Lawnmower Racing

What happens when you have a group of young British men who want to get involved in motor sports but can’t afford it? In 1973 they formed the British Lawn Mower Racing Association the first of its kind in the world. The US Lawn Mower Racing Association was formed in 1992. How does it work?

Any lawn mower that was originally manufactured with the intent to cut grass is eligible. The cutting blades are removed for safety and seats and harnesses are added. Like race cars lawn mowers are given names only they sound a little different. Some examples: Prograsstinator Sodzilla Ace of Blades the Bat Mowbile and Mr. Mow-it-all.

The mowers are lined up and when the call is heard — “Ready … Set … Mow!” — they’re off veering around the racecourse. Racers compete for trophies points and bragging rights. Currently there are about 700 USLMRA racers in theUnited States. The world land speed record was set in 2010 by racer Bobby Cleveland: 96.529 miles per hour.