Mike is launching a fundraising campaign via “Kickstarter” to help him achieve his goal of $2,500 to get the film completed.

As many of us also know, Mike has demonstrated his love for what we do by taking some really great photos of the racers and always offering them to the racers for free. Let him take you on a journey of the past five years of filming:

I really thought it was going to be a lot easier than this…

Several years ago a friend and I were returning from a Richmond Braves baseball game in Richmond, VA. My friend Will Clark, who I like to say lives in the “real Virginia”, told me that people raced lawn mowers. I immediately insisted that no one would do such a foolish thing and accused him of making up stories. I do not know if it was a year or two later but at some point I was at my desk while working for Verizon Business and that conversation popped into my head. I Googled “lawn mower racing” and mow and behold I saw that people did in fact race lawn mowers and it appeared to be quite organized. Having dreamt of making a film most of the my entire I thought here was my chance to join the ranks of the maverick indie filmmakers I had long admired. By that time I had had some of my photography published and had experience with super 8 and 16mm movies cameras both on my own and in a classroom setting. Additionally, starring as MC Mick Rat in Pat DiNizio’s King Leisure S.O.B. I gained valuable experience working on the set of a low budget independent feature film.

As soon as I discovered that lawn mower racing did indeed exist I made it my passion to learn all I could about the sport. I watched YouTube videos, I read the web sites, I joined the forums. The mow I learned about the sport the mow interested I became.

In the beginning I figured that I would hit a number of races, shoot some footage, put it together so that it made sense and in less than a year I am tossing back Bombay Sapphire martinis with Robert Redford at the Sundance Film Festival. Or so I thought.

A friend convinced me to upgrade my camera gear and by the time the 2008 season started I had bought a pro camera, pro mics, a tripod, and anything else I thought I needed for the film. I was at the height of my IT career. Life was good and so were the prospects for shooting my first film. I decided to follow a racer who was smart, funny, and well respected by his peers. At the end of the season I confirmed with the racer that he was going to be at a race 48 hours prior to making a 9-hour drive to the race. When I got there nothing could prepare me for the shock and disappointment when he told me that he was no longer interested in telling his story (to me anyway) and that he would have no time for me over the course of the weekend. Standing along and dejected in the pit area I saw that the Mikula family was there and realized that it was their story I should tell. I pitched the idea to them and they were on board instantly.

2009 was awesome in that I not only had a story but a very important one. The research and extra equipment I bought helped a great deal with the sound I was capturing. I interviewed Congressmen Bob Filner and started making connections with the Huntington’s disease professional community. I got a fair amount of media attention and I was using it to spread the word about HD and the wonderful community of lawn mower racers who do their part to raise research funds for it. This was getting far bigger than I had ever imagined. My parents expressed pride and told me that I was doing important work.

The season ended and I stepped up my efforts to return to the Information Technology world. I had a few interviews here and there but it seemed like they had a big pool of candidates to choose from. I had a steady photography client; I waited tables, and collected partial unemployment. 2010 saw hundreds of resumes sent that never got a response. I continued to live frugally, wait tables a few days a week, and shoot photos Saturday nights at a nightclub. I focused my attention on interviewing HD medical professionals and by the end of the year I had bugged Congressmen Peter Hoekstra’s office enough so that he visited the Mikulas at their shop, Four Seasons Yard & Sport, in Michigan to discuss HD. One of the family members called me and told me that I had 24 hours to get there if I wanted to film it. With barely any money I loaded my camera gear in the car and headed to Western Michigan. I drove straight through the night because I did not have enough money for even a room at the Motel 6. When I arrived at Four Seasons, Donna eagerly proclaimed, “My, you’re up early….” Instantly the look of concern came over her face when she concluded that I had not been to bed yet.

By the time 2011 arrived I had lots of great interview footage explaining what HD was and more lawn mower racing footage than I knew what to do with. I had cleaned out what was left of my 401K, gotten a Mac, and took a short class in Final Cut Pro. I had begun the time consuming process of looking through 100 hours of footage and saving anything that I could use to tell the story I wanted to tell. The going was very slow as my lack of success and lack of money was doing its part to rob me of enthusiasm for anything. The University of Maryland’s baseball stadium is 20 minutes away and even the underemployed can afford a $5 ticket every now and then. At that point I could really care less.

