Race to Read

This program is the result of an effort of the Bandimere family to encourage and engage children in a reading program not offered through a school sponsored program. Thanks to the gentle heart and committed passion of Tami Bandimere, this program has grown and included thousands of children who not only read for enjoyment but are also introduced to the world of auto racing compliments of the Bandimere Family at the Bandimere  Speedway in Morrison, Colorado.

“Race to Read”®, is a six-week reading program, designed to encourage literacy by providing an exciting race-themed incentive for preschool and elementary-age students. The program can also be customized by schools to fit most any special education requirement for participating students.The program starts in March and ends in May, two weeks prior to the speedway’s season-opening event, the NAPA Auto Parts “Night of Fire & Thunder”, scheduled for a Saturday in the middle of May. In 2018, the dates for the program are March 26 through May 4. Prizes are awarded when students complete Take-Home Reading sheets provided by the program. Complimentary tickets for the reader and one accompanying adult to the “Night of Fire & Thunder” event are offered as prize incentives during the reading program.

“Race to Read”® has its roots at Jefferson County’s Rooney Ranch Elementary School in Lakewood, Colorado, where it helped kick-off the school’s inaugural year in 1995/1996. The response by the school community was tremendous and prompted many contacts from other schools interested in establishing the program for their students. Since the programs inception, it has grown to include many schools and has encouraged kids not only to read, but to enjoy reading as a family activity.