mowMENTS IN USLMRA HISTORY

THE EVOLUTION OF LAWN MOWER RACING

Dive into the rich history of lawn mower racing with our comprehensive timeline. From the sport's humble beginnings to its rise as a national pastime, our history page chronicles the key events, innovations, and milestones that have shaped the USLMRA. Learn about our origins, major developments, and the passionate individuals who have driven the growth of this exciting sport. Explore our story and see how lawn mower racing has evolved over the years.

A black and white photo of a lawn mower race in front of a crowd.

  • 1963

    The first running of America’s oldest organized riding lawn mower race founded by the Twelve Mile, Indiana Lions Club, which takes place on July 4th each year.

  • 1973

    British Lawn Mower Racing Association founded by Jim Gavin at the Cricketers Arms in Wisborough Green, West Sussex, England.

  • 1992

    April Fools Day

    Formation of the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association and first STA-BIL Nationals announced in New York Times, USA Today, Washington Times, Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune.


    “Racing Ray” Mrocks and of Lake Zurich, Illinois, becomes First USLMRA Member and competes on his mower Sodzilla


    Memorial Day

    The Dixie Chopper Jet, The World’s Fastest Lawn Mower, named as Official Pace Mower.


    Labor Day Weekend

    Inaugural STA-BIL Nationals held near Chicago was covered on CNN Headline News and named one of the “Top Five Special Events” by Inside PR magazine

  • 1993

    April Fool’s Day

    The inaugural Grass Cutter’s Ball was held to honor the start of the lawn mower racing season.


    May

    Featured on ABC-TV’s Home Improvement season finale, with Tim Allen racing Bob Vila.


    Labor Day Weekend

    STA-BIL Nationals featured live on CBS This Morning and in AutoWeek magazine

  • 1994

    November

    Featured on Paul Harvey Radio Network on 1300+ ABC affiliates

  • 1995

    STA-BIL Regionals series expands to 12 U.S. Cities.


    STA-BIL Nationals 30-minute Prime/Sportschannel TV show reaches 60 million households nationwide. Video News Release reaches 6.5 million viewers in 42 markets.


    Christmas Day

    Featured on internationally-syndicated TV show Inside Edition

  • 1996

    February

    Named Top Entertainment/Media Event of 1995 by Brandweek marketing magazine


    September

    Video News Release airs in 55 U.S. markets (including 28 segments airing in top 20 markets) plus overseas, garnering more than 10 million viewer impressions.

  • 1997

    Mattel Hot Wheels releases “Home Improvement Action Pack” featuring Dixie Chopper Jet Powered Mower and STA-BIL Nationals logo on front and back of packaging.


    Featured on TNN Friday Night Motor Madness, CNBC Great Stuff and named as one of three best sports quotes of 1997 by Newsweek magazine.


    April Fool’s Day

    Feature story on the front page of the Wall Street Journal (Marketplace). Stories also appear in New York Newsday and Newsweek.

  • 1998

    Website listed on Yahoo!; named “Worst of the Web” and “Best of the Web.”


    Presented a night of lawn mower racing at legendary Charlotte Motor Speedway.


    4-Race Series airs on Nashville Network (TNN) Motor Madness.


    Featured in Esquire magazine and Fox Network newscasts nationwide


    Featured in Snapper newsletter


    Featured on TV series “It’s A Trip” airing in 41 million U.S. homes via The Disney Channel.


    Presented a night of lawn mower racing at Charlotte (Lowes) Motor Speedway


    4-Race Series airs on Nashville Network (TNN) Motor Madness, reaching 60 million homes

  • 1999

    USLMRA membership tops 500 in 40 states, Canada, England, New Zealand and Australia


    Snapper announces Snapper Safety Program and partnership with STA-BIL Series


    Exhibition races at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway


    TNN broadcasts 6-week series of STA-BIL Lawn Mower Racing


    August

    STA-BIL Racers compete in the famous British Lawn Mower Racing Association 12-Hour Race

  • 2000

    Featured on front page of the New York Times


    Nine-week television Series airs on Speedvision network.


    Article on Lawn Mower Racing and color photo appears on front page of New York Times.