Late last summer I had a Mr. Mom/Michael Keaton moment and I was then determined to control the situation instead of allowing it to control me. I amped my efforts to find a job, started to get some exercise, and started moving all the footage I captured into a crude timeline in preparation for final editing. This past October I got back into the IT world (albeit at compensation far less than I was making before I was laid off) and started talking to my editor about finishing the film. He was booked for all of October but in November we started working my crude timeline into something that looked like a movie. The film has now been submitted to the 2012 DC Independent Film Festival and now we are scrambling to have it finished by late February.

It has not been easy but I am well aware of the fact that there are a lot of people who had it much worse.

I am glad that I did not keep track of what I spent on this project because I am sure that the numbers would scare me to death. For the money my parents have lent me I will be paying them back for the next couple of years. I am now asking your help to finish the film. Although there has been great progress there is still a lot of work be done. Please visit www.mowermovie.com and consider a donation to the postproduction fund. You can either enjoy a tax deduction or wonderful gifts.

Thanks for listening.

I support Mike’s effort and wish to see this film become reality. If we all “kick in” via Kickstarter, we can make it happen. $5.00, $10.00 would be awesome. Please consider supporting this project.

Fluid-Film will be Presenting Sponsor and will have giveaways for racers.

Race Location & Schedule

View USLMRA Local Chapters & Affiliated Clubs in a larger map

Saturday, February 18th

• Registration & Tech: 9:00-11:30
• Driver’s Meeting: 11:45
• Hot Laps (Mandatory): 12:15
• Heat Grid Racing: 1:00-2:00
• Finals / Trophy Racing Begins: 2:00

Sunday, February 19th

• Registration & Tech: 8:00-9:30
• Driver’s Meeting: 9:30
• Hot Laps (Mandatory): 9:45
• Heat / Grid Racing: 10:00-11:00
• Finals / Trophy Racing Begins: 11:00am

Click Here for Hotel Information &  More From Mr. MowItAll

The STA-BIL Sunshine State Winter Nationals
By United States Lawn Mower Racing Association  |  View on Facebook

When: Feb 18 2:00pm - Feb 19 2:00pm

Where: Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 U.S. Highway 301 N, Tampa, Florida, United States

» View map

The STA-BIL Sunshine State Winter Nationals will feature sod-slinging action on riding lawn mowers with all cutting blades removed in ten classes at speeds up to 60mph. Racers compete for points, trophies and bragging rights. There are no cash prizes and a sense of humor is not required, but strongly encouraged.

Racers from across the southeast will compete as will snow birds from Michigan, New Jersey and Ohio who need an excuse to take their racing mowers out of the shop before Spring.

Read mow: ... See full description

Miller then returned to his burrow, which also functions as his garage, and brought his souped up, 80-mph Factory Experimental racing mower, also named “Hedgehog” out for a few hot laps on the winter morning grass.

After slinging some sod, he turned to Bruce Kaufman, “Mr. Mow It All” U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association President to translate his prediction for when “The Hedgehog” will start his first race of the 20th Anniversary STA-BIL® Lawn and Garden Mower Racing Series. Spoken in “Mowerese” a language understood only by Mr. Mow It All, the news was shared with the world:

HERE YE, HERE YE!

On this winter morning I see,
No shadow lies near me.
So I shall bring out my mower to race,
On April Fool’s Day, to set the pace.
My bladeless wonder “HEDGEHOG” will soar,
To speeds of 60 mph – or more.
20 years of kickin’ grass,
Now, out of my way and let me pass!

Miller built his championship mower, The Hedgehog, 15 years ago and has piloted his trusty ride to numerous STA-BIL Series victories and championships in his 19-year lawn mower racing career. Hedgehog is a 1968 E.T. Rugg, with a 390cc Honda Power motor, turning 45 horsepower. It will go zero to 50 in 5.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 80 mph.

“We plan to make Hedgehog Day an annual tradition,” added Kaufman. “It is only fitting that we present our first Hedgehog Day as part of our 20th Anniversary. Since the “Hedgehog” did not see shadow, he will leave his burrow on April Fool’s Day, the 20th birthday of the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association to begin his racing season. If the “Hedgehog” saw his shadow, he would have returned to his garage to tinker and make adjustments for the season, making his racing debut June 23, under the warm summer sun at the 4th Annual STA-BIL Land of Lincoln Regionals, at Nostalgia Days in Zion, Illinois.”

