The Thrills, The Chills Of Lawn Mower Racing

The Thrills, The Chills Of Lawn Mower Racing AG WORLD 33-4-22 If you have a big desire to race but a small budget, take a look at lawn mower racing. Most racers start with ordinary tractor mowers and modify them, explains Paul Krueger, a member of the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association (USLMRA). "You can fix up a lawn mower for $500 and race. It isn't all about winning. It's about having fun," Krueger says. He farms with his father in Carson, Iowa. Since he discovered lawn mower racing, it has become a passion. "I have two nationally competitive mowers that cost about $3,000 to build. That's at the high end and I've finished in the top five with them," he says. One is a 1960's Huffy mower that does well because it's so lightweight. The other is a 1980's Craftsman. While being lightweight and having a lot of horsepower is important, those factors aren't enough to win. "The biggest thing is getting the chassis set up properly. It has to go left. Horsepower doesn't always win if you can't make left-hand turns," Krueger says. "Many racers replace the stock front axle with go-cart spindles and better bearings." Drivers wear helmets and protective clothing and have insurance coverage. Some modified engines push mowers at speeds up to 65 mph. For Krueger and other racers the excitement of racing begins with a LeMans-style start - racers run to their machines and have to start them before racing. Each track is different, and they vary from 200 to 500 ft. There are only trophies and no money prizes, though racers are often reimbursed for some of their expenses when they race as entertainment at county fairs and other events. Since forming in 1992, the USLMRA has grown to 42 chapters in 30 states with 130 sanctioned races, plus 17 national races. STA-BIL fuel stabilizer officially sponsors them, and there are different classes according to engine types and styles. The most radical machines are in the FX class, where the machines barely resemble mowers. There is also a class for 10 to 15-year-olds. While most racers are men, there are female racers, Krueger notes. Racers come from all walks of life. "We race mostly for bragging rights," Krueger says. "Lawn mower racing is a good time thing. Races are like family reunions." For more information about the sport, he suggests checking out the USLMRA website, www.letsmow.com. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Paul Krueger, Easy Parcheesy Racing, 13676 Hwy. 59, Carson, Iowa 51525 (pkrueger@win-4-u.net).

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