Jefferson County Public Health is taking Bandimere Speedway back to court after the speedway held a rally opposing COVID-19 public health orders that JCPH says violated those orders.

The lawsuit, which was filed on Sept. 3 in Jeffco District court, asks the court to issue an injunction that would stop Bandimere from hosting events in violation of public health orders.

According to the complaint, the event violated multiple such orders, including one requiring that permission for the county be sought before an event is held with an total attendance of greater than 175 and another requiring that face masks be worn by people in public when it is not possible to maintain at least six feet of social distance from other people.

The majority of the attendees at the Sept. 1 “Stop the COVID Chaos” rally did not wear masks while they crowded onto the track for a group photo at the conclusion of the rally.

The complaint notes that JCPH sent a letter to the Bandimere family once it became aware of the event reminding it of the Public Health Orders and the need to seek approval of events with more than 175 attendees. The Bandimere family did not respond to that letter, according to the complaint.

“Based on Bandimere's lack of a written plan for pre-approval demonstrating compliance with PHO 20-28 (the order requiring face coverings at public events), and the flagrant disagreement with PHO 20-28 expressed at the rally, JCPH has a reasonable basis to believe Bandimere may host additional events that will violate PHO 20-28,” the complaint states.

It goes on to state that if an injunction is not granted, Jefferson County could suffer substantial harm and irreparable injury as a result of possible spread of COVID-19 at future events at which the orders are not followed.

In addition to the injunction, the complaint also is requesting that Bandimere pay the costs to JCPH of bringing the suit.