Also like the famous mowtivated mammal that emerges in February, Hedgehog has its own “elixir of life,” HEET Gas-Line Antifreeze that allows his engine to start right up and spring him to life in the cold winter months. Hedgehog fills up with HEET each winter to keep him mowing and going. HEET removes water from the fuel system to prevent gas-line freeze-up and harmful rust and corrosion. Miller also uses Iso-HEET Premium Fuel-line Antifreeze, Water Remover & Injector Cleaner. It absorbs five times more water than regular gas-line antifreeze, while it cleans fuel injectors and carburetors. It’s designed for use year-round in all 2-cycle and 4-cycle gasoline engines and diesel engines.

As part of its 20th Anniversary, the USLMRA is pleased to announce the V-Twin Shootout has become the U.S. Open V-Twin Shootout.

The 2nd annual U.S. Open V-Twin Shootout will be held August 11-12, 2012 at the Vestaburg Kart Speedway, in Vestaburg, Michigan.

“We’re thrilled to be back with the 2nd annual V-Twin Shootout and to have the event become part of the U.S. Open Series,” said Event Co-Founder Ferris Hipolite, President of the Ithaca (MI) Dirt Devils, a USLMRA Affiliated Club.

U.S. Open V-Twin Shootout Event Details

View USLMRA Local Chapters & Affiliated Clubs in a larger map

The event will be again be co-hosted by the Dirt Devils and the Western Ontario Outlaws. “It’s one you don’t want to miss,” said Co-Founder Ryan Kerr of the Western Ontario Outlaws. “All the fastest v-twins around, and some of the biggest names in lawnmower racing will be there to mix it up for the 2012 U.S. Open V-TWIN SHOOTOUT Title. It will be an awesome display of fast-paced high horsepower racing on this ultra fast, banked clay 1/8-mile oval kart track. Find out if you have what it takes to bring home the 2011 v-twin shootout TITLE on August 13th-14th at the Vestaburg Speedway in Michigan, no second place trophies here guys. It will be the largest display of Outlaw/Supermod twins ever assembled; all machines and classes are welcome.”

“The event will basically be run like last,” added Ferris. “And new this year will be the Open Twins competing for the V Twin Cup! First Place trophies and the same classes as last year, and we may add one or take one away as needed but the same principles: try and get everyone in classes were they can compete. Plus, just like last year, all mowers are welcome, not just the V-Twins and the Super Mods. C’mon out and join us.”

“The real upside is that this should draw a larger group of racers! 
 Dave Freeman from Vestaburg is excited about the Shootout and our group. We look forward to seeing you there!”

This race will be part of a multi-race U.S. Open Series that will end in on September 2, in Delaware, Ohio during STA-BIL Nationals Weekend.

U.S. Open V-Twin Shootout
By United States Lawn Mower Racing Association  |  View on Facebook

When: Aug 11 10:00am - Aug 12 10:00pm

Where: Vestaburg Kart Speedway


» View map

As part of its 20th Anniversary, the USLMRA is pleased to announce the V-Twin Shootout has become the U.S. Open V-Twin Shootout.

The 2nd annual U.S. Open V-Twin Shootout will be held August 11-12, 2012 at the Vestaburg Kart Speedway, in Vestaburg, Michigan.

“We’re thrilled to be back with the 2nd annual V-Twin Shootout and to have the event become part of the U.S. Open Series,” said Event Co-Founder Ferris Hipolite, President of the Ithaca (MI) Dirt Devils, a USLMRA Affiliated Club.

In this video clip from the 2011 STA-BIL Keeps Gas Fresh Finals, U.S. Open Series Co-Chair Lee Vine discusses K&N Filters and their support of the USLMRA.

We are proud to add another Affiliated Club in Arkansas! Says track co-owner Michael Kilbourn:

We’ve been racing lawn mowers for two years, and we are ready to take things to the next level, We also have a Track Judge, Pit Stewards, gate staff, professional announcer, and a host of other people to help, mostly family. We really plan for our track to expand this year via the USLMRA Affiliated Club program.

We have a Rulebook combined with USLMRA rules and our rules we created for our local racers. We look forward to learning about new rules and their classes as new racers come join us.

Our track is a dirt oval, 130’ long, 25’ wide straight-aways and 50’ radius turns, 35’ wide. Total track length 220’ x 100’ wide including infield. We also have lights for night racing.

