Behind the wheel at the High Plains Raceway

DEER TRAIL, Colo. — Vast stretches of open land dotted with dry patches surround the incorporated town of Deer Trail, where the sudden roar of motors can startle those unfamiliar with the nearby racetrack.

When racetrack venues began closing because of urban development in the 2000s, amateur racing clubs found themselves in eastern Arapahoe County. Various clubs formed the Colorado Amateur Motorsports Associates (CAMA), which built High Plains Raceway in 2009.

Now, thousands of speed-seekers visit the track throughout the year. 

“The fastest I’ve gone on this track is approaching about 165 miles an hour on a 1000cc motorcycle. Even the cars here, they don’t make their speed on the straightaways… they make their speed by not slowing down for the turns,” Glenn Conser, the track manager at High Plain Raceway, said. 

Today, High Plains Raceway is the only track in the nation built, funded and owned by amateur racing clubs. The five members of CAMA each hold ownership through the association, with one representative from each club serving on the board of directors.

Roughly 7,000 people collectively own the track, according to Conser.

On most summer weekends, the track buzzes with activity as the amateur clubs that own it, including motorcycle clubs and vintage car clubs host their own events.