Lawn Mower Racing: Why So Popular?

Lawn mowers- they have four wheels and an engine like most racing vehicles so why not modify a lawn mower to exceed 30 mph. Lawn mower racing is becoming a regular sport. With its own organization and over 700 members, The United States Lawn Mower Racing Association (which can be compared to NASCAR) has a very comprehensive rule book that anyone can download at their web site.

These races draw thousands of fans since they have been scheduled from town to town. Typically, there is no betting on lawn mower races as they are just a hobby sport. But with local newspapers reporting the results and sponsors looking for the best racer in order to get the first position in the next local or even state race, lawn mowers have become a hobby that people dedicate a lot of time to.

Racers pull out their retired working mowers and rebuild them for these lawn mower races. However, its important to note that there are different level classifications; there are four classes of machine. This article briefly describes each.

Class one: These are self-propelled cylinder mowers that the racer runs behind. The mower only goes as fast as the runner. This is where lawn mower racing started. It is a great choice for anyone who wants exercise. The only thing you need to race it is an old petrol engine cylinder driven mower.

Class two: There are two distinct types of machines in this class: roller and wheel driven mowers. The wheeler ones offer better traction during slippery conditions, but they are heavier and wider.

Class three: These are domestic ride on machines and have become the most popular class. With the potential to go 40-50 mph this is probably the fastest group in good conditions. Its also the class in which you see most people being thrown off the machines.

Class four: This group in gaining popularity in the US. In fact most of the racers in the states use these machines. These are lawn tractors of 18mph or less.

While the rules and regulations vary, for the most part all racers must have their blades off; have a safety cut out switch for the engine; have working brakes and practice common sense when racing.

Lawn mower racing is growing popularity across the globe. With places like the Britain and Canada starting their own lawn mower racing organization you can be sure to see a lot more retired lawn mowers racing around on a Sunday afternoon.