    Featured on Fox Sports Net South (8 million viewers)


    STA-BIL National Lawn Mower Racing Series featured on CBS-TV Early Show with Bryant Gumbel


    Sports Illustrated featured STA-BIL Lawn Mower racing on inside back page column.


    July

    Inaugural STA-BIL ‘Rider Cup Challenge’ with British Lawn Mower Racing Association.

  • 2001

    STA-BIL Racing expands into Canada.


    Speedvision airs 7-week Series.

  • 2002

    Expansion of USLMRA Local Chapters across the country with 20 Local Chapters by summer, 2002.


    Mowers turn 80+ mph at Bristol Motor Speedway.


    STA-BIL Nationals expands to a 2-day event.

  • 2003

    Discovery Channel airs 1-hour documentary Turf Rockets: The Cutting Edge.


    STA-BIL Nationals televised on ESPN2.

  • 2004

    Featured in Hollywood movie The Prince and Me from Paramount Pictures, with lawn mower racing as a key element of the screenplay.


    Mowers race live in New York’s Rockefeller Plaza for NBC Weekend Today Show, March 20, First Day of Spring, 3.7 million viewers.


    STA-BIL Nationals televised on ESPN2.


    Featured in Hollywood movie The Prince and Me from Paramount Pictures.

  • 2005

    “Yes, Dear” CBS-TV sitcom features lawn mower racing and NASCAR star Greg Biffle.


    Gold Pinnacle Award from International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) for Best Media Relations Campaign.


    STA-BIL Nationals televised on ESPN2.

  • 2006

    Featured Opening Day of the 2006 New York International Auto Show.


    Lawnmower Racing Mania 2007 video game for and PC released


    Featured on USA Network’s “Characters Welcome” promotional campaign.


    Two (2) original shows for Speed Channel’s “Lucas Oil on the Edge” airing Q1, Q3


    USLMRA lawn mower racer Bobby Cleveland sets World Land Speed Record at Bonneville Salt Flats: 81.00 mph on July 4.

  • 2007

    Featured on Speed and Outdoor Channel.


    15th Anniversary STA-BIL Nationals, Labor Day Weekend.


    Two 30-minute shows air on Outdoor Channel “Motor Mania” Series.


    Two (2) original shows for Speed Channel’s “Lucas Oil on the Edge”


    Feature segment on CBS Sunday Morning, with Charles Osgood.

  • 2008

    Inaugural Performance Mowersports Expo (PME).


    Three 30-minute shows air on Outdoor Channel “Motor Mania” Series.

  • 2009

    Creation of National Lawn Mower Racing Hall of Fame & Museum of America.


    Featured on Discovery Channel’s “Wreckreation Nation with Dave Mordal.” 


    Three (3) 30-minute shows air on Outdoor Channel “Motor Mania” series

  • 2010

    1st Annual U.S. Open attracts racers from various racing groups nationwide.


    Featured on Fox Sports Net’s “Race Freaks.”


    Three (3) 30-minute shows on Fox Sports Net (FSN)


    USLMRA racer Bobby Cleveland sets new World Land Speed Record, 96.529 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

  • 2011

    STA-BIL Series Re-Branded to STA-BIL Lawn & Garden Mower Racing Series.


    USLMRA supports Sam Rogers U.S. All American Open to honor memory of fallen racer.

  • 2012

    20th Anniversary of the USLMRA!


    Expansion of U.S. Open into a National Points Series.


    Return to Charlotte Motor Speedway for Race Exhibition.

  • 2013

    Racing at Food Lion Auto Fair at Charlotte Motor Speedway


    Racing Exhibition at Texas Motor Speedway.


    Featured on the Front Page of the Wall Street Journal.

  • 2015

    STA-BIL 360 Performance Nationals held at Charlotte Motor Speedway.


    Honored as “A 2015 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism” By Sports Destination Management magazine.

honoring ledgends with the uslmra hall of fame

The USLMRA National Lawn Mower Racing Hall of Fame & Museum of America is located at Miller Lawn and Power, 1299 Harding Highway East State Road 309, Marion, Ohio.


