Setback to Summit: Lance Fenderson’s Historic Pikes Peak Climb

They said he’d never walk again.

Now, he’s raced to the top of America’s most iconic mountain, using only his hands.

In 2019, Lance Fenderson’s life changed forever. A high school lacrosse collision left him paralyzed from the chest down, with a permanent loss of 15% of body function. In an instant, everything he had known was taken away.

But Lance didn’t stop.

Through years of relentless rehab, he found a new way forward. He continued studying Mechanical Engineering at NC State, re-learning how to live in a body that no longer obeyed the same commands. Then, using his engineering background and sheer determination, he modified racing vehicles to be driven entirely with hand controls.

In 2024, he made his return to racing. That year, Lance dominated the BMW CCA GP class with podium finishes, earning the Spirit of Club Racing Flag for his strength, character, and perseverance. But he wasn’t done yet.

Chasing the Impossible

In June 2025, Lance set his sights on the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb—a 12.42-mile, 156-turn ascent known as one of the most dangerous motorsport events in the world. For any racer, it’s a test of precision, endurance, and courage. For a paraplegic athlete using only hand controls? It’s unheard of.

Lance didn’t just race, he smashed it. He ascended Pikes Peak in front of a global audience, defying expectations and marking his comeback as one of the most inspiring moments in recent motorsports.

More Than a Race

Lance’s journey to Pikes Peak wasn’t a solo climb. With support from partners like BMW M Motorsports and the High Fives Foundation, he brought his dream to life—not just as a racer, but as a role model for adaptive athletes around the world.

From garage mods to mountain roads, Lance's journey represents everything Insta360 stands for: bold, raw, unfiltered stories of resilience.

With his Insta360 X5, Lance documented the climb from his point of view. And now, his story is inspiring millions, showing what happens when grit meets vision.

Lance had long used Insta360 cameras to document his training and race-day POVs, not only to relive the ride, but to study and improve his performance. When he reached out to us in early 2025 with his story and a vision for Pikes Peak, we knew we had to get involved.

We proudly joined as a sponsor and storytelling partner, offering financial support for race preparations, content production assistance, and gear to help Lance bring his journey to life from his own perspective: bold, unfiltered, and immersive.

A Crash, A Comeback

Just one week before race day, disaster struck. During the test weekend, Lance lost control of his car and suffered a serious crash. Miraculously, he walked away unharmed, but the race car was severely damaged, and his chances of competing were suddenly in doubt.

It could have ended there. But Lance’s resolve didn’t waver.

Together with our partners, including BMW M Motorsport, Yokohama, and the High Fives Foundation, we rallied around him. Within days, the car was rebuilt, and Lance made it to the starting line.

The Road Ahead

Lance’s story represents everything we believe in at Insta360—resilience, creativity, and the power of perspective. 

This project also sparked a new partnership between Insta360 and the High Fives Foundation, a leading nonprofit in the adaptive sports space and a longtime supporter of Lance. Together, we’re now exploring new ways to support more adaptive athletes.

Find out more about Lance's story in this short documentary, presented by Insta360.

Our goal is simple: to help more creators like Lance share their stories, compete with confidence, and be seen not for their limitations, but for their impact. Stay tuned for more stories like this.

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