USLMRA Announces U.S. Pacific Coast Open

The United States Lawn Mower Racing Association has announced the U.S. Pacific Coast Open lawn mower races Saturday-Sunday, July 2nd and 3rd in Estacada, Oregon.

Estacada Area Community Events (EACE) and the USLMRA will present two days of racing mowers as part of the annual 4th of July Festival in Estacada, Oregon. Race mowers will compete at speeds of up to 50mph with cutting blades removed on a custom-built lawn mower racing track in Estacada, located about 33 miles from the Portland airport.

“All racing mowers are invited to join the fun,” said USLMRA Founder & President Bruce Kaufman, also known as “Mr. Mow It All.” “This event is an expansion of our successful U.S. Open Racing Series, which allows race mowers from various organizations and independent groups to participate in safe, sanctioned and fun lawn mower racing.”

“I’ve been to Estacada for a site inspection, and I can say this event is going to kick grass!” said Bud Elmore, President of the Pacific Coast Lawn Mower Racing Association. “I met with the Mayor and some City Council members and then attended an EACE Board Of Directors meeting. The folks in Estacada are jacked up for this event and promise a great track and super hospitality. There are lawn mower racing clubs in California, Colorado, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Washington and we welcome everybody. The mow the merrier!”

The U.S. Pacific Coast Open marks the USLMRA’s return to the Pacific Coast and the Pacific Northwest Region. “We’ve raced in Washington at the Skagit County Fair in Mt. Vernon (1998) and along California’s Pacific Cost at the Santa Cruz County Fair in Watsonville (1997), but this is our fist event in the great state of Oregon,” added Kaufman. “Now, the Beaver State is gong to be on the cutting edge of motorsports this 4th of July Weekend.”

Estacada Area Events and Estacada’s mayor, The Hon. Becky Arnold, have wholeheartedly embraced this event and EACE will be creating a custom, purpose-built track for both the U.S. Pacific Coast Open and future USLMRA Affiliated Club Racing in Estacada.

The US Pacific Coast Open is an extension of the U.S. Open Racing Program, based on the success of the inaugural U.S. Open held during the 2010 STA-BIL Nationals Weekend. The U.S. Pacific Coast Open is the first stop on the rapidly expanding U.S. Open Racing Series, which will bring Open Races to venues across America.

Two days of USLMRA-Sanctioned and Open Class lawnmower racing will bring together lawn mower racers from across the West. Plus, USLMRA will be offering tow money for racers to help with travel expenses.

“We are continuing to expand our appeal to more racers outside of the USLMRA and create Open Races,” said Kaufman. “The U.S. Pacific Coast Open will afford a wide range of lawnmower racers an opportunity to compete in either in an Open format or as part of the STA-BIL Lawn & Garden Mower Racing Series – US National Points Race Circuit. Racers competing in Estacada can qualify for the 2011 STA-BIL Keeps Gas Fresh Finals. There are plenty of options for all racers, and a great way to celebrate during the long 4th of July Weekend.”

The U.S. Pacific Coast Open is a free event for racers. Racers will pay no race fees, USLMRA membership is not required to participate, but will definitely be appreciated. 1st-5th Place trophies will be awarded in both Open and STA-BIL Series Classes.

The U.S. Pacific Coast Open will have full-computerized Timing & Scoring provided by EOP Pro Event Timing & Scoring. There will be no transponder fees.

Racers will not have to make technical modifications to their machines in order to compete in the U.S. Pacific Coast Open. The races are open to any mower deemed safe by USLMRA Tech Staff and that meet all USLMRA Safety Standards, see USLMRA Rule Book.

Class Designation / Groupings

Goal: We want ALL groups out there to be allowed to compete in the U.S. Pacific Coast Open. We have created a set of rules designed to allow just about any reasonable type of mower to compete.

Please review rules below.

Sanctioned Classes (USLMRA rules apply)

JP (Kids Super Stock)
IMOW (Adult Super Stock)
AP (Mini Sportsman)
SP (Sportsman)
CP (Mod X)
BP (Super Sportsman)
FX (Pro X)

Open Classes (rules below)

U.S. Open Kids Stock (5mph max.)
U.S. Open Super Stock (Un-governed Single FH or OHV and Shiftable Transaxle or transmission only)
U.S. Open Single
U.S. Open Twins

(Open) Class Safety Gear Rules

Every driver must wear an automobile racing or motorcycle-type full-face helmet
approved by the U. S. Department of Transportation or the Snell Foundation.
The helmet must fit snugly and be securely buckled when driver is on the track.
Goggles or a face shield are required. Glasses are not adequate protection.
All drivers must wear long pants, long sleeved shirt, neck brace, full-fingered gloves
and leather over the ankle footwear on the track. Chest protectors and other anti-abrasive
suits are highly recommended. No loose clothing on the track.

(Open) Class Mower Rules

Mower must use lawn mower 4 cycle motor.
Must have brakes that work.
Must have a commercially available working tethered kill switch.
All throttle return must be double spring on the carburetor.
No sharp or protruding unsafe sheet metal or objects.
Tire choice is open for US Pacific Coast Open Classes
Bumpers are allowed but not required.
Must have a deck.
Must use pump or race fuel, no alcohol or methanol.