The USLMRA
What is STA-BIL?
STA-BIL is the best selling fuel stabilizer that keeps gas fresh in power equipment for quick starts. STA-BIL is used for lawn mowers, boats, snowblowers, and most outdoor power equipment as well as cars, trucks and even locomotives. For information, please visit GoldEagle.
When are the Nationals?
Nationals Weekend is held in the Fall, usually in September.
How long have people been racing lawn mowers?
There has been organized lawn mower racing in the U.S. and in England for more than 30 years, with the annual Fourth of July Race in Twelve Mile, Indiana and 12 hour lawn mower race in Wisborough Green, England the oldest known events.
Your Mower
Are there performance parts available?
Yes, some high performance parts are available. Some racers have a few parts available, but it’s pretty much a build your own kind of thing.
How do I make my racing mower go faster?
Notice the question included “racing mower”, not the mower you cut grass with. For safety reasons we will never offer suggestions of how to make your family mower faster!
As for the mower you intend to race, you will need to change your belts and pulleys to achieve a different final drive ratio. We cannot specify which pulleys will work best because every mower is different and there are a lot of variables — such as weight of the mower, the driver, etc.
Remember this formula:
Small front pulley + large rear pulley = slow!
Large front pulley + small rear pulley = fast!
What’s the best mower to use?
The best mower to use are the free ones. They keep more money in the pocket to work with. But if you ask 15 different racers you’ll get 15 different answers as to what is the best mower. It’s basically what works for you.
What is a tethered kill switch and where do I get one?
A tethered kill switch is a device that will shut down the engine if you happen to get bucked off. For safety reasons, it must be securely attached to the driver and the mower! Most snowmobile or marine shops have these available. Also, NAPA has a selection of them in their accessories catalog.
Do they have blades on them?
NO! All blades are removed. Safety first!
How about the blade deck?
Keep the blade deck on. Plus, you should bolt it solid so that it will hold your weight as well as not sway when you drive the mower. Check the rulebook for specific build rules and clearances.
Can I remove the governor?
Remember, this is lawn mower racing! Removal of the governor or governor linkage for any reason other than racing is NOT recommended and should NOT be done on the family lawn mower. If you want to mow the lawn faster, buy a bigger mower! Stock and IMOW classes are governed at 3650 RPM and therefore the governor cannot be removed. Prepared and FX classes allow such modifications. See the rulebook for specific build rules. A Billet Flywheel will be REQUIRED to be replaced the stock flywheel. Also, you can install a hand or a foot throttle. However, it’s up to you, your driving style and preferences on which you choose.
What can I do with the steering?
Spend some time to get the play (looseness) and deflection out of your steering and front suspension. If you do have play or deflection, you have no true setting, thus, less control and speed. To improve the handling, some racers bolt or weld the front end solid (where it pivots). Most racers replace the front axel with a stronger one.
Can I modify the engine?
In Prepared and FX classes you can. Work on the engine like you would traditionally with an automobile (Flywheel, port & polish, etc.). What type of engine is up to you and the class division you intend on running. It must be a lawn mower engine block.
How fast do they go?
The speeds vary by class. Stock classes may only go about 6 to 8 miles per hour. The Prepared (modified) has been known to go as fast as 85 mph, however on the track they only do 35 to 40 mph. FX (factory experimental) can reach speeds of 60 mph on the track.
Racing and Rules
What about safety equipment?
Always make sure that you have on safety gear when practicing or racing. Helmet, gloves, long pants, sleeves and neck support are mandatory in the USLMRA. Lawnmower racing is fun but it can also be dangerous.
Where do races take place?
We race our lawn mowers all across the country, from Maine to California. The USLMRA holds about 150 sanctioned races each year at the National Series, Local Chapter
How can I get started, or is there anyone in my area?
Go to the Local Chapter Map for Local Chapters and contact people. They should be able to help you get started. Then get a mower and go to a race!
Is there any money in the sport?
WE DO NOT RACE FOR PURSE MONEY!!! We race for FUN, trophies, points, and bragging rights and sometimes for lawn ornaments! If any money is made available to racers, it is shared equally among every racer for gas money and to help with their expenses.