Jeffco Files Lawsuit Against Bandimere Speedway Over Rally

JEFFERSON COUNTY, CO — Jefferson County Public Health has filed a lawsuit against the Bandimere Speedway over the racetrack's 'Stop the COVID Chaos Rally' Tuesday evening. Before the event was held, the agency said it warned the business that "large events, no matter their intent, remain subject to current Executive Orders and Public Health Orders as they are the law."

The event drew more than 1,000 people, many of whom chose not to wear masks and adhere to social distancing guidelines.

"After Bandimere refused to comply with both county and state public health orders, JCPH decided it had no choice but to take legal action against Bandimere to protect the safety for all county residents and encourage behaviors that limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community," the county said in a news release.

"Events like the Sept. 1 rally at Bandimere Speedway put everyone at risk. As a community, we must work together to minimize the health impacts of COVID-19 both on an individual and economic level, which we can all do by continuing to be vigilant about public health precautions."

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Jeffco Public Health filed a lawsuit against Bandimere Speedway after the Jet Car Nationals July 4. The speedway failed to follow court-ordered public health orders at the event, health officials said. The suit requested a permanent injunction against the business, but due to a new public health order that was issued, the lawsuit was rendered "moot," a judge ruled.

Patch reached out to Bandimere Speedway for comment but did not hear back by deadline. The speedway's track president, John Bandimere, has made it clear that he disagrees with the statewide health orders. He said the orders are threatening his family's business and Coloradans' freedom.