The high-octane world of lawnmower racers
After a long, hot day capturing two big events—Show Low Days and Greer Days—I prepared for a third adventure. My wife’s little sedan, reliable yet unfit for rough terrain, stayed behind in favor of my big four-wheel drive.
Why the switch? Because I was heading into the backcountry, where roads are nature’s obstacle course.
The drive was long and challenging. The road, if it could be called that, had bumps like mountains and potholes like valleys threatening to swallow my truck whole. My vehicle lurched and jolted, bouncing like a bull in a rodeo.
As I approached the dust-choked High Plains Raceway in Show Low, the air thickened with the smell of burning fuel and hot oil. What greeted me next was a sight both strange and thrilling: lawn mowers racing at 80 miles an hour down the track.
Yes, you read that right. Lawnmowers. Deceptively humble in origin, these machines boast up to 100 horsepower, making them the thoroughbreds of the lawnmower world.
I walked around looking for the perfect spot before settling in at the first turn, where the dirt flew thick and fast. Each time a mower screamed around the bend, it flung rocks and debris into the air, a gritty confetti that painted me in the colors of the race.
As the race announcer's voice echoed over the loudspeakers, detailing the stories of the racers, I learned an unexpected truth: these racers were not competing for money but for bragging rights and a trophy. They traveled across the country, much like their bigger brothers in NASCAR, driven by sheer love of the sport. Their faces reflected concentration and joy, telling a story of dedication and passion that no prize money could replicate.
The races are organized by O.K. Mower Racing out of Claremore, Oklahoma, as part of the Mid-America Mower Racing Series (MAMRS). Throughout the year, the series travels to various states, from the dusty tracks of Arizona to the open fields of Kansas, and through the heartland of the Midwest. Each location presents unique challenges, adding to the rich and diverse experience of the racing circuit.
The pinnacle event is the finals in October, dubbed "Hallomoween," held in Claremore, OK. It’s a two-day showdown where racers gather to prove their skills. And Hallomoween isn’t just a race; it’s a celebration, a culmination of a year's worth of dedication and hard work.
When I spoke with Harold McDonald, president of O.K. Mower Racing, he said, "It takes lots of hard work to manage and run a great track!" He then added, "Oklahoma racers will be back again to give it their all and put on a great show for all the Arizona fans."
As I delved deeper into the world of mower racing, I discovered more about the people who make it happen. Mr. Lawrence Letcher, the owner and president of High Plains Raceway, has become a key figure in the racing community. For the past few years, he has driven 14 hours each month from May to October to compete at WRD Mowtor Speedway in Claremore, Oklahoma. His dedication to the sport is evident in the way he built and developed the track in Show Low.
Harold McDonald shared more about his journey: "My family and I have been doing mower racing for the past 15 years. We've raced all over the country, even on ice in Wisconsin a few years ago. This year, we brought a few more racers than last year. My son and I build chassis and motors for racers nationwide."
McDonald continued, "Mr. Letcher has grown his passion over the last six years and is really trying to expand the sport in the Show Low area. He built the track initially to practice on, but got more involved, and we convinced him to host a big race last year. The track we raced on yesterday is top-notch compared to many others."
"It's truly a family-oriented sport for all ages," McDonald added. "Our youngest racer is 8, and we even have young girls who are as competitive as the guys. Most racers have several mowers in different classes they run. We love coming from Oklahoma to support High Plains Raceway. There were racers from California and several new racers from Arizona as well."
As the sun set over the dusty track, I couldn't help but admire the racers. Their dedication and love for the sport were evident. This wasn't just a hobby; it was a celebration of the excitement and thrill of racing, no matter how unconventional the vehicle. The racers' faces, lit by the setting sun, showed pure joy. They lived for moments like this, where everything else faded away, and it was just them and the track.
Driving back through the backcountry, the bumps and jolts seemed more manageable. The day's events replayed in my mind, filled with speed, dust, and intense enthusiasm. I realized that this, too, was part of the adventure. The journey, with all its challenges, was just as important as the destination. These racers endured it all for the love of the sport, reminding me of the pure joy that comes from following your passion.
