JEFFERSON COUNTY, Colo. — Wednesday nights in the summer are “Responsible Speed” test nights at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison. The idea is to provide a safe place for people to drag race. Paul Wasinger is a tech at the Speedway and says, “The goal is to keep kids from racing on the street.”
Wasinger helps inspect the cars before they are allowed to race. He says, “It’s very important to me. I’ve seen the outcome of street racing and it’s not pretty.” Years ago he came across a bad wreck from a street race. He says, “It took a long time to get over that one.”
The inspections are just one reason why Bandimere is a better choice than illegally racing on the street. The Speedway also offers a nice smooth, straight surface with no obstructions.
Most drivers also have a personal reason they choose Bandimere as their spot to speed. Quincy Wilkins says, “I’ve already lost my license once. I got it back, but I learned my lesson.” Bryan Goddard says, “A friend lost control into a pole street racing.”
Driver Alice Scott says, “I love Wednesday nights because I can race a cop. So that’s always fun.” Troopers like Nate Reid show up to race the public. He says, “For me, racing down a track with my car that often times get beat by these racecars, that part isn’t fun.” But he says interacting with the drivers without the threat of a ticket is a good time. Trooper Reid says, “You could race your minivan. You could race your mom’s Buick if you wanted to.” He encourages people to listen to the voices of experience like Wilkins who says, “Take your car down the track it’s way smoother, way safer, and there are no walls at the end of it.”