Michael Kilbourn and Bud Hooten share responsibilities of the track and club operations.

Here is a small preview clip of On Your Mark, Get Set, MOW! which will tell the story of how the sport of lawn mower racing is on the “cutting edge” in the battle against Huntington’s disease.

Huntington’s disease is a fatal hereditary disease that destroys neurons in areas of the brain involved in movement, intellect, and emotions. Each year racers from as far as Florida converge on Western Michigan for a USLMRA national points race which raises money and awareness for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA).

Racin’ Jason Brown of Clements, Maryland shows off his winning form as he grabs his 3rd consecutive STA-BIL Keeps Gas Fresh Finals SP Class victory and USLMRA National Points Championship.

2011 National SP Class Points – Top 10

1. Jason Brown
2. Wally Bender
3. Michael Paccione
4. Richard Webb
5. Jackie Andrews
6. Matthew Strine
7. Larry Benning
8. Dawn Filos
9. Pat Gore
10. David Martin

To celebrate its 20th Anniversary, the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association has declared February 1 “Hedgehog Day” and will mark the mowmentous occasion by the unveiling of Mike “Hedgehog” Miller’s 80-mph racing lawn mower for the 20th STA-BIL® Lawn and Garden Mower Racing Series.

On Hedgehog Day, Miller will bring his souped up, 80-mph Factory Experimental race mower out its’ burrow. If the Hedgehog does not become scared by his shadow, he will leave his burrow and his lawn mower racing season will begin on April Fool’s Day on the 20th Anniversary of the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association. If the Hedgehog sees his shadow, he will return to his garage to tinker and make adjustments for the season, making his racing debut June 23, under the warm summer sun at the 4th Annual STA-BIL Land of Lincoln Regionals, at Nostalgia Days in Zion, Illinois.

“Just like the famous furry rodent from Pennsylvania, I fully expect to be correct in my prediction of the coming lawn mower racing season,” said Miller, from his burrow in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. “And also like my Keystone State counterpart, I will not share my prediction with anyone in advance, not even with the lawn mower racing inner circle: ‘Mr. Mow It All’, ‘Turfinator’, ‘Sodzilla’ or ‘Ace of Blades’.”

Miller built his championship mower, The Hedgehog, 15 years ago and has piloted his trusty ride to numerous STA-BIL Series victories and championships in his 19-year lawn mower racing career. Hedgehog is a 1968 E.T. Rugg, with a 390cc Honda Power motor, turning 45 horsepower. It will go zero to 50 in 5.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 80 mph.

“We plan to make Hedgehog Day an annual tradition,” said Bruce Kaufman, “Mr. Mow It All” USLMRA Founder & President. “It is only fitting that we present our first Hedgehog Day as part of our 20th Anniversary. I look forward to speaking with Hedgehog in “mowerese” a language understood only by myself, to hear his prediction on the coming STA-BIL Lawnmower Racing Season, so that I may share the news with the world.”

Also like the famous mowtivated mammal that emerges in February, Hedgehog has its own “elixir of life,” HEET Gas-Line Antifreeze & Water Remover that allows his engine to start right up and spring him to life in the cold winter months. Hedgehog fills up with HEET each winter to keep him mowing and going. HEET is the #1 Selling Gas-Line Antifreeze & Water Remover. It removes water from the fuel system to prevent gas-line freeze-up and harmful rust and corrosion. Miller also uses Iso-HEET, the #1 selling Premium Fuel-line Antifreeze, Water Remover & Injector Cleaner. It absorbs five times more water than regular gas-line antifreeze, while it cleans fuel injectors and carburetors. It’s designed for use year-round in all 2-cycle and 4-cycle gasoline engines and diesel engines.

Lawn Mower Racing Legend George Herrin has been voted the winner of the MOWvember Moustache Contest and for his support of efforts to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation will win a host of prizes from the USLMRA including:

• A goody box from STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer and Gold Eagle Co.
• A set of EZ Lift (Rhino) Ramps from Blitz USA
• Garden Gnomes from Gnome Frenzy
• A cool racing shirt from CoolRidesOnLine.com
• A collectible “Home Improvement Action Pack” Hot Wheels Set from the USLMRA
• A set of Wheelies Tractor Wheel Covers from Good Vibrations
• Tire sealant products from Slime
• A Liquivac Oil Change System
• Selected items from PartsTree.com
• Selected items from RepairClinic.com
• Men’s skin care products from FaceLube.com

“I was happy to just participate and support such a good cause, “ said George from his home in Hohenwald, Tennessee. “To win the contest is just a bonus. I started growing my moustache just before the 2011 Sam Rogers U.S. All American Open made it through Thanksgiving turkey and had fun doing it. I’m just happy to be involved.

