Bandimere Speedway

3051 S. Rooney Road

Morrison, CO 80465

Elevation: 5,860 feet

Tickets: www.bandimere.com; 800-664-UWIN (8946); 303-697-6001

Radio Frequency: 95.1 FM

 

After a schedule reversal in 2010, the event returns to its traditional position as the opener of the grueling three-week Western Swing; teams from all four Full Throttle classes travel high and deep into the Rocky Mountains to more than 5,800 feet, where the altitude affects everything from engine tune-ups to aerodynamics. Crews must make changes to established power-making combinations and battle lack of downforce to tackle the environs. The event is a testament to the skill and adaptability of the racers.

2010 recap: Doug Kalitta in Top Fuel and Allen Johnson in Pro Stock broke through for their first wins of the season and were joined in the winner’s circle by Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle). Three of Johnson’s eight national event Pro Stock wins have been at his sponsor’s event, and his triumph last year was his first since he won this race in 2009. During the event, nine drivers locked up berths in the Countdown to the Championship playoff fields.

 

How to Get There: The track is 10 miles west of Denver just north of the historic town of Morrison. From Denver, take Interstate 70 west to C-470 and travel south to either the Alameda exit west to Rooney Road and go south to the track or take the Morrison Road exit west to Rooney Road and go north to the track.