Veteran Tendeland Values Family Aspect of Racing

For Brandon Tendeland, race nights are fun for a couple of reasons. First, it’s time at the track with his family. But it’s also fun getting behind the wheel of his #12T IMCA Sport Mod.

“Being on the track is always a blast,” Tendeland said. “I get pretty nervous leading up to each race but once I get out there that goes in the back of my mind and I just go.”

The family aspect, though, is what makes racing worthwhile for the 32-year-old from West Fargo. His dad, Darin and his grandpa, Pat are involved in his racing program.

“That’s what it is for me and my dad and my grandpa,” Tendeland said. “It’s Friday nights at the racetrack spending time together.”

His uncle, Shane, raced for many years in the modified and super stock divisions for another family tie to racing.

Tendeland started in the Wissota Street Stocks but moved into the sport mod division in 2017, buying a car from veteran Scott Jacobson. He’s been in the class ever since and races at Red River Valley Speedway in West Fargo and Norman County Raceway in Ada.

He’s still looking for his first career feature win, but has some heat wins.  On May 31, 2024, he nearly got that first career feature win, finishing second to Chris VanMil. The runner-up finish was the best of his career.

“I got close last year,” Tendeland said. “The nerves got me.”

While he’s still seeking his first career win, it doesn’t consume him.  He just wants to be near the front, in the hunt.

“I don’t chase it too bad, but it (would be) nice,” Tendeland said. “Even just running up front with some of these guys in the sport mod class is pretty fun.”

He raced nine times in 2024 and had one top five and three top 10s.

“I didn’t get out as much as I wanted,” Tendeland said. “We’re doing it as a hobby, so we really don’t chase points. We do it for fun. When it doesn’t get fun, we figure it’s time to stop.”

Tendeland, who works as a fiber splicer for Arvig, has some goals for the 2025 campaign.

“More consistency,” Tendeland said. “Just trying to figure out the car.”

In Friday’s season opener at Red River Valley Speedway, he finished 12th in the feature amid a strong 21-car field.

But no matter where he finishes, having his family involved is what makes racing worth it.

“I probably wouldn’t be doing it without them,” Tendeland said. “It’s not just a one-man show. They help out a lot. This is a family hobby.”

Driver Profile

Brandon Tendeland

IMCA Sport Mod #12

Residence: West Fargo, N.D.

Age: 32

Sponsors: Ernie’s Repair, Caledonia N.D.; K&K Construction, Galvanizers Inc., Huber Electric Motor & Pump Repair, Elite Curbing, Premier Construction & Remodeling, Prime Plumbing Streamline Water Services, Langer Farms, Tendeland Repair