Thank you George, and way to MOW!

Much like we remove the blades from our racing mowers, this November we removed the blades from our razors to raise awareness and money for men’s health! The selfless and generous men of the USLMRA groomed, trimmed and waxed their way into the annals of fine moustachery, and now we need your help! The winner of “best ‘stache” contest will not be selected on how much money he raises, but by the popular vote of the lawn mower racing community!

Simply choose your favorite mustache on Facebook,
hit submit, and your vote will be cast!

In the summer of 2011, Fios 1 Network in Maryland featured the STA-BIL Bowles Farms Turf Battle on their “Push Pause” program. This segment featured 2011 USLMRA Most Improved Driver Ron Rollman, National Lawn Mower Racing Hall of Fame Member Art Neavill and the Engine Answer Man, Bobby Cleveland, holder of the World Land Speed Record on a lawn mower.

We encourage you to read the entire book.  For your convenience, we provide the following Reference Guide to point pit specific clarifications and corrections.

December 1, 2011 Changes to 2012 Rulebook

• Page 5
  GP Engine 31 to 33CI
  G/P Wheelbase added @ 42”
  A/P displacement of 22 cubic inches and under 339 CC
• Page 6
  12. Bumper/Nerf Bar to read: Flush with outside of tires
  J. FXS 44 to 46ci
• Page 7
  5. Flat Head Engine 44 to 46ci
  14 Minimum weight 475 lbs to 450 lbs.
• Page 8
  8. Frame Maximum to Minimum
• Page 15
  Section III, C. Age of a racer on race-day, is the age a racer will reach before Sept. 1st of the race year. EXAMPLE: If you are 9 years old now but, will be 10 years old before Sept. 1st you can race this season in the J/P class. If you are 17 years old now and will be 18 years old before Sept. 1st you can race in Pro Classes. Classes in that year, with required Prepared Class Experience.
• Page 22
  Super Stock Class added, for those Unaltered Flywheel class racers.
• Page 26
  G/P Engine 31 to 33ci
  G/P Wheelbase added @ 42”
• Page 27
  A/P displacement of 22 cubic inches and under 339 CC
• Page 28
  12. Bumper/Nerf Bar to read: Flush with outside of tires
• Page 29
  5. Flat Head Engine 44 to 46ci
• Page 30
  14. F/XS Minimum weight 475 lbs to 450 lbs.
  8. Frame Maximum to Minimum

The STA-BIL Sunshine State Winter Nationals will feature sod-slinging action on riding lawn mowers with all cutting blades removed in ten classes at speeds up to 60mph.  Racers compete for points, trophies and bragging rights. There are no cash prizes and a sense of humor is not required, but strongly encouraged.

The STA-BIL Sunshine State Winter Nationals
By United States Lawn Mower Racing Association  |  View on Facebook

When: Feb 18 2:00pm - Feb 19 2:00pm

Where: Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 U.S. Highway 301 N, Tampa, Florida, United States

» View map

The STA-BIL Sunshine State Winter Nationals will feature sod-slinging action on riding lawn mowers with all cutting blades removed in ten classes at speeds up to 60mph. Racers compete for points, trophies and bragging rights. There are no cash prizes and a sense of humor is not required, but strongly encouraged.

Racers from across the southeast will compete as will snow birds from Michigan, New Jersey and Ohio who need an excuse to take their racing mowers out of the shop before Spring.

Read mow: ... See full description

Racers from across the southeast will compete as will snow birds from Michigan, New Jersey and Ohio who need an excuse to take their racing mowers out of the shop before Spring.

“I’ve got the need for mow speed!” said Jim Coones, Equestrian Director at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center of the Florida State Fair Authority.  “I’m a horse guy, but when it comes to racing lawn mowers, this isn’t horsing around – it’s serious but fun too.  I am MOWtivated!”

