After performing an exhibition race last year at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association will be returning for the April 4-7 Food Lion AutoFair for two days of bladeless lawn mower racing action.
Photo – CMS/HHP
Charlotte Motor Speedway will be on the “cutting edge” of American motorsports April 6-7 as the Food Lion AutoFair hosts the STA-BIL Lawn & Garden Mower Racing Series for two days of dirt track racing on lawn mowers at speeds up to 60 mph.
“Lawn rangers” from across the country will compete in bladeless competition at “The Greatest Place to See The Race,” Charlotte Motor Speedway. On-track action starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, with feature racing at 1:30 p.m., and 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 7, with feature racing at 12 p.m.
“What better way to celebrate the 21st birthday of the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association (USLMRA) than with a STA-BIL National Series weekend at the legendary Charlotte Motor Speedway?” said Bruce Kaufman, the USLMRA president, known as “Mr. Mow It All.” “Lawn mower racing turns 21 on April Fool’s Day and how cool it will be to come of age the same week we’ll be competing in Charlotte, the home of NASCAR. This is truly mowtivating!”
A custom-built dirt track will be created in the modified garage area in the infield of Charlotte Motor Speedway specifically for the racing mowers, which compete in 11 classes with all cutting blades removed. Racing is sanctioned by the USLMRA, where racers compete for points, trophies and bragging rights, as well as the occasional garden gnome.
“It’s mow time at Charlotte,” said Shaun Johnson, Charlotte Motor Speedway director of racing operations. “Fans will love the race mowers, and we’re excited to have them as part of the Food Lion AutoFair, which is the perfect event partner for lawn mower racing.”
Lawn mower racers from across the country will compete at Charlotte, including members of the East Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, Mason-Dixon, Michigan, North Carolina and Ohio Lawn Mower Racing Associations, along with the Alabama-based Dixie Outlaws. National and regional champions will be on site to race and visit with fans all weekend.
Food Lion AutoFair annually attracts more than 100,000 visitors, features nearly 50 car club displays and offers a surplus of automotive parts and memorabilia for sale or trade. There’s also a collector car auction conducted by Dealer Auctions Inc. and more than 1,500 collectible vehicles of all makes and models will be available for sale in the car corral that rings the 1.5-mile superspeedway.
Food Lion AutoFair is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For tickets or additional information about Food Lion AutoFair or other events at Charlotte Motor Speedway, call 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com
