2023 Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals Will Be The Last!

In a joint statement, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and the Bandimere family announced that the 2023 Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals, which will take place at Bandimere Speedway from July 14 to July 16, will be the final NHRA national event held at the famed facility outside of Denver.

The Bandimere family has taken the initiative to find a different spot in the Denver region where a new facility could be constructed. With the aim of a brief hiatus in the area and the continuation of NHRA Drag Racing in Denver, they have been collaborating with investors on a potential new track and facility location.

The current building and the surrounding land, however, will be sold by the Bandimere family, and the 2023 racing season will be the final one for drag racing at the Morrison, Colorado facility, which opened its doors in 1958.

John Bandimere Jr., second-generation owner and operator, said, “Our family has been involved in the automotive business for the past three generations through parts sales and machining, individual racing competition, industry innovations, and the operation of our speedway in the beautiful Colorado foothills. We have been blessed to occupy one of the unique places in our state and feel that our commitment to the sport is not done yet. It’s part of the fabric of our family’s life, and we’re hopeful that another equally unique location can be found to continue the legacy that was started by my parents over six decades ago.”

The 43rd and final Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals on July 14 to the 16th, 2023, will mark Bandimere Speedway’s 65th Anniversary, and there will be a special celebration of this milestone.

The NHRA leadership team is also in talks with current NHRA member tracks not part of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series to host upcoming national events, including swapping out the Denver date on the 2024 calendar.

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

For more than 40 years, Bandimere Speedway has provided one of the biggest and most distinctive challenges on the NHRA tour. Each year, racing at an altitude of almost 6,000 feet presents a significant challenge for drivers and race teams, affecting everything from engine tuning to aerodynamics. However, with the most devoted followers packing Bandimere Speedway every year to see all the greatest NHRA stars, racing in the Rocky Mountains has also produced some of the biggest thrills of the season.

The Bandimere family has made numerous improvements to the track, including a renovation in 1988, as part of their commitment to giving race teams and spectators an unforgettable experience on Thunder Mountain. The entire route was redone before the 2008 season, resulting in an all-concrete surface and installing a track cooling system for the first 330 feet, significantly improving the facility’s racing action.

On July 14 to the 16th at Bandimere Speedway, the final Dodge Power Brokers NHRA Mile-High Nationals promises to be a unique celebration of more than 40 years of NHRA Drag Racing at a historic venue. To buy tickets, race fans can go to www.bandimere.com.

Source: NHRA / Bandimere Speedway