Every year Pikes Peak International Hill Climb attracts some of the most committed and fearless drivers. A legion of remarkable wheel washers (and probably women) gathers almost 15 miles outside of Colorado Springs to drive the most demanding uphill in North America. For some drivers there is no limit to the lengths that you reach to realize your dream of conquering the 15,000 feet long ascent. Lance Fenderson is one of them who controls his 2020 BMW M2 CS racing to the climax while towing a unique story in tow.
Lances history
Lance Fenderson grew up on the race and started his career by running with racing walks at the age of five. At the age of fourteen, he was part of the F1600, an open Wheel racing series that serves as a feeder for Indycar and the Indianapolis 500. But his career as a driver was not yet in the cards. Lance suffered a serious spinal cord injury in 2019 when he played Lacrosse. “After I was hit by an opposing player, my neck was broken immediately. I was paralyzed in an impact,” he says in an interview. Four broken vertebrae meant after a spinal cord injury that made him in paraplegia-and of course a complete 180-degree career targets after breathing and hours of physiotherapy.
Or at least it could have been. After Lance dealt with his new situation, she went on the way and mainly fell on the track. But like everyone who knows really passionately for something, she returns to her true love at some point. Lance started a comeback in 2024. “I had to find myself again because they should know what they would like to do. Then I wanted to start the race again.”
Run back to the race
While hand controls in cars are not a new concept, Lance’s situation is a bit unique. The accommodations had to go on with only partial strength over the hands so that regular, cross -life drivers had to go through. Paddles and buttons were even from borders. His journey – back then and M240IR – had to move through a straw by inhaling and exhaling. With access to both simulator And Fenderson was the kind of people who can make this kind of vision reality.
The next stop was the BMW CCA -GP class, in which he achieved podium places and earned the spirit of the Club racing flag. With his eyes that took part in the IMSA, he looked at his next metaphorical and literal mountain for the climb: Pikes Peak. Lance collected sponsors, including BMW Motorsports and Yokohama, and made tracks for Colorado.
Even larger hurdles
Although he made it to Pikes Peak, Lance has problems catching a break. As if he hadn’t overcome enough, his car suffered serious damage the week before the race. “We had this crash on the test weekend and there was many doubts as to whether I could make it back here,” said Lance in a video. Thanks to a team of serious sponsors and mechanics, Lances car was back together in time.
Lance’s story is undeniably of passion and remarkable perseverance. We recommend giving the short video a watch – and supporting if you feel inclined – to recognize how possible against the opportunities. [Photos: Insta 360]
