COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — As the season for giving thanks approaches, The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, presented by Gran Turismo, is thankful for the spirit, determination, and community that make the Race to the Clouds truly unique.
Among a field of 21 rookie drivers this year, Lance Fenderson’s story of overcoming the toughest odds — including a debilitating injury and a testing session crash — yet remaining filled with gratitude, is nothing short of remarkable. His journey wasn’t just about speed; it was a powerful testament to finding strength and thankfulness in the face of adversity.
“When I was four years old, we were at my aunt’s wedding in California, and dad dragged me away to go watch the superbikes,” recalled Fenderson. “There was a go-kart track there, so we were watching those and I told dad I’d like to try it. When I was five, he got me a go-kart and the rest is history.”
Expressing thanks, Fenderson shared, “My dad’s been a huge part of every aspect of my racing since I was five years old. He’s been an absolutely critical part of getting me to this mountain.”
Asked about his first time at the PPIHC, he said, “Tricia Wall from Yokohama invited me to come to Pikes Peak just to experience it in 2024. She’s the biggest reason I’m on this mountain. I’m forever grateful for her and for Yokohama putting their trust in me. And I can’t thank Mobil 1 and Insta360 enough, they’ve been some of my biggest supporters along the way. I’m also working with the High Fives Foundation for adaptive athletes.”
When asked to share his experience of sending Loni Unser off the line with a wave of the green flag in 2024, Fenderson said, “I immediately fell in love with the entire event. I knew, in that moment, that I wanted to be here. I just didn’t know how quickly it was going to happen. So, to be here just one year later is an honor.”
“The very first run I made up the mountain was in the bottom sector. I was, literally, just looking around, enjoying the scenery. I told my team that and they’re like, ‘Dude! You’ve got to focus on what you’re doing!’,” Fenderson laughed as he recalled the scene. “But, it was just so pretty and it was surreal to be doing what I love — driving a car on a closed course up one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.”
Fenderson didn’t have an easy road once he arrived on the mountain, recalling, “It was the second testing weekend during the final session of the day. I went out with new tires and I just pushed a little too hard and crashed.
“But, that’s the mountain. It’s ready at all points to bite down on you as soon as you lose perfect focus.”
He continued, “After the crash, it took an army of people to get us back on the mountain, both physically and mentally. My crew worked super hard to give me the best car. On top of the 20 or 30 people who had a hand in fixing it, there were also a lot of people telling me, ‘Don’t give up!’
“I’m extremely grateful. It’s really nothing short of a work of God that I’m here. Everybody really chipped in and, at the end of the day, it was a huge collaborative effort.”
Fenderson expressed his thanks to his family, his friends, his girlfriend, his crew, his sponsors, and Winslow BMW. They all played significant roles in getting him back on the mountain. He shared, “I had an incredible support system around me. I always have.”
Fenderson raced his 2020 BMW M2 CS Racing to the finish in the Time Attack 1 division, clocking a 4:54.914 on the wind-shortened course. Asked to share his best race week memory, he quickly replied, “Finally seeing the checkered flag.”