Every legitimate sport and endeavor has a Hall of Fame. Now lawn mower racing takes its’ rightful place along such noble American pastimes as baseball, country music, motorcycle racing, pinball, juggling, trivia and quilting with a place to honor ingenuity and mowtivation. —Bruce Kaufman, Founder and President of USLMRA

2017 inductees : Sullivan/Paccione Family

In 2017, the USLMRA proudly inducted the Sullivan/Paccione family into the Hall of Fame. The Rocket Man Racing Team, comprising Pat Sullivan, Pete Sullivan, Wyatt Sullivan, Michael Paccione, Tina Paccione, Bruce Sullivan, and Danny Sullivan, exemplifies the spirit of lawn mower racing. This sport, which brought their family together, has deepened their bonds and enriched their lives. From competing at the Food Lion AutoFair at Charlotte Motor Speedway to being featured on ESPN, their dedication and passion have left a lasting legacy in the world of lawn mower racing. Join us in celebrating their remarkable journey and the impact they've made on the sport!

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2016 Inductees

Kerry Evans

USLMRA Vice President, and Director of Timing & Scoring, Kerry Evans has served the USLMRA for 18 years as Race Director, Engine Builder, Tech Advisor and “Mow To Guy.” Based in Wilmer, AL, Evans runs “Mow South,” the USLMRA’s southern office and serves as an advisor to the Dixie Outlaws, one of the founding USLMRA local chapters.

Manny Torres

USLMRA National Chief Steward and Technical Director, Manny Torres is responsible for racer safety, rules writing and enforcement and race day operations. Based in Port Deposit, Maryland, Torres has served the USLMRA since 2002. He is a master mechanic, engine builder and racing champion.


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  • A man is sitting on a red sta-bil fuel stabilizer

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    Bobby Cleveland “The STA-BIL Engine Answerman”

    Bobby Cleveland, aka STA-BIL’s Engine Answerman, hails from Locust Grove, Georgia, where he’s always loved to ride motorcycles, race lawn mowers, build hot rods and tinker in the garage. His passion for motors and what makes them work runs as deep as his appetite for Southern BBQ, sweet tea and being on the road.Bobby is one of the most decorated Lawn Mower Racing Champions in the history of the STA-BIL National Lawn Mower Racing Series, having won more than 75 First Place victories and taken 9 STA-BIL Series National Championships. He’s also the World Land Speed Record on a Lawn Mower, and is the builder of World’s First “Monster Mower” and the World Record Holder for Monster Mower Jumping!

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    Mike “Hedge Hog” Miller, Kenosha, Wisconsin

    Like Penne, Mike Miller was also a spectator at the first STA-BIL Nationals in 1992 and also knew he had to build a mower and compete. In 1993 Miller met Penne at their first race and one of the longest-lasting friendships in the USLMRA was formed, with “Hedge Hog” driving his 1968 T.S. Rugg to STA-BIL National Championships in 1996, 2005 and 2007.

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  • A person riding a lawn mower with the number 938 on it

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    Kevin “Cooter” Penne, Lake Villa, Illinois

    21 years ago Kevin Penne was a spectator at the inaugural STA-BIL Nationals in Grayslake, Illinois on Sept. 5, 1992 when he realized he was on the wrong side of the fence. By the following year he built his first racing mower and began lawn mower racing career, which has seen him become one of the most winning drivers in STA-BIL Racing history. “Cooter” is a pioneer of many the innovations used in the sport today. He designs and builds his own racing engines and chassis, is a 12-time STA-BIL Series National Champion, holds numerous track records and has been featured on Discovery Channel, ESPN2, Fox Sports Net and many TV news programs. Penne has also been banned at every horse track in Ohio.

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2013 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

The 2013 Hall of Fame inductees represent the pinnacle of lawn mower racing excellence. Kevin “Cooter” Penne, Mike “Hedge Hog” Miller, and Bobby Cleveland, the "STA-BIL Engine Answerman," each bring unique contributions and achievements to the sport. From pioneering innovations to securing numerous championships and setting world records, these individuals have left an indelible mark on the USLMRA and continue to inspire racers and fans alike.

