Spotlight (Bios)

United States Lawn Mower Racing Association racer Jayson Mikula of Sparta, Michigan talks about mowing for his 5th consecutive BP Class Championship in the STA-BIL Lawn & Garden Mower Racing Series prior to the annual Labor Day Weekend  STA-BIL Keeps Gas Fresh Finals and U.S. Open event in Delaware, Ohio.  Jayson’s father James Mikula and father-in-law James Keech discuss the annual Huntington’s Disease Race for Research in Sparta, Michigan, always held the 3rd weekend in July.

Manny Torres is the National Tech Director of the United States Lawn Mower Racing Association and is responsible for rules enforcement and safety.  Manny was interviewed  by Bruce Kaufman, Mr. Mow It All, Founder & President of the United States Lawn Mower Racing Association during his visit to the 2010 STA-BIL Nationals and U.S. Open (Sept. 3-5).  Manny discusses his role and USLMRA safety and technical issues.

Today, we remember the passing of Charles Powell, Mr. Mowjangles.

The following clip from G4TV.com features Charles as Chief Steward at a 2005 U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association event in Knoxville, Tennessee in 2005:

Mow on Mr. Mowjangles!

The term “Must Read” is often overused, but here ya mow, a must read from United States Lawn Mower Racing Association racer Tina Paccione.

Since my family is spread out over the East coast, it’s been a dream of mine to see them more often. In the past, we saw them once a year, but it was typically every other year that we visited with at least a few of them and not all at the same time. Little did I know that it would take a machine built for cutting grass, a chore that was assigned to my brother growing up, to bring us together a half a dozen times a year.

While the fun and camaraderie, and yes the laughs that go with it, are centered around a sport that may not rank as serious, this sport and being with my family has made a serious impact on the way I live my life. Not only has this sport given me the chance to spend more time with my family, it has provided an opportunity for me to bond with my dad again and in some ways tighter than when I was growing up. He has taught me many things over the years and I still find myself a student of his wisdom.

To read the entire piece, click here – we can’t recommend it more. This is what the USLMRA is all about. Well done Tina.  Truly MOWtivating.

On November 6, 2010, the Lawn Mower Racing Community lost a good friend, Sam Rogers, CP Class Racer from Benton, Tennessee.

The following words are from Sam’s racing buddy in the East Tennessee Lawn Mower Racing Association, Ron Rollman who lost his wife Sandy to Ovarian Cancer in May 2000 and founded the Sandy Rollman Ovarian Cancer Foundation:

Sammy and I quickly became friends this year as he open-heartedly helped me with questions and answers about this sport. As a rookie in the same CP class as Sam, he openly and selflessly guided me to advance this year to a much higher level than most rookies ever get to. All with no regret or jealously on Sam’s part. He enjoyed talking and helping me with any problems with my mower. Sam was as real as it gets when it came to life. He possessed a character and intelligence I admired greatly, and came to respect in such a very short time after meeting him.

What you saw is what you got with Sammy. Always mild-mannered until someone rubbed his Redneck side then he got a little Testy!! All in all a First Class human being with a tremendous heart!!

I just spoke to him last Saturday while I was hunting in Illinois and he told me he was going to race on Saturday, November 6. He told me his back was fine BUT he was not feeling well! With my wife passing along with so many others, folks know how I feel about these hard times. But, I am HAPPY for Sam on how quick he went home to the Big Mower Track In The Sky, but saddened on the loss of a good friend and a fellow racer. He will be missed by all whom knew him!

Life Lessons: Do what you can do today. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Live everyday like it’s your last because there is no guarantee there will be a tomorrow! Everything will work out!

I took this GREAT photo of Sam in Englewood, Tennessee this year, and his big smile is on full display! Please post it on the web site for all to see, I know he would love it. My best to everyone and I am looking forward to racing in 2011 with the USLMRA!!! Mow on Brother Sam.

Sam left behind his loving wife Marisol. We invite you to assist her financially via a donation at your discretion to:

Marisol Rogers
P.O. Box 37
Benton, TN 37307