Stay Signed In
Do you want to access your site more quickly on this computer? Check this box, and your username and password will be remembered for two weeks. Click logout to turn this off.
Stay Safe
Do not check this box if you are using a public computer. You don't want anyone seeing your personal info or messing with your site.
This page contains answers to common questions asked by members and racers new to the sport of lawn mower racing. Also, there are some tips and advice that we have found useful and they are presented here as questions.
1. How do I go about getting into this sport?
2. Where can I find the official rules of AROLMRA?
3. Are there performance parts available?
4. What's the best mower to use?
5. What is a tethered kill switch and where do I get one?
6. When is the Dubbo Nationals?
7. Do the mowers have blades on them?
8. What about the blade deck?
9. What can I do with the steering?
10. Can I modify the engine?
11. What About Safety Equipment?
12. How fast do they go?
13. How long have people been racing lawn mowers?
14. Who is Muddy?
15. How can I find out where to stay, and which hotels/motels are near the race?
16. How much is it going to cost me to race at an event?
17. Who do I contact before the race to find out if my machine is legal to race?
18. Where do you race these things?
19. I want to start racing. But how?
20. How can I get started, or is there anyone in my area?
21. Is There Any Money In The Sport?
22.None of the questions listed above apply to me, can I Email my question to you?
How do I go about getting into this sport?
For starters come down to any of our races that we have all over Victoria.
There are many ways you can be involved. A number of members that we have dont even race. But come down and see what it's like to be at one of our races.
If you would like to race with us it's a great way to see how the mowers are constructed.
Then get working on your mower.
Make sure to follow the rules in constructing your mower. If unsure about any rules on what you can and cannot do, it is always better to ask. Any member of AROLMRA should be well versed on them. Before you intend on racing contact the Secretary to obtain a number to race with. All the neccesary paperwork will be completed before you race and your mower will be scruteneered before you can start.
You can find the official rules of AROLMRA on the left taskbar of this website or go to www.arolmra.tk for further information, I have also posted a copy of the new rules on the main page, left taskbar.
Go to the guestbook and ask for who might have something to make your machine go that little bit faster. The FOR SALE section will be revamped and will be a good resourse to help fellow mower racers get parts and ideas.
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. Wreckers will become your best friend. In AROMRA we use motorbike engines. And are split up into 5 different categories
Junior Class 110cc postie bike engines (16 yrs and under)
"C" class up to 248cc engines
"B" class 250cc engines
"A" class Between 250cc and 400cc
"AA" class Between 400cc and 450cc
Note...... 500cc mowers are not permitted to race under AROLMRA rules.
Turbo's are also not permitted.
What is a tethered kill switch and where do I get one?
A tethered kill switch is a device that will shut down the engine if you happen to get thrown off. For safety reasons, it must be securely attached to the driver and the mower! Most motorbike shops or marine shops have these available.
The 2009 AROLMRA Nationals will be held on the 16th,17th and 18th of May. This is an invitational race that includes racers from Sunshine Coast Mower Racing Club, Bundaberg Mower Racing Club, Brisbane Mowersport, and the Nowra Mower Racing Club. It is run in conjunction with the Dubbo show. And is a sanctioned national race by AROLMRA.
NO! The blades are removed! The blades must must be removed when racing and it is the very first thing you would remove when you are building a mower to race in AROLMRA.
The mower you aquire must have started it's life as a commercially available ride on lawn mower. We advise you to definately modify it. Strengthen it. Add support to it, and lower it to turn it into a racing machine. The rules state however that no mower shall be any wider than 1 metre from outside tyre to outside tyre. The length however is completely up to you. It also has to look like the mower you started with. There is no point converting a go-kart to resemble a mower. This is not allowed.
AROLMRA runs mowers with handle bars from a motorbike. This is not however compulsory. But 100% of our mowers have this adapted to thier mowers. The setup is simular to a motorbike. Clutch on the left and brake on the right. If however you prefer a foot brake then there is no lever on the right hand side of the bars. The Safety lanyard is usually connected to the handlebars as well. But it is up to you.
It is not against the rules of AROLMRA as yet, BUT and I say BUT very loosely. Some current members have and sucessfully worked the buggery out of thier machines. We like to call it 'Chequebook" racing. It is unfortunate that we as an Association can't do much about it. But hope they get bored with winning and move on. They are only cheating themselves and other racers by giving themselves an unfair advantage. What type of engine is up to you. But if it is a 250cc engine then that's what we would hope you keep it at.
Always make sure that you have on safety gear when practicing or racing. Helmet, gloves, long pants, sleeves and sturdy boots are mandatory in AROLMRA. Lawnmower racing is fun but it can also be dangerous.
The speeds vary by class. The "Junior" class mowers may only go about 20-40 km's per hour. The other classes have been known to go as fast as 120 km p/h, however on the track they only do 60 to 80 km p/h. In our Code of Practice for Track Management, it states that the main staight must not be longer than 100 metres. And random speed checks are taken from time to time. Courtesy of Victoria Police.
There has been organized lawn mower racing in the U.S. and in England for more than 30 years, AROLMRA has been around since 1988 and is growing ever since. See "History of AROLMRA" on this site.
Who is Muddy?
Muddy is the esteemed Godfather of AROLMRA. His ability to stir trouble and not do a great deal has been his undo-ing. But in the early years was the figurehead. Many have said that it is Gary Jennings who should wear the "Godfather" mantle. I will let history decide.
How can I find out where to stay, and which hotels/motels are near the race?
Go to the schedule and find the event you are going to attend. Information will be posted prior to the event on the AROLMRA website. Since you are on the computer 'Google" the town and find accomodation that suits you. As a rule mower racers tend to stay in local caravan parks, when racing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How much is it going to cost me to race at an event?
This fee may vary from race to race,
Normally it is between $15 to $20 entry fee.
If you are a first time member you must join the association to be able to race.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who do I contact before the race to find out if my machine is legal to race?
Even though you may have followed the suggested build rules, you still need to have it inspected. Mowtec offers a service where they can inspect mowers before the race date to aviod dis-appointment on race day. If your inspection is outside the Melbourne area. Then we will organise a viewing by another member who may live nearby.
We race our lawn mowers all across Victoria and into Southern New South Wales. AROLMRA holds 8-10 sanctioned races per season see the schedule of events for further details.
In simple terms, either buy an existing mower that has been modified to our rules. Or you can build your own machine. The latter will take more time, but it will be customised to suit you and your riding.
How can I get started, or is there anyone in my area?
Leave a message on the guest book or email me. Let me know where you are from and I can direct you to a member in your area. Which will definately help you to get started.
WE DO NOT RACE FOR MONEY!!! We race for FUN, trophies, championship points, and bragging rights.
Some race meetings have offered prizemoney but this is not the direction that AROLMRA would like to take at this time.
Back To Home Page