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2012 inductees

A gold eagle logo that says protecting preserving and performing since 1932

Gold Eagle® Company, Makers of STA-BIL® Brand Fuel Stabilizer

In 1992, Chicago-based Gold Eagle® Co. brought lawn mower racing from England to America as a promotion for STA-BIL®, America’s top-selling fuel stabilizer. With the support of the British Lawn Mower Racing Association, Gold Eagle® Co. founded the USLMRA to sanction and present organized lawn mower races for fairs, towns, and non-profit organizations across the USA. With one STA-BIL National Championship race in 1992, the STA-BIL Lawn & Garden Mower Racing Series has expanded to an annual 20-race circuit while the USLMRA sanctions 50 Chapters and Clubs nationwide. Gold Eagle® Co.’s 20 years of support is one of the longest consecutive sponsorships in all of American motorsports. Gold Eagle® Co. and the USLMRA have won numerous awards including accolades from Brandweek Magazine, The Publicity Club of Chicago, The International Festivals and Events Association, Inside PR magazine and the Public Relations Society of America.
A man in a red shirt with the name bruce kaufman on it

Bruce Kaufman, Mr. “Mow It All”

As Founder and President of the USLMRA, Bruce Kaufman of Northbrook, Illinois is on the “cutting edge” of American motorsports and has been kicking grass since Day One. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, the man known as “Mr. Mow-It-All” leads the USLMRA, the nation’s oldest and largest national lawn mower racing sanctioning body, and is responsible for association management, event and TV production, media relations, marketing, sponsorship, and finance. He also serves as a TV color commentator on the Fox Sports Net “Race Freaks” Lawn Mower Racing telecasts, where his “Mowtivation” is on full display.

2011 inductees

A man is riding a green lawn mower with the number 61 on it

John Nelson “Sir Lawns-A-Lot”, Richardson, Texas

As a member of the USLMRA Steering Committee, Past President of the Lone Star Mower Racing Association (LSMRA), and the nation’s first “Mow Ambassador,” “Sir Lawns-A-Lot” epitomizes the spirit and unique culture of lawn mower racing.  Also known as John Deere Nelson, John competed in five racing classes from 2001-2010. John still loves to show off in his John Deere 210, 14-foot, 5-engine machine he calls “Mow Longer.”
A man riding a lawn mower with the number 9 on it

Dr. Art Neavill, Commerce Township, Michigan

Dr. Art Neavill is beloved for his spirit, love of competition and eagerness to help fellow racers. Just before his retirement from the Michigan public school system, Art became a lawn mower racer, touring the country with his son-in-law and wife by his side, while intermittently battling cancer.  Lawn mower racers across the country have benefitted from Art’s generosity.  Be it a spare part, extra engine or entire lawn mower, if Dr. Art is in the pits, what’s his is yours.
A man wearing a helmet with the number 16 on it

Charles Powell – “Mr. Mowjangles” (1950-2006), Forney, Texas

The late Charles Powell was USLMRA VP of Operations, LSMRA Founding President, Winner of the 2005 Pain in the Butt Award and simply, Mr. Mowjangles.  He was a MOWtivated racer, chapter president and race steward. The annual USLMRA Charles Powell Mr. Mowjangles Award was named in his honor.

2010 INDUCTEES

Ken “Turfinator” Smolecki of West Chicago, Illinois

His mower, The Turfinator, was featured on the hit TV sitcom Home Improvement for the famous jet-powered lawn mower race pitting Tim Allen vs. Bob Vila.  Smolecki joined the USLMRA in 1992, raced until 2000, served on the Rules Committee and as Technical Director and raced in the legendary British Lawn Mower Racing Association 12-Hour Race where he was honored as the first American to wave the checkered flag (1999).



Bill Simpson of Trevor, Wisconsin

Served as the first USLMRA Race Director, adding consistency to race officiating by directing a staff of race stewards, technical directors and flaggers. Simpson created a Race Operations Manual, served as racer liaison, handled venue negotiations, implemented insurance programs and organized an annual Rules Committee Meeting.


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2009 inductees

A man is riding a lawn mower with the number 839 on it.

