For more than 30 years, Bruce Kamada was the unmistakable voice of Bandimere Speedway, the man behind the microphone who brought races to life for generations of fans. Bruce began his life in drag racing as a competitor, but he quickly discovered his true calling wasn’t behind the wheel but behind the mic. His career as an announcer began in 1986, when, after an early-round loss, he would head up to the tower and volunteer to let fans know which class was up next. Before long, the microphone was in his hand full-time, and his voice became a fixture at Bandimere’s biggest events, from Bruce’s favorite, the Mile-High Nationals, to Night of Fire & Thunder and the Jet Car Nationals. Bruce’s special skills led to announcing races at tracks in Topeka, Brainerd, Eddyville, and every NHRA Division 5 event.
Mentored by his hero, John Bandimere, and inspired by legendary drag racing engine specialist “Tac” Shiramizu, Bruce gained an insider’s knowledge of the sport and an appreciation for its people. He had the unique ability to make every racer feel special, giving each their moment in the spotlight. Fans loved his deep knowledge of the sport, his delightful sense of humor, and his ability to connect with the crowd, bringing energy and excitement to every pass down the track.
At its core, a drag racing event can be a visceral experience. The brightly colored cars, the speed, the smell of the fuel, and, of course, the sounds combine to form lasting memories. The thing that can bring everything together is a skilled announcer, and the thousands of fans that have passed through the gates of Bandimere Speedway can recall days when Bruce worked his magic and his voice was woven into memories made that day. They might also remember how the jokester in him surfaced one day when, after losing a bet, he had to announce a race from the starting line port-a-potty.
A humble and gracious man, Bruce never considered announcing a job. For him, it was time spent with friends, whether they were lifelong racers or first-time competitors, and a chance to build new friendships wherever he traveled. His love for all drag racing was undeniable, but he was a driving force at the track for the Junior Drag Racing program. His care for the racers, crews, and fans was what truly set him apart. Bruce Kamada didn’t just call races: he was the heartbeat of the event, and his voice will forever echo through the history of Colorado motorsports.
Sadly, we lost Bruce Kamada in 2016, and the voice fans came to know and love was forever stilled. The track has held the Bruce Kamada Bracket Bash in his honor to keep his memory alive, and another honor was added to his name with his induction into the Colorado Motorsports Hall of Fame as a member of the class of 2025.
Recent Comments