The STA-BIL Lawn and Garden Mower Racing Series is sanctioned by the United States Lawn Mower Racing Association , the nation’s oldest and largest lawn mower racing sanctioning body.  Founded on April 1, 1992 and celebrating its 20^th Anniversary in 2012, the USLMRA sanctions and presents organized lawn mower racing across America including the 20-race STA-BIL Lawn and Garden Mower Racing Series and a network of 50 Local Chapters and Affiliated Clubs hosting more than 140 sanctioned races nationwide every year.  STA-BILlawn mower racers compete in ten classes at speeds up to 60 mph with all cutting blades removed. Race mower classes include Junior Prepared (8 mph), IMOW (20 mph), Prepared (50 mph) and Factory Experimental (60 mph).

The Florida State Fair Authority oversees the operations of the Florida State Fairgrounds and the annual Florida State Fair. Since 1995, the Florida State Fair Authority has been under the administration of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Agriculture Commissioner Adam H. Putnam leads the Fair Authority and presides over the Fair Authority Board comprised of 20 leaders from throughout Florida.

View USLMRA Local Chapters & Affiliated Clubs in a larger map

The mission of the Florida State Fair Authority is to create positive entertainment experiences through:

• The annual Florida State Fair
• A variety of year-round events Quality competitive programs
• A commitment to agriculture, education and community service
• A focus on new opportunities

The annual Florida State Fair is a salute to the state’s agriculture and equestrian industries including shows, music, rides, food and shopping for 12 consecutive days. Free entertainment and parking is included with admission.

USLMRA Title Sponsor is STA-BIL, America’s top selling fuel stabilizer that keeps fuel fresh for quick, easy starts after storage along with support from HEET Gasline Antifreeze, Start Your Engines! 104+ Octane Boost, No Leak, Alumaseal, RhinoRamps and GnomeFrenzy.

Support George, Jon and Bruce this November at Movember.com!

In support of this noble cause, and in the spirit of having fun while doing so, the USLMRA announces the creation of MOWvember, and will support this international effort with an Official USLMRA Movember.com Fundraising Team and a USLMRA MOWvember Mustache Contest!

USLMRA MOWvember Mustache Contest Participants

Behold this gallery of clean-shaven faces! The men of MOWvember are off and growing – follow along with our Facebook Photo Album to see as they groom, trim and wax their way into the annals of fine moustachery.

USLMRA MOWvember Mustache Contest
By United States Lawn Mower Racing Association  |  View on Facebook

It’s Not Too Late To Join The USLMRA MOWvember Mustache Contest

The winner of our MOWvember Mustache Contest will receive a HUGE Prize Pack, including a goody box from STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer and Gold Eagle Co., a set of EZ Lift (Rhino) Ramps from Blitz USA, Garden Gnomes from Gnome Frenzy, a cool racing shirt from CoolRidesOnLine.com, a collectible “Home Improvement Action Pack” Hot Wheels Set from the USLMRA, a set of Wheelies Tractor Wheel Covers from Good Vibrations, tire sealant products from Slime, A Liquivac Oil Change System, selected items from PartsTree.com and RepairClinic.com, and men’s skin care products from FaceLube.com!

Here’s how to get enter:

1. Optional: Join our Official USLMRA Movember.com Team run by Bruce ‘Mr. MowItAll’ Kaufman. Note: We strongly encourage but DO NOT REQUIRE participants for the MOWvember Mustache Contest Prize Pack to raise funds for the Official USLMRA Movember.com Team.
   
2. Fill out this registration form, including your Day 1 Mustache Photo, before November 7th. You MUST register and start the contest with a clean-shaven face!
3. Celebrate MOWvember by growing your mustache as well as awareness for men’s health! Raise donations for the Official USLMRA Movember.com Team, and be sure to groom, trim and wax your upper lip in to a display of fine moustachery while providing the USLMRA with photo updates on your progress through the end of the month!
4. Submit your final mustache photo for voting by December 1st, and the USLMRA will open all submissions for voting soon after.
5. Tell your friends! A voting period of one week will ensue, at the end of which the  MOWvember Mustache Contest participant with the most votes will be awarded the Prize Pack.

Some call it Movember, but we say… Welcome to MOWvember!

As the USLMRA celebrates our 20^th Year in 2012, we are proud to announce the formation of the U.S. Open Points Series. The goal is to continue to expand our appeal to more racers outside of the USLMRA and to continue to host U.S. Open events for USLMRA members and non-members to compete where they otherwise could not. The U.S. Open will afford a wide range of lawnmower racers an opportunity to participate in a USLMRA National Level Race without having to qualify for the USLMRA STA-BIL Keeps Gas Fresh Finals.

