E3 SPARK PLUGS FAN ALERT: Sunday was Bandimere Speedway’s final Mile-High National, as the track has been sold. In addition to the traditional Wally trophy, both Troy Coughlin Jr. in Pro Stock and Gaige Herrera in Pro Stock Motorcycle received a specialty trophy (named the Johnny) that was commissioned by John Bandimere Jr.
That’s right.. the last NHRA race at the track, known as "Thunder Mountain", was this weekend’s Mile-High Nationals. Unfortunately for drag racing fans, Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado will close at the end of their 2023 drag racing season this October as the area is rapidly being developed with Denver’s growth.
According to the Bandimere family, who have owned the track since it opened in 1958, they family has agreed to sell the property but are looking for a new location. A quick look at a Google Map shows how surrounding developments over the years is a major reason as to why the property is being sold.
Second-generation owner John C. Bandimere Jr., explained that his family understood that growth in foothills northwest of downtown Denver could eventually lead to their departure. A few years ago, Lennar Home Builders received approval of plans for the nearby Red Rocks Ranch neighborhood.
Whether pro or amateur, Bandimere Speedway has long been on every NHRA race team’s calendar as a special challenge for any upcoming race at Thunder Mountain. The 5,869-foot altitude drag strip has been notorious for affecting tuning, aerodynamics, and traction. At E3 Spark Plugs, we send a special thanks to everyone responsible for 65 years of great racing memories.
Troy Coughlin Jr Tops Final Bandimere Pro Stock
Eric Enders showed up for qualifying at the 43rd annual Dodge Power Broker’s Mile-High Nationals ready to reclaim her place a top the Pro Stock after having had a disappointing start to her season. Having never won at Bandimere Speedway, she grabbed the Number One qualifier with a 6.919 ET on the power-robbing Thunder Mountain track. But, Enders simply got outrun by Troy Coughlin Jr. in the semifinal round.
Coughlin Jr. had also eliminated Aaron Stanfield and Greg Anderson. In the bottom bracket, points-leader Dallas Glenn reached his sixth Final of the season with wins over Chris McGaha, Kyle Koretsky and Camrie Caruso. As the winner of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge on Saturday, Coughlin Jr. pulled the holeshot with a .015 RT and never relinquished the lead with a 6.933 elapsed time at 196.64 mph.
Herrera Regains Mojo in Pro Stock Motorcycle
Gage Herrera was dominating the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series in Pro Stock Motorcycle winning everything in sight. But, it’s almost impossible to stay on top enroute to the Countdown to the Championship. After winning the first three NHRA nationals of his career aboard the Vance & Hines/Mission Foods Suzuki team, Herrera has been on a slide since Steve Johnson won Bristol on a red-light.
Angie Smith earned her trip to the Final at the Mile-High Nationals with wins over Jianna Evaristo, Eddie Krawiec, and PSM points-leader Hector Arana Jr. As the number three qualifier, Herrera eliminated Chris Bostick, Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge Matt Smith and Chase Van Sant enroute to the championship round. Smith left early (-.003 reaction time) handing the final Pro Stock Motorcycle victory to Herrera.
Artwork courtesy of NHRA
UP COMING:
Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals
NHRA race teams head to the northwest to continue the Western Swing at the Flav-R-Pac NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways in Kent, WA on July 21-23. Pro Stock Motorcycle will appear for the first time at the scenic track. On Saturday, bike fans can enjoy the #2Fast2Tasty Mission NHRA Challenge, where semifinalists from the previous race in the Pro Stock Motorcycle will duel during qualifying for bonus money and points
