Fast Times

Today’s Big O Tires Jet Car Nationals and Family Fun Festival at Bandimere Speedway plays host to some of the fastest cars in drag racing and attracts amateur racers from across the globe. But don’t let the “amateur” label fool you: These higher-end vehicles are powered by jet engines dropped...

By Bree Davies

June 28, 2012

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Today’s Big O Tires Jet Car Nationals and Family Fun Festival at Bandimere Speedway plays host to some of the fastest cars in drag racing and attracts amateur racers from across the globe. But don’t let the “amateur” label fool you: These higher-end vehicles are powered by jet engines dropped into the chassis of a traditional dragster and can clock speeds of close to 300 miles per hour.

“Because there are so few jet cars in the world, they come from all over,” says Bandimere spokesman Jeff Sipes.

Bandimere will open today at 8 a.m. for a variety of dragster rounds, but the real action begins at 2 p.m. with race eliminations. Carnival rides, live music and pie and watermelon-eating competitions will be part of the Fourth of July afternoon festivities, and all ages are welcome. A ceremony honoring servicemen and women will precede a music-choreographed fireworks show slated for 9:45 p.m. at the park.

Tickets to the Big O Tires Jet Car Nationals at Bandimere, 3051 South Rooney Road in Morrison, are $11 to $49; children five and under get in free. For a full lineup of races and events or to purchase tickets, visit www.bandimere.com or call 303-697-6001.
Wed., July 4, 6:30 p.m., 2012

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Bree Davies is a multimedia journalist, artist advocate and community organizer born and raised in Denver. Rooted in the world of Do-It-Yourself arts and music, Davies co-founded Titwrench experimental music festival, is host of the local music and comedy show Sounds on 29th on CPT12 Colorado Public Television and is creator and host of the civic and social issue-focused podcast, Hello? Denver? Are You Still There? Her work is centered on a passionate advocacy for all ages, accessible, inclusive, non-commercial and autonomous DIY art spaces and music venues in Denver.

Contact: Bree Davies

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Twitter: @cocodavies