Lawn Mower Racing: It Really Exists!

Garden tractors are often thought of as a device used simply for mowing the lawn or occasionally towing things from one location to the yard to another. The more ambitious or government agencies such as schools may put plows on the front so they will see additional duties doing the winter. It may seem strange to those who view the lawn mower garden tractor as simply a practical device, but lawn mower race has enjoyed steady popularity since someone first came up with the idea.

The speeds may be more reminiscent of the chariot race scene in Ben Hur than your average NASCAR competition, but the people put just as much effort into souping up their mowers and trying to squeeze that extra ounce of speed or performance out of the utility vehicles as does the average NASCAR or Formula One pit crew.

Those looking to follow their favorite professional driver or get a glimpse of the trailer as he passes on a way to a race may be disappointed however. Whether or not people who race lawn mower tractors for a living exist, the sport is still very much an activity for the hobbyist. A way to go out do some male bonding, have a beer, and maybe get together with some friends. In fact, as someone who finds it hard to believe the sport even exists despite seeing the King of the Hill episode that featured it, it almost seems like something the crew at Possum Lodge would have tried on the Red GreenShow.

For those who want to give it a try or perhaps set up your own chapter, an organization exists to help you. No, it does not involve twelve steps although perhaps it should, nor will it involve saying the Man's Prayer as they did in the Canadian export mentioned earlier. No, it will give the rules to conduct official competitions and provides tips on organizing local events. It is unsurprisingly called the Lawn Mower Racing Association. It may not be a path to fame and glory for its participants, but at least with a much lower fan base, fans and drivers will not be treated as NASCAR professionals and the fanbase were treated in the movie Taledega Nights. And well, if the wives arrange for the event to take place in their own yard, it may also be a way to get some free yard work done without much nagging as long as strict rules are set down beforehand.