Breaking News: John Force recalls first trip to Bandimere Speedway
When John Force speaks about his past, you listen. And when he starts reminiscing about his first time at Bandimere Speedway, you’re taken back to an era where racing was raw, rugged, and defined by character as much as horsepower. The NHRA legend recently opened up about his earliest memories of the Colorado-based dragstrip, offering fans a glimpse into the roots of a career that would eventually become legendary.
Force, a 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion, didn’t always arrive at racetracks with a polished team, big sponsors, and a fleet of trucks. In fact, his first experience at Bandimere was far from glamorous. “I rolled into that place in an old pickup truck pulling a beat-up trailer,” Force said, laughing. “No fancy setup—just a car, a few tools, and a whole lot of hope.”
That first visit to Bandimere Speedway, nestled in the foothills near Denver, left an impression on Force not just because of the altitude—which famously robs engines of power—but because of the people. “They treated us like family right from the start,” he recalled. “Didn’t matter if you were a nobody like I was back then. The Bandimere folks made sure you felt welcome.”
Force admitted that the track itself posed challenges he hadn’t fully anticipated. “You don’t really understand what a mile-high track does to your tune-up until you’re there blowing up parts,” he joked. “That altitude changes everything—how the motor breathes, how you drive, even how you think about making power.”
But those early struggles were exactly what Force believes shaped him as both a driver and a team leader. “Bandimere taught me that winning isn’t always about the fastest car—it’s about being smart, adjusting on the fly, and surrounding yourself with people who know how to fight through adversity.”
Since that first trip decades ago, Force has returned to Bandimere many times, and each visit carries its own memories. But that first one stands out—not because of wins or records, but because of the humility it required. “You walk into a place like that with nothing but guts and dreams, and every time you come back, you remember where you started,” he said.
Over the years, Bandimere has evolved with modern technology and bigger events, but for Force, it still holds the same soul. “It’s one of those tracks where the fans are right there with you. They know your name, they know your story, and they care,” he added.
As Force looks ahead to what may be the final stretch of his racing career, he speaks about Bandimere not just as a location on the NHRA tour, but as a symbol of his journey. “That place is part of my story. Always will be.”
In recalling his first trip to Bandimere Speedway, John Force does more than share a memory—he reminds fans why he’s not just a champion on the track, but a storyteller of the sport.
