Lawnmower racers geared up
It may not be cutting hedge entertainment, but Lepperton School’s upcoming ride-on Lawnmower Race Day is set to go off.
The annual event is the school’s major fundraiser and everyone is invited to the big day out on March 25, gates open at 10am.
Although far from a grand prix, spectators are guaranteed a trackside sensory display of shrieking engines as drivers battle it out in their grass-cutting machines - minus the blades.
The sport has been touted as the cheapest form of motor sport in New Zealand. The competitors racing on the day took the sport seriously and they would be racing to win, said the event’s organiser Kat McNab.
‘‘If you’re looking to get the last legs out of your old push mower by entering the race, ‘‘please don’t,’’ she said.
The mowers are ride-ons specifically modified for racing; they are lowered, the blades are removed, and they have special engines.
If mud-slinging and petrol fumes lack appeal, there is plenty else on offer, including the smasha-car, a silent auction, wonky bikes, CJ da Clown, and a Nerf shooting range. On face value, it may seem an odd programme for a school event, but its uniqueness had seen the event grow with each year.
McNab was the driving force behind the fundraiser since its inception five years ago. She said the race idea was sparked by the school principal who had attended a lawnmower race in Tauranga. He was confident it would be a popular drawcard for his school’s grassroots event, so he threw the idea out there.
A few disbelievers threw it back at him, but McNab took up the challenge and ran with it big time.
The BoP Lawnmower Racing Club supported the track-side of the fundraiser for the first few years by organising the races, until the Taranaki Lawnmower Racing Club Inc was formed and took over.
McNab said the club’s formation was a direct result of the popularity of the novel vehicle race day.
Money raised will go towards the school’s new build and entry was a gold coin, an Eftpos cash out facility would be available for cash-outs only.
Rules, safety measures and more information can be found at the school’s website lepperton.school.co.nz.