Starting with the Sam Rogers U.S. All American Open, November 4-6, 2011, racers will get a chance to run for points in the U.S. Open Series.

Confirmed events for the 2012 U.S. Open Series

As of November 1, 2011 confirmed events for the 2012 U.S. Open Series include the following, and more will be added on an ongoing basis:

Sam Rogers U.S. All American Open
By United States Lawn Mower Racing Association  |  View on Facebook

When: Nov 5 9:30am - Nov 6 10:30pm

Where: Stevenson Municipal Park


» View map

MOW INFO: http://letsmow.com/go/AllAmerican/

The Sam Rogers US All American Open Championships is the largest stand alone open invitational Mower race of its kind in the US. It's the Daytona 500 Of Mower racing. Where an entire weekend is devoted entirely to ALL AMERICAN racing. Where racers come once a year to to test their machines and themselves against the best of the best from across the USA and even Canada. Its a one of a kind event that holds a atmosphereand prestige all its own. It can be imitated but never will it be duplicated. Come see what its all about for yourself. ... See full description

U.S. Cure Mower Cancer Open
By United States Lawn Mower Racing Association  |  View on Facebook

When: Jun 2, 2012 (10:00am - 1:00pm)

Where: , Superior, Wisconsin, United States

» View map

As the USLMRA celebrates our 20th Year in 2012, we are proud to announce the formation of the U.S. Open Points Series. The goal is to continue to expand our appeal to more racers outside of the USLMRA and to continue to host U.S. Open events for USLMRA members and non-members to compete where they otherwise could not. The U.S. Open will afford a wide range of lawnmower racers an opportunity to participate in a USLMRA National Level Race without having to qualify for the USLMRA STA-BIL Keeps Gas Fresh Finals.

Starting with the Sam Rogers U.S. All American Open, November 4-6, 2011, racers will get a chance to run for points in the U.S. Open Series.

MOW info: http://www.letsmow.com/go/USOpen/... See full description

The U.S. Open
By United States Lawn Mower Racing Association  |  View on Facebook

When: Sep 2, 2012 (10:00am - 1:00pm)

Where: , Columbus, Ohio, United States

» View map

As the USLMRA celebrates our 20th Year in 2012, we are proud to announce the formation of the U.S. Open Points Series. The goal is to continue to expand our appeal to more racers outside of the USLMRA and to continue to host U.S. Open events for USLMRA members and non-members to compete where they otherwise could not. The U.S. Open will afford a wide range of lawnmower racers an opportunity to participate in a USLMRA National Level Race without having to qualify for the USLMRA STA-BIL Keeps Gas Fresh Finals.

Starting with the Sam Rogers U.S. All American Open, November 4-6, 2011, racers will get a chance to run for points in the U.S. Open Series.

MOW info: http://www.letsmow.com/go/USOpen/... See full description

The U.S. Open Series will begin with the first U.S. Open race after Labor Day of each year, and will culminate on the subsequent Sunday of Labor Day weekend.

U.S. Open Series races will primarily be stand-alone events, and not intermingled in with STA-BIL Lawn and Garden Series races.  In some cases, U.S. Open Classes may be added to a STA-BIL Series Race.

U.S. Open Rules as defined on the USLMRA Website will be used and posted soon.

First ever U.S. Open Points Series Class champions will be crowned on the USLMRA 20th Anniversary Celebration, during the 2012 STA-BIL Nationals Weekend.

1^st-5^th Place trophies will be awarded in U.S. Open Classes

Qualifying for the U.S. Open

• Racers must have participated in organized/sanctioned lawnmower racing of some sort within the 24 months previous to any U.S. Open Series Events. These racers may be required to provide proof in the form of official results from previous races.
• Open to mowers that adhere to at least one class structure outlined below.

(No new classes will be created on the day of the event).

U.S. Open Series Rules

• Open to any USLMRA-legal mower, USLMRA Local Chapter (LC)/Affiliated Club (AC) mower or, any mower deemed safe by USLMRA Tech Staff.
• No roll cages.
• Open to all mowers that meet all USLMRA Safety Standards, see USLMRA Rule Book (No Exceptions).

