart. An August 2024 annexation by the town of Morrison of the former Bandimere speedway property ushered in the next phase of a planned complete redevelopment of the iconic property that served hot rodders in the region for an impressive run of 65 years.