IT HAS taken the organisers of the lawnmower racing event at Welshpool six years to get back to where they were after running their first race days in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
And it was a delighted secretary of the Welshpool Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Madeline Mason who declared last Saturday’s event a roaring success.
“Our first three events in 2016, 2017 and 2018 were great, raising important funds for the upkeep of the reserve and the basketball stadium.
“But we’ve been hit by the weather and COVID since then and it seems like forever since we’ve had a day like this.”
And the members of the Australian Ride-On Lawn Mower Racing Association really came out in force with upwards of 30 entries across four classes of racing; A Grade, B Grade, C Grade and Juniors.
“It’s been great today, with the weather and the exciting racing and the local community has really come out and supported it,” Mrs Mason said.
“It’s a real family sport and we’ve added some rides for the kids and plenty to eat and drink. We’re really grateful for the support.”
The action on the track was fast and furious. A roar went up from the lawnmowers and the crowd as they started each event, and there was plenty of interest as the skilled drivers drifted into the corners and attempted risky passes while sending the grass and dust flying behind the wheels of their powerful machines.
“The only thing about these mowers that comes from a lawnmower are the back, the bonnet and the sidesteps. Everything else is about racing,” said Nathan Peter of Metcalfe near Kyneton.
“How fast, I couldn’t tell you. Quick enough when you have up to a 450cc engine in a ride-on lawnmower. It’s a lot of fun.”
The fans thought so too, with many of them crowding the safety rope for a closer look at the action.
After finally making a successful return last weekend, expect to see it back again in December next year… don’t miss it!
