Sixteen-year-old Brandon ìBuddyî Tubbs II of Black Forest is the youngest racer to compete in The Broadmoor Pikes Peak Hill Climb. In this yearís race in June ó the 92nd running of the Hill Climb ó Tubbs finished at No. 57 out of 130 racers, with a time of 11 minutes and 36.380 seconds.Tubbs, who was just 15 years old when he ran the Pikes Peak Hill Climb, finished third in a qualifying round and second in the quad (a four-wheeler built for racing) modified class division on the day of the race.In the racing world, Tubbs is considered a professional athlete. His mother, Lesa Lehman-Tubbs, said he started in the amateur class, and moved up to the sportsman class. She said success brought him to a professional level, which in turn brought him sponsors. His primary sponsor is Total Roofing of Falcon, Colo., owned by Scott and Amber McIntyre. Other sponsors include Andy Holloman of American Family Insurance, Chief Petroleum VP, Wiseco Pistons and Race Engine Components.The press has made his age a big deal, Tubbs said. But he doesnít let anything go to his head. He also often hears ìyou sure are luckyî from fans and fellow racers. ìI’m not lucky; I’m blessed,î he said. Family and faith is a huge part of Tubbsí life. ìThe Lord has blessed us tremendously,î said Larry Carnes, Tubbsí grandfather.Tubbs’ grandfather is no stranger to racing. Carnes has also competed in the Hill Climb and since retiring he has been an enormous support to Tubbs.Carnes said they were having some technical problems with Tubbs’ usual vehicle, and Tubbs actually qualified for the Hill Climb on a borrowed quad. Tubbs said he enjoys working by his grandfather’s side and learns plenty about the work they do on the vehicles. ìIt’s more hands-on learning than reading a book and figuring out how to do it yourself,î Tubbs said. ìI ask grandpa, and he tells me how to do it.îBecoming a professional athlete brought some changes to Tubbs’ life. As a student at Vista Ridge High School, he played on the basketball team. Lehman-Tubbs said because of her sonís status as a professional, he had to quit playing as an amateur athlete on the team. ìThe schools can get into trouble, if he’s a paid athlete,î she said. Tubbs then solely focused on racing, while continuing his high school studies through the Vista Ridge online program.Tubbs said he goes to ìquite a fewî races year-round, with one every other weekend throughout the summer months.Lehman-Tubbs said the family has been so blessed that they want to give back to the community and ìpay it forward.î Carnes said they are in the beginning stages of planning racing events as fundraisers for the Wounded Warrior Project and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. ìWe already have commitments from some sponsors and local businesses,î Carnes said.Tubbs said his ultimate goal is to compete in the World of Outlaws in his new sprint car. ìIt’s the top race for sprint cars,î he said. The sprint car is different from the quad Tubbs raced in the Hill Climb. ìSome people are particular,î he said. ìThey stick to asphalt, they don’t like dirt.î Tubbs, however likes everything. ìJust no jumping, I’ll stay on the ground!î he said.Racing is a family event. Tubbs has two brothers and two sisters who are big fans of racing. ìTia, my sister, is very supportive,î he said, adding that she helps Tubbs prepare for all of his races, he said.Tubbs also has a passion for racing. He said he always gets an adrenaline rush when he races, but his dedication and commitment is what drives him. ìRacing is my life,î he said.
