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So you had a dream of becoming a formula one race driver but could never get there? You still can become a champion. The Lawn mower racing has gained immense popularity in the past few years. Many events have been organized at local and state level. An organization called U.S Lawn Mowers Association has also been formed which is takes care of rules and regulations and organizing the event and other such activities. Moreover it’s a clean game without any money involved in betting. The game is played in good spirit as a hobby and not as a business. And the machines that visit the track are the long retired ones which are overhauled for racing. But there is an eclectic ensemble of machines which are as varied as their owners.
This modern sport originated when some enthusiast met at the Cricketers Arms, Wisborough Green, West Sussex in 1973.Motor sport consultant Jim Gavin had just returned from a rally in Sahara. So the discussions were going around the other form of motor sports and the costs involved. The debate churned out the thought of developing an alternative form of motor sport which can fulfill the spirit of thrill and competition and can provide fun that is affordable. But the question remained what could we race? The answer came soon enough. The lawn mower was to become the next racing machine.
The first race was held at Wisborough Green in 1973 where 35 participants had entered who had mowers ranging from 1923 Acto to a hot new 8 HP Wheel Horse. There were all kinds of mowers the run behind mowers and towed seat mowers the ones where you sit on top of it. These were classified into groups which still exist. This sport has grown manifold over a period of time. People even have mowers solely for the purpose of racing.
The four different group of this sport are as follows:
Group1: This is the most primitive of all the groups. It comprises of run behind mowers the simplest of them. All you’ll need here is a retired petrol engine driven mower.
Group 2: This group consists of two other groups one for roller and one for wheel driven mowers. The wheel driven mowers tend to be heavier and wider but offer better traction in slipper conditions so they are more preferred over roller mowers.
Group 3: Currently this is the most sought after and popular group. This group comprises the riding lawn mower where the driver sits on the machine. This is also the fastest group as the machines can reach up to a speed of 40 mph.
Group 4: This group was recently formed in 2002 and it comprises small bonneted tractor, so a whole wide range of various mowers can be included in this group but it’s mandatory that drivers in this class should be able to compete against Group 3 machines.
People like Striling Moss, who not only helped attract people’s attention towards the game but also wont he British Grand Prix championship title for two successive years in ’75 and ’76 are an inspiration for the aspiring champions. What matters in a game is the spirit of participation and the thrilling experience, not the glamour that surrounds it. A small trophy won at a local lawn mower race will take you long way in life’s enriching experiences. So if ever you have enjoyed riding your mower, remember you can be a champion if you wish.
Do you have it in you?
© UK Lawn Mowers.com 2008
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