There are basically two groups running Lawnmower Racing events in the UK. The British Lawnmower Racing Association (BLMRA) is the group that started it all, and they run events mainly in the south of the country. The North West Lawnmower Racing Association (NWLMRA) runs events further north through the Midlands, Wales and into the North West. Although similar, there are a few differences in the rules and regulations, and some machines raced here in the north cannot be raced at BLMRA meetings down south.

Basically, there are four classes of machine, and these are as follows:  

Class 1.....these are self propelled cylinder mowers that the "driver" runs behind, and so top speed is limited by the top speed of the driver....not exactly my idea of fun as I'm getting far too idle for that sort of malarkey, but the real grass roots of the sport! According to the BLMRA website, there was something of a resurgence of interest in this class last year.

This class is not for the weak limbed

Some might comment weak minded

Class 2....two distinct types of machine in this class. The original Class 2's were the large cylinder mowers like Atco and Webb 24" machines, and these are very popular with BLMRA members. According to the BLMRA rules, the mower must have been designed for "cutting domestic lawns"....but I guess the southerners must have big lawns and pockets to match....a new Atco 24" machine will set you back around £2,400!

At BLMRA events, the only Class 2's you will see will be cylinder driven machines, but here in the NWLMRA, we have another type, the wheel driven Class 2. These are not allowed under BLMRA regulations, due to the commercial background of the machines. Typical machines to use as a base for a racing machine are the Hayter Condor, Ransomes Bobcat, and several of the Scag family. Basically, these are all heavy duty, but originally pedestrian controlled machines that you may have seen cutting in parks and along roadsides etc.

Both types of Class 2 can be a bit of a handful to drive, especially the heavier wheel driven machines, though these offer excellent traction in the wet conditions we very rarely get in the north! There has been a fair bit of renewed interest in this class up here in the NWLMRA of late, and sevceral new machines are expected for the 2005 season.

Class 3.....these are small domestic ride on machines....the most popular of which is probably the Westwood Lawn bug, though these are now becoming increasingly hard to find. Probably the fastest of all the classes, with the potential for 40-50mph in good conditions. Also likely to be seen throwing the driver off on bends!

Goup 3 Racing in the dry	Group 3 not so dry

 

Class 4.....these are lawn tractors originally of 18hp or less, and this is a class rapidly gaining popularity. Just about all mowers raced in the USA are of this type 

The actual rules and regulations applied to the machines vary slightly between the BLMRA and the NWLMRA, and so these should be studied before building a machine for racing. Both clubs have their own websites, and plenty of members who will be happy to advise on any aspect of the preparation. One of the first things I noticed about the sport was the number of people who were happy to come over and have a chat about their machines, and you are likely to be offered a ride if you pay a small fee to cover guest insurance.

In basic terms, all mowers to be raced must have their blades removed, have a safety cut out switch for the engine, have working brakes and so on.....all pretty much common sense. Engine sizes are limited to a maximum of 10hp for a side valve engine and 8hp for an OHV engine in the BLMRA and any BLMRA sanctioned events. The Northern Club have recently reviewed their engine rules as the reliability of the Tecumseh TVM220 unit was causing some concern, with some members going through several engines in the course of the 2004 season. The full details can be read here on the "Winter 2004" page, but basically, the club have now set a limit of 360cc for an OHV engine and 403cc for a sidevalve. The choice of engine manufacturer has been left to the individual racer, and in practice, the new ruling will allow the use of OHV engines up to 13.5hp in stock form.