Class Designation / Groupings

Goal:  We want ALL groups out there to be allowed to compete in the U.S. 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:

• KS: (Kids Stock)   “U.S. Open Only”
• JP: (Kids Super Stock)
• GPK: (Kids Governed Prepared)
• IMOW: (Adult Super Stock)
• GP: (Adult Governed Prepared)
• AP: (Mini Sportsman)
• SP: (Sportsman)
• CP: (Mod X)
• BP: (Super Sportsman)
• FX: (Pro X)
• SS: (Open Super Stock)   “U.S. Open Only”
• FXS: (Open Single)
• FXT: (Open Twins)

Safety Gear

1. 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.
2. The helmet must fit snugly and be securely buckled when driver is on the track.
3. Goggles or a face shield are required. Glasses are not adequate protection.
4. 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.

Mower Rules – Full Rule Book To Follow Soon

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

Heat Grid

• Each class will pull a ball for initial grid start positions. Time Trials May be used.
•  Heat races will be lined up per Qualification.
•  Heat Races – 10-15 laps, to be determined by Race Day Chief Steward.

Feature Grid

• Sunday’s feature grid may be set by the finish order of heat
• The possibility of an invert exists, this will be a race day decision made at the discretion of USLMRA officials on race day.
• All starts will be “Rolling Starts”
• Feature Races – 20 or 30 laps to be determined by Race Day Chief Steward (subject to conditions). (5 Laps U.S. Open Kids)

Multiple Qualifiers

Depending on amount of participation there is the chance we may run multiple qualifiers to pare down the fields for features, this will be a race day decision made at the discretion of USLMRA officials on race day. (Everyone will have a chance to race.)

Race Day Decisions

All race day decisions made at the discretion of USLMRA officials will be communicated to the drivers as soon as possible so everyone has as level a playing field as possible.

U.S. Open Series Points Structure

The number of Participants in the class will be added to the place point’s number below. All U.S. Open Points will be added together, including the final event on Labor Day weekend in Delaware, OH to determine a U.S. Open Points Champion. (Example: 19 drivers in the A/P Class. Driver wins 3^rd place, 155 + 19 = 174 event points). 31^st on receives class amount for points.

More details will be announced soon.

Bring it!

“Race Freaks” on Fox Sports Net will air the 3rd Show of USLMRA 2011 STA-BIL Keeps Gash Fresh Finals on the following days and times. The 3rd show (Show #13) features IMOW, JP and SP Class Racing. Please check local listings and regional network websites for verification, as schedule is subject to change without notice.

RACE FREAKS – Show #13 – IMOW, JP & SP Class Racing

• FOX SPORTS ARIZONA: Thursday, 11/3/2011 at 3:00 PM Pacific
• FOX SPORTS DETROIT: Thursday, 11/3/2011 at 3:00 PM Eastern
• FOX SPORTS FLORIDA: Thursday, 11/3/2011 at 3:00 PM Eastern
• FOX SPORTS MIDWEST: Thursday, 11/3/2011 at 3:00 PM Central
• MSG PLUS: Sunday, 11/6/2011 at 11:00 AM Eastern
• FOX SPORTS NORTH: Thursday, 11/3/2011 at 3:00 PM Central
• FOX SPORTS WISCONSIN: Thursday, 11/3/2011 at 3:00 PM Central
• ROOT SPORTS (Northwest Region): Thursday, 11/3/2011 at 3:00 PM Pacific
• FOX SPORTS OHIO: Thursday, 11/3/2011 at 3:00 PM Eastern
• ROOT SPORTS (Pittsburgh Region): Thursday, 11/3/2011 at 3:00 PM Eastern
• ROOT SPORTS (Rocky Mountain Region): Thursday, 11/3/2011 at 3:00 PM Mountain
• FOX SPORTS SOUTH: Thursday, 11/3/2011 at 3:00 PM Eastern
• FOX SPORTS SOUTHWEST: Thursday, 11/3/2011 at 2:30 PM Central
• FOX SPORTS HOUSTON: Thursday, 11/3/2011 at 2:30 PM Central
• FOX SPORTS WEST: Thursday, 11/3/2011 at 3:00 PM Pacific

Find Your Fox Sports Net Local Affiliate

• Fox Sports Net
• MSG, Madison Square Garden Network
• Root Sports (Northwest, Pittsburgh, Rocky Mountain)
• Comcast Sportsnet Chicago