Thanks to Cindy Marshall of the Ridge Area ARC for the following article about how the Florida Lawn Racing Association supported ARC in their efforts to help promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Mowers were fired up to rip around the track at Ridge Area Arc last Friday, Oct. 29, but it was not to mow the lawn.
Two representatives from the Florida Lawnracing Association in Avon Park, Florida came out to do a demonstration and tell about their organization. This was part of a Fall Festival celebration being hosted by Ridge Area Arc for individuals with disabilities and the staff.
Charles Butcher, the president of the association, told all about the safety equipment – a protective suit, neck brace and helmet – that is used by the racers while Kip Stoops, advertising director and racer, showed each item. Butcher explained that their mowers are souped up and can go as fast as 40 mph and one driver has the world record speed of 96 mph on a lawnmower. He compared that to the average speed of 2-5 mph that most people go on their riding mowers at home. Each mower is given a class to compete in according to the modifications made to their machines.
“Don’t try this at home,” Butcher emphasized. “We are trained and our machines are designed to handle racing.”
Butcher invited everyone to come watch the FLA races at the Avon Park Mowerplex, 2155 Herrick Road just past the Avon Park Airport on State Road 64 in Avon Park, Florida.
They brought out two different types of riding mowers to show the consumers at Arc. Butcher and Stoops then did a demonstration of how they have to mount the machines and take off to race. They stood behind the mowers with the key in their hand until the starter said go. Then they leaped in the air onto the seat while sticking the key in the ignition to start the engine. Stoops was a little slow in getting started since his engine was cold but he got it fired up and raced with Butcher on their lawnmowers around the dirt on the inside of the Arc track. Butcher kept the lead the entire time.
“Did you notice that I was on two wheels at one time while making that turn,” Butcher later asked some bystanders after he finished.
Arc consumer Alex Lopez was the honorary starter of the race between Butcher and Stoops. Everyone cheered during the race and were totally amazed at how fast they went.
“Wow! Look at them go,” Arc consumer William Dickson said.
Arc consumer Paul Hurtubise could not stop jumping up and down with excitement as he watched the racers go around the track. “I like this, I like this,” he kept saying.
After the checkered flag was waved, the two men autographed photos for everyone and posed for pictures. Apple juice, apples with carmel, popcorn balls, popcorn and candy were served for refreshments.
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