Pikes Peak International Raceway shutting down after 2026
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Pikes Peak International Raceway, a Southern Colorado landmark, announced its final season of public motorsports events will conclude at the end of 2026. After three decades of operation, the raceway will close its gates, marking the end of an era for the local community.
The raceway has been a prominent venue for various events since its opening. It has hosted major motorsports competitions, including NASCAR and Indy Car races, along with other attractions such as the "Magic of Lights" show during the holidays.
The announcement generated a significant response from the community, particularly on social media. Brayden DeMasters, who has been a patron of Pikes Peak International Raceway for 20 years, shared his disappointment. “Oh it sucks tremendously,” DeMasters said. “My nephew is growing up and he won't be able to experience that track. Getting out on that track means something to a lot of people. Regardless of if you're just cruising around, or you're actually racing. That's a community based track. It's devastating because, more or less, you don't see a lot of tracks opening up anymore. It's all the old tracks closing down. We're losing places to actually do this stuff.”
Pikes Peak International Raceway stated it is exploring opportunities with other venues for its events, including non-racing events.
However, DeMasters proposed an alternative. “I guarantee there are more than enough people willing to help out rebuild that track, just like I-25 speedway,” DeMasters said. “So I don't see why we couldn't just build this speedway back.”
For now, the raceway confirms that all events scheduled through the end of the 2026 season will proceed as planned.
Officials released the following statement on Facebook:
After years of horsepower, passion, memories, and community, we have an important announcement to share.
Pikes Peak International Raceway’s 2026 season will be our final season of public motorsports events.
PPIR has been more than just a racetrack—it has been a home for racers, riders, teams, families, fans, and automotive enthusiasts from across Colorado and beyond. From grassroots motorsports events and festivals to track days, drift nights, drag racing, and unforgettable memories made in the paddock, PPIR has been shaped by the incredible community that supported us year after year.
To our drivers, renters, spectators, staff, partners, vendors, and supporters: thank you. Thank you for trusting us with your weekends, your events, your celebrations, and your passion for motorsports. Your energy is what made PPIR what it is today.
While the property is planned for future mixed-use redevelopment, plans are still in the early stages, with more information expected later in 2026.
Most importantly—this is not necessarily the end of all PPIR events. We are actively exploring opportunities with other venues to carry our automotive lifestyle events and festivals into the future and continue growing these experiences for our community. The future relocation of select PPIR events is currently under consideration, with additional announcements expected later in 2026.
For now, 2026 is business as usual, and we are committed to making this final season at PPIR one to remember. All scheduled events, festivals, track days, and experiences will continue as planned throughout the season.
This isn’t goodbye just yet. We still have the 2026 season to celebrate everything PPIR has meant to this community, and we hope you’ll join us as we make these final laps together.
2026 schedule and tickets available at PPIR.com
Thank you for being part of our story.
— Pikes Peak International Raceway
Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.
