Lawnmower racing brings the sport back to the WA regional town of Greenbushes as drivers test speeds
For safety reasons, lawn mowers are designed to be on the slower side and used for the monotonous task of garden maintenance.
But if you remove the blades and swap the engine for a motorcycle, you have a race machine that fits in the back of your station wagon.
On the grounds of a disused cricket club in the small southwest Washington town of Greenbushes, hundreds of people have gathered to watch the quaint sport of riding lawn mower racing.
Drivers say mowing the lawn is never the same after taking part in a race. (ABC Southwest WA: Sam Bold)
“A lot of fun”
Organizers Roger Summer and Steve Dowling said what started as four friends “having a crack” has grown into a popular motorsports event with about 20 participants.
“We held a free community event to try to give back to the community and showcase mower racing because a lot of people are interested in it,” said Mr. Summer.
“You put a racing bike engine in a lightweight mower and leave it to him, it’s a lot of fun.”
Organizers say the event is perfect for the whole family. (ABC Southwest WA: Sam Bold)
Colorful cones mark a course of tight turns where competitors complete four laps kicking up a lot of dust – much to the delight of the crowd.
The Greenbushes event had six different classes including the “Class A 450cc” and a women’s race.
WHAT fastest mower?
Andrew Manning says he built his racing mower from the ground up. (ABC Southwest WA: Sam Bold)
Andrew Manning, who won Class A, said he modified his mower in his shed after seeing an event at Harvey.
“It could go 100 km/h if you had the chance,” he said.
“I’m definitely passionate about it now, it’s cool that it’s something I built.
“It’s possibly the fastest lawn mower in Western Australia.”
Despite his success, Mr. Manning said he still hated mowing the lawn.
The sport is back
Steve Dowling said Greenbushes used to be a sports-rich town but numbers have declined, leading to club closures.
“There’s not a lot going on in terms of sport,” he said.
“So this is a sporting event to bring sport back to this city because otherwise this facility isn’t being used.”
The Western Australian Mower Racing Association (WAMRA) was formed in 2016 to capitalize on the growing interest in the sport.
It joins communities of mower racers in the rest of Australia and around the world.
Jokes aside, WAMRA recognizes the sport can be dangerous, with its official rule book warning there is a risk of serious injury.
The event took place at an old cricket ground in Greenbushes.(ABC Southwest WA: Sam Bold)
Mr Manning said he hopes to travel to South Australia to compete in other races.
“The lawnmower fits in the back of my station wagon, so me and a mate go there,” he said.
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