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About USLMRA

Greetings from the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association (USLMRA) and the home of the STA-BIL Lawn Mower Racing Series and 45 Local Chapters and Affiliated Clubs nationwide! THE MOW THE MERRIER!

The USLMRA is run for fun-loving racing enthusiasts and their friends. Members and affiliate racers enjoy the love of competition and to tinker, and all who share this philosophy are welcome. We don’t race for money, only trophies, glory, points and bragging rights!

We emphasize SAFETY, SPORTSMANSHIP AND CAMARADERIE. We balance American ingenuity with a sense of humor and a love to tinker and desire to go fast! By not racing for money, we keep our sport safe and affordable.

USLMRA races take place at fairs, festivals, car shows, charity or non-profit events (Kiwanis, Lions), city-supported tracks and commercial venues. We also race at dedicated lawn mower racing tracks, in grassy fields and even in your backyard.

Points are awarded at each STA-BIL National Lawn Mower Racing Series US Points Race and many of our Chapters and Clubs crown Local Champions each year.

Our annual STA-BIL Nationals takes place every Labor Day Weekend and features the STA-BIL Keeps Gas Fresh Finals, the U.S. Open, the Performance Mowersports Expo and induction ceremonies for the National Lawn Mower Racing Hall of Fame & Museum of America.

Racers are grouped with other competitors with comparable mower equipment based on horsepower and modifications.

Although this is a sport for people who enjoy being a little zany and having fun, we take safety very seriously. You’ll be asked to make some modifications to your mower to be in the race. (Technical assistance is available). For example: blades must be removed, automatic shut-off (kill) switches installed or enabled, and all stock safety guards must be in good working order. Your mower will be inspected by officials on race day. You’ll also be required to wear protective clothing, neck brace and a helmet.

USLMRA maintains ongoing communication with all Affiliated Clubs and Local Chapter Presidents via message boards and forums to exchange ideas, success stories, promotional and marketing materials and knowledge. USLMRA provides guidance and support in areas including track set up, race day personnel, venue relations, etc.

GREAT ‘MOWMENTS’ IN LAWN MOWER RACING HISTORY

  • 1963
    • America’s oldest organized riding lawn mower race founded by the Twelve Mile, Indiana Lions Club, which takes place on July 4th each year.
  • 1973
    • British Lawn Mower Racing Association founded by Jim Gavin at the Cricketers Arms in Wisborough Green, West Sussex, England.
  • April Fool’s Day, 1992
    • U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association and first STA-BIL Nationals announced
    • “Racing Ray” Mrocks and of Lake Zurich, Illinois, becomes First USLMRA Member and competes on his mower Sodzilla
  • Memorial Day, 1992
    • The Dixie Chopper Jet, The World’s Fastest Lawn Mower, named as Official Pace Mower.
    • Labor Day Weekend, 1992
    • Inaugural STA-BIL Nationals held near Chicago
  • 1993
    • Featured on ABC-TV’s Home Improvement season finale, with Tim Allen racing Bob Vila.
  • 1995
    • STA-BIL Regionals series expands to 12 U.S. Cities
    • Featured on Prime/Sportschannel.
  • 1997
    • Feature story on the front page of the Wall Street Journal (Marketplace).
    • Mattel Hot Wheels releases “Home Improvement Action Pack” featuring Dixie Chopper Jet Powered Mower.
  • 1998
    • Presented a night of lawn mower racing at legendary Charlotte Motor Speedway.
    • 4-Race Series airs on Nashville Network (TNN) Motor Madness.
  • 1999
    • USLMRA racers compete in the famous British Lawn Mower Racing Association 12-Hour Race.
  • 2000
    • Featured on front page of the New York Times
    • Inaugural STA-BIL ‘Rider Cup Challenge’ with British Lawn Mower Racing Association.
    • Nine-week television Series airs on Speedvision network.
  • 2002
    • Expansion of USLMRA Local Chapters across the country.
    • Mowers turn 80+ mph at Bristol Motor Speedway.
    • STA-BIL Nationals expands to a 2-day event.
  • 2003
    • Discovery Channel airs 1-hour documentary Turf Rockets: The Cutting Edge.
    • STA-BIL Nationals televised on ESPN2.
  • 2004
    • Featured in Hollywood movie The Prince and Me from Paramount Pictures.
  • 2005
    • “Yes, Dear” CBS-TV sitcom features lawn mower racing and NASCAR star Greg Biffle.
  • 2006
    • Featured Opening Day of the 2006 New York International Auto Show.
    • Racer Bobby Cleveland sets World Land Speed Record at Bonneville Salt Flats: 81 mph.
    • Lawnmower Racing Mania 2007 video game for and PC released
  • 2007
    • Featured on Speed and Outdoor Channel.
    • 15th Anniversary STA-BIL Nationals, Labor Day Weekend.
  • 2008
  • 2009
  • 2010