A new drag racing facility is taking shape in Dacono, Colorado, as Colorado National Speedway moves forward with plans to expand its motorsports offerings and create a safer outlet for racing enthusiasts.
.jpg)
The speedway, located north of the Denver metropolitan area, has begun construction on a dedicated drag strip designed to replicate the thrill of street racing in a controlled, legal environment.
"We’re beyond excited to officially announce that we are building a drag strip!" Colorado National Speedway shared on social media.
Unlike traditional professional tracks, the new facility will feature a one-eighth-mile “no prep” drag strip — a format that mirrors real-world street racing conditions while maintaining safety standards.
"Now this will not be your typical NHRA-style drag strip," said Owen, the junior promoter of Colorado National Speedway. "Our drag strip will be a one-eighth-mile, no prep that embodies the backcountry street racing, but in a safe and legal environment. Our drag strip will feature a full professional portatree system with ET and mile an hour readings at the 60, 330, and 660 mark. Beyond that we have a thousand feet of braking distance and a fully paved return route."
The design includes professional timing systems and extensive braking distance, reflecting a balance between grassroots racing culture and organized motorsports safety protocols.
Track officials emphasized that the new addition is intended to complement — not replace — the venue’s existing racing events, including its popular NASCAR-sanctioned competitions.
"Now our goal for this is not to take away from our amazing Saturday night NASCAR regional events," Owen said. "This is being built to grow motorsports in northern Colorado, giving enthusiasts a place to come and race and go fast."
The speedway already hosts weekly racing and is preparing for its season-opening event, part of the Cars Tour West series, scheduled for early May.
"This won’t be your typical setup — something special is coming to Colorado National Speedway," organizers posted. "While we aren’t ready to announce an official opening date just yet, that information will be coming very soon, so stay tuned!"
The project reflects a broader trend across the U.S. to provide sanctioned alternatives to illegal street racing, which has raised safety concerns in many urban and suburban areas. By offering a controlled environment, facilities like this aim to reduce risky behavior on public roads while supporting local motorsports communities.
For contractors and construction teams, smaller-scale specialty builds like drag strips also represent niche opportunities within the recreational and entertainment construction sector — particularly as regional venues invest in upgrades to attract new audiences.
Once completed, the drag strip is expected to draw racers and spectators from across northern Colorado, potentially boosting local tourism and economic activity in the surrounding area.
Originally reported by Alexander Kirk in 9 News.
.png)
