What do you think stock cars, F1 racing machines, and motocross bikes have in common? Yup, they all have rigid frames that can stand days of non-stop racing. Your mower, however, is not built on the same rigid structure.Manufactures generally don’t build racing lawn mower frames rigid because mowers were intended for your lawn and not for mower racing tracks. Consider the difference in speed when you are mowing versus when you are racing.
Structural reinforcement is necessary because you have dramatically altered the surface they will be working on. You have moved from a smooth lawn to q bumpy and rutted race track, especially towards the end of the race, and you can just imagine the punishment that the mower goes through.
Your mower could end up in pieces if you leave the frame as is. Now, you can construct racing lawn mower frames that are fit for the tracks by welding tubing to the existing structure. This will make the frame strong enough for mower racing at speeds of 40 or 50MPH.
Make certain to strengthen the areas where the racing lawn mower axles and front spindles attach. Also, keep the frame from twisting by tying the front and rear frame sections together.
Having a rigid frame is not only safer, it will save you from the embarrassment of having your mower break up only feet from the checkered flag.
While you’re at it, make sure to modify the chassis as well. Make it as low as legally possible. Lower is always better on the tracks, especially in tight turns. Just be sure to browse the mower racing rule book and know how low you can get.
Different lawn mower racing associations have different rules. In addition the rules vary from division to division. So it is very important that you check your specific association/division modification rules prior to any adjustments.
If allowed, you can add front and rear bumpers to you racing lawn mower for added safety. A side Nerf-Bar is also helpful to avoid tires, from two racing mowers, from entangling and causing roll-overs. You can kiss bumpers good-bye though if you will be racing in the USLMRA, to keep mowers looking stock they don’t allow bumpers.
The trick is to take advantage of all the modifications allowed, take everything to the limit as this help you win mower racing events. Again, remember to review and understand the different divisional have rules for each racing lawn mower, because you can’t win the race, if you aren’t allowed in it!
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