In the late 1950s, John Bandimere Sr. began to explore property in the Denver metropolitan area with the intent of constructing a drag strip to supplement the family auto-parts and machining business.

After being met with stiff resistance from the community in nearby Wheat Ridge, Bandimere Sr. purchased property in 1957 along the Dakota Hogback and began building the motorsports facility.

[1][2] In 1958, the facility was opened to the public, with access to the drag strip, an oval track, and garages to teach automotive repair and performance.

Keeping that perspective over the years has given our family not only the honor to run a business with integrity and dedication, but also the realization to hold it lightly knowing more than likely that we wouldn’t have it forever.

"[5] News of the facility's closure was met with a mix of responses, with John Force notably remarking at the venue's final hosting of the Mile-High Nationals, "It’s going to be an emotional weekend, saying goodbye to this place [...] it’s Mount Rushmore [...] this is God’s gift.