| "[Lawnmower racing] is quite a demanding sport for the driver." | | Dave Askew |
Lawnmower racing is the new craze around the country and especially in Nottinghamshire. Race meetings take place in Retford and Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Wollaton Park has staged championships. There are four different disciplines that prospective drivers can take part in. These races include the following vehicles: run-behind mowers, roller and wheel driven mowers, wheel driven mowers (with the rider sat on the machine) and small bonneted tractor mowers. Courses last for a quarter of a mile and speeds are dependant upon the track, 30mph is the average but racers can get up to 50mph on a big track – obviously this wouldn’t be the case if you were running behind a mower! How did it start?
 | | Race meeting at Wollaton Park. |
In 1973 a group of men were having a pint in the Cricketers Arms in West Sussex. They were discussing the ever-increasing costs of motor sport.
The debate turned to find an affordable form of motor sport that anyone could afford to compete in.
Combined harvesters were suggested but it was decided the vehicles weren’t feasible. However, everyone agreed on lawnmowers. Where can I take part? The best way to get into lawn mower racing is to attend one of the race meetings and talk to people who already take part. They will give you the necessary tips and advice. Race meetings take place all over the North of England including locally at Kirkby-in-Ashfield and Retford. But be warned, Dave Askew head of the North West Lawn Mower Racing Association says lawnmower racing is "quite a demanding sport for the driver". You can buy a machine for £500 but the top machines cost between £1500 and £2000. You can be up and running within a year.
 | | Lawnmower racer takes a difficult bend. |
Dave says: "The sport is perfectly safe providing people go by the rules. Safety is always a priority and the rules are there to protect the driver and spectator." Dave adds that in terms of injuries there’s never been anything more serious than a fractured wrist or a broke collarbone… For more information about the sport contact Dave Askew on 0870 766 1986 or 07717 228 936. Or by e-mail at sec@nwlmra.org By the way, for anymore who thinks that your garden would benefit from a race I’m afraid the cutting blades are completely removed! | 
