The good news is that NASGRASS is ready to sling sod at their home opener, the bad news is, it won’t be until October. Two days before their inaugural race for the 2024-25 season, the track was hit by a massive rainstorm. It left the place waterlogged.
So now they will be racing on the second Saturday of October.
NASGRASS has been racing lawn mowers in central Florida for better than three decades, making them the oldest organization of its kind in the United States. The North American Society of Grass Racers and Sod Slingers (NASGRASS) raced for years at an Avon Park location. It was nationally known as “the birthplace of lawn mower racing in the United States.”
In fact, we have been reporting on this fun and wacky sport since we started this blog back in 2017!
Due to conditions beyond their control, they lost that spot. But they since have found a location at Florida Flywheelers’ Park. That’s at 7000 Avon Park Cutoff Road near Fort Meade in Polk County.
The unfortunate turn of events has led the group to a location that actually is bigger and better. And this year’s opening event is right around the corner.
Ready to Drop the Green Flag
On Saturday, September 14, the 2024-25 season will get underway. More than 60 different mowers are expected in the pits. The drivers come from all over the Sunshine State. Teams will be pulling in from Inverness, Sarasota and Ft. Meyers among other locations.
“There were some pretty tight points battles last year,” said NASGRASS President Wes Pyburn. “Jacob Bateman squeaked out the FX Twin championshp by just 15 points. Thomas Veal won his Mini-Mow division by just 25 points. We expect them all to be there this year and start all over again.”
In fact, Bateman was judged to be last season’s “Most Improved Driver.”. He was awarded a trophy in recognition during an August awards ceremony.
Young Thomas Veal himself grabbed the “Rising Star” award for the 2023-24 season. The lad started out at the minimum age in Mini-Mow. He quickly determined ”he wanted to go faster.” Reportedly, he will advance to the Mini Mow Pro class this upcoming season.
It’s a Family Affair
Unlike some sanctioned racing, NASGRASS is billed as a family affair. It is not uncommon to see dads, sons, moms, daughters, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews competing on mowers in various divisions. Or even racing against each other in the same division.
“We encourage people to buy a pit pass and go back into the paddock. They can meet the competitors and have a look at the various racing mowers,” said Pyburn – who called it “part of the show.”
He cautioned fans to be careful. Mostly because they might get bitten themselves by the racing bug. Then they, or their children, might show up with a mower and be looking to take home some hardware.
“Usually there’s a mower or two for sale back in the pits. So it’s easy to get started,” Pyburn said.
Lots of Fans Turn Out
Fans are urged to be prepared with sunscreen and mosquito spray. And they should have a hearty appetite as Smokin’ Bear BBQ, Kona Ice, and the world famous Herman’s Peanuts all will be set up and ready to feed the crowd.
Plus the NASGRASS souvenir stand will be open. They have plenty of official memorabilia and merchandise.
The opening of the NASGRASS season is set for Saturday, September 14.
Gates open at noon with racing to commence at 6pm.
