MOWING THROUGH NEW ENGLAND ONE RACE AT A TIME
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How fast do they go?
The speeds vary by class. Stock classes may only go about 6 to 8 mph. The prepared (modified) classes have been known to go as fast as 85 mph.
Do they have blades on them?
No! The blades are removed! The blades must be removed when racing and it is the very first rule under General Mower Requirements.
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.
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 is 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 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 race the mower. Check the Official Rules for specific build rules and clearances.
What about safety equipment?
Always make sure that you have on safety gear when practicing or racing. Helmet, gloves, long pants, long sleeves and neck support are mandatory in the USLMRA. Lawn mower racing is fun, but it can also be dangerous.
Who do I go to on the day of a race?
First visit the registration table. Here you will register for the race by completing the necessary forms. Even though you may have followed the suggested build rules, you still need to have your mowchine inspected. The Chief Technical Inspector will inspect your mowchine and complete a spec sheet.
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).
Can I modify the engine?
Yes, in Prepared and FX classes, you can. Work on the engine like you would traditionally with an automobile (port and 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 and most racers run Briggs and Stratton or Tecumseh. Some guys or gals run a Honda lawn mower engine. All seem to do great!
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 Official Rules for specific build rules. Also, you must install a hand or foot throttle, the choice is yours.
I want to start in the FX or BP class. How do I do that?
If you don't have any racing experience, we suggest that you don't start in the faster classes. It is required that rookies shall not compete at a 2009 STA-BIL series race in B-Prepared (BP) or Factory Experimental (FX) Classes.
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 and possibly help with other racing related expenses.