BANDIMERE SPEEDWAY

“ We at the NHRA want to thank the Bandimere family for their remarkable commitment to drag racing over the past 65 years ,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said . “ NHRA drag racing at Bandimere Speedway has provided so many incredible moments for our drivers , race teams , fans , and partners . We look forward to celebrating the 65th anniversary this year to close out this chapter at Bandimere Speedway and remain optimistic about future opportunities to have NHRA drag racing stay in the Denver area and to continue to work with the Bandimere family in the future .”

For more than four decades , the place affectionately known as “ Thunder Mountain ” has offered one of the biggest and most unique challenges on the NHRA tour . With competitors racing at an elevation of nearly 6,000 feet , it affects everything from engine tune-ups to aerodynamics , posing a major test each year for drivers and race teams . Racing in the Rocky Mountains has also provided some of the biggest thrills of the season , with the standout fanbase annually packing Bandimere Speedway to see all the top NHRA stars over the years .

The Bandimere family has also been dedicated to providing a memorable experience for race teams and fans on Thunder Mountain , making several improvements to the track , including a renovation in 1988 . Before the 2008 season , the entire track was also redone , creating an allconcrete surface and the installation of the track cooling system for the first 330 feet which greatly improved racing action at the facility .

John Force ’ s eight wins in Denver is the most for all drivers , while Bob Glidden and Allen Johnson ’ s seven wins lead the way in Pro Stock . Joe Amato ’ s six wins are the top in the Top Fuel ranks at Denver , and Andrew Hines ’ five Pro Stock Motorcycle victories are the most for the class in Denver . Last year ’ s NHRA Mile-High

Nationals winners were Leah Pruett ( Top Fuel ), Robert Hight ( Funny Car ), Matt Hartford ( Pro Stock ) and Matt Smith ( Pro Stock Motorcycle ).

“ This year ’ s Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile- High Nationals will be a memorable celebration of more than 40 years of NHRA drag racing at a historic facility ,” Cromwell said . “ We know the race weekend in July will be filled with amazing moments and will be an event fans won ’ t want to miss .” DI

40 | Drag Illustrated | DragIllustrated . com Issue 182