Published: July 22, 2007 11:40 pm      

Lawnmower racing on the cutting edge

By SALLY SEXTON

H-P Sports Writer



Three simple words: Ready, set, mow!

That was all it took to start the first set of races in the Palestine lawnmower races held at the Anderson County Youth Livestock Expo Center Saturday afternoon.

The race had initially been scheduled for last weekend, but due to rainy weather was rescheduled.

“The turnout was a little smaller today because of all the rain we’ve been having,” said John Nelson, who is the president of the Palestine lawnmower racing chapter. “You’ve got people coming in from all over, including Arkansas and Louisiana as well as various cities in Texas.”

The race was comprised of seven different riding lawnmower classes from super stock, which is mainly for beginners, to IMOW, which is made up of advanced racers.

“There are several different types of lawnmowers — PP, SP, CP, AP and FX,” Nelson said. “Each one is based on the horsepower and build of the engine.”

The races followed the U.S. Lawnmower Racing Association’s regulations, and each racer was subjected to a thorough inspection, also known as being “teched.”

“It makes it very hard for anyone to cheat,” said Bonnie Driggers, who came from Bryan to compete in her second riding lawnmower competition. “The IMOW class generally goes from 25-28 miles per hour, and everyone has to have the same RPMs so we’re all on an equal playing field.”

A key part in the competitions is having a creative racing name. Driggers uses the name Mow Mama to race her lawnmower, named Mama’s Mowchine.

“That’s a big part of the racing,” said Nelson, who also raced in the competition. “We’re all pretty competitive, but when we get off the track, everybody is best friends. There’s no reward or prize money for winning. It’s a hobby.”

Nelson himself has raced under the name of Sir Lawns-a-lot for the past six years, and has sustained numerous injuries, including a broken collarbone.

“Safety is very important in this sport,” Nelson said. “We take every precaution and have requirements on safety equipment for our racers.”

Each participant must wear a racing helmet along with a neck brace, racing suit and boots. An EMS First Responder is always on standby.

Nelson and Dogwood Lawnmower Racing Club founder Art Gerulatt are already planning another race for Aug. 11.

For more information on the Lone Star Mower Racing Association, visit www.lsmra.com

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Sally Sexton can be reached via e-mail at sports2@palestineherald.com