The Organizing Committee of the Twelve Mile 500 in Twelve Mile, Indiana

The Twelve Mile 500 is the home of America’s oldest organized riding lawn mower race.  Founded in 1963 and hosted by the Twelve Mile Lions Club, the annual mow-down takes place on July 4th each year.  33 mowers run 60 laps around a 1/4 mile track covering a distance of 15 miles, a bit longer than the original distance of 48 laps – twelve miles – due to increased speed in recent years.
A man in a plaid shirt is driving a tractor

Jim Gavin of Wisborough Green, West Sussex, England

Founder and General Secretary of the British Lawn Mower Racing Association (BLMRA), founded in 1973 at the Cricketers Arms in Wisborough Green, West Sussex.  Gavin, an Irishman who had raced and rallied cars across the world, became disillusioned with the increasing costs of motorsport.  Whilst downing their pints in the village pub, Gavin and a group of locals looked across the village green to see the greenkeeper mowing the cricket patch. They realized that everyone had a lawn mower in their garden shed, so a Championship was held in a local farmer’s field.  About 80 competitors turned up for what turned out to be a very successful event and the formation of the BLMRA.  The BLMRA still sticks to its origins as a non-profit organization (any profits are given to charities or good causes) while providing well-organized and inexpensive motorsport with a strong social atmosphere.

2011 inductees

Two men are standing next to each other in a barn holding trophies and a microphone.

“Racing Ray” Mrocks of Lake Zurich, Illinois

The first member of the USLMRA heeded the call to sod-slinging glory on April 1, 1992, the birthday of the national lawn mower race sanctioning in the United States.  “Racing Ray” tore up the turf from 1992-2001, claiming BP Class Points Championships on his mower Sodzilla 1995-1997.  “Racing Ray” served as Chief Technical Inspector, race course builder, rule maker, and friend to lawn mower racers far and wide.  “I like lawn mower racing because it’s fun and affordable,” said Ray in 1997.  “Come to think of it, I like anything fun and affordable, that’s why I gave up my marriage, but I’m still racing lawnmowers.”
A man wearing a helmet is riding a lawn mower with the number 104 on it

Chuck Miller of Marion, OH

The only USLMRA member to compete in every STA-BIL Nationals since 1992.  The “Boogie Woogie Man” is a multi-year racing champion and is a Charter USLMRA Member.  His record of consecutive starts in the annual STA-BIL Nationals is unmatched.   Miller won the 1st BP Class Championship at the 1992 STA-BIL Nationals and the Factory Experimental Championship in 1993.  In 2008 he took 2nd place in the STA-BIL Challenge of Champions Race.  “I’ve seen the growth of the USLMRA since the first race,” said Miller.  “It amazes me to see how this sport has grown so fast and how it has become part of American culture.  I’ve stayed competitive over the years, and although I’m getting older, I’ve still got my MOWJo!”

celebrating 25 years of kicking grass

America celebrated the 25th anniversary of one of its defining MOWments on April 1, the birth of the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association (USLMRA) and its STA-BIL® Lawn Mower Racing Series. Since the USLMRA was founded on April Fool’s Day in 1992, the oldest and largest national mower racing sanctioning body has mowed its way into the hearts of fun-loving racing enthusiasts across America.


“We never could have predicted 25 years ago when STA-BIL sponsored the first USLMRA race that lawn mower racing would become such an iconic sport with such an incredibly loyal following,” said Marc Blackman, CEO of Gold Eagle Co. “A quarter of a century later, it’s bigger than ever, and we are proud to put our name on the sport.”


  • Mr. mow it all 's top 25 mownments in uslmra history

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Mr. Mow It All’s Top 25 MOWments of USLMRA History

Mr. Mow It All has been sorting through the vast USLMRA Archives, taking a journey down memory lane via newspaper clips, magazines, tapes, posters, flyers and assorted brick-a-brack. Hopefully you’ve enjoyed #MOWtivationMonday as he’s shared them these past few weeks. Bruce is fortunate to have saved everything regarding USLMRA history over the past 25 years! He has put together a list of his Top 25 MOWments in lawn mower racing history. Click the link below to check out Mr. Mow It All’s MOWment's infographic.

MOWMENTS Infographic

a journey through time with the uslmra archives

Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane with our special "From the USLMRA Archives" section. Featuring a captivating slideshow of photos and stories, this collection showcases the rich history and vibrant moments that have shaped our organization over the past 25 years. Relive the glory days, celebrate the pioneers, and witness the evolution of lawn mower racing through these treasured memories. Dive into our archives and experience the heart and soul of the USLMRA!


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