AROLMRA RETURNS TO FORBES: Forbes Autosports Club will be hosting another round of the AROLMRA Series on May 6-8 at the Hoopers Road track at Forbes. More info can be obtained from secretary@arolmra.net. Racing photo courtesy of Gary Fielder; INSET BOTTOM RIGHT: David Teale and Craig Bratton of Forbes are keen as mustard for the three-day event on their home track!
When David Teale and Craig Bratton first got into ride-on lawnmower racing, neither could have ever envisaged where they would be now.
For Bratton, a self-confessed lover of all things with a motor and Teale, a later bloomer in the sport, the Australian Ride On Lawn Mower Racing Association (AROLMRA) championships being held in Forbes in May after the last COVID-safe run event is a big win for the Forbes Autosports Club.
“Riders come from Cairns to Christchurch to contest these events and they are always a lot of fun,” said Bratton.
“It is highly addictive and we do take safety seriously,” he said.
The mowers, which can reach speeds of up to 80-100kms/hr are lightweight unlike quad-runners.
Bratton recently finished 2nd in a Fraser Coast meet in Queensland while Teale grabbed 1st in B Grade. Both will be hoping to repeat the performances in Forbes from May 6-8th.
“It will be great to have a meeting at home as we do travel and it can be expensive,” said Teale.
“Between mower modifications and travel costs we couldn’t do it without amazing family and sponsors.”
Bratton, who built Teale’s mower echoed his sentiments citing how the industry still does a lot of racing for charity and not-for-profit which is tremendous and important however there is also a strong push to make the sport more financially viable for competitors and enthusiasts in tandem.
With the next meeting in Cobram, Victoria on March 13, Teale and Bratton will have one more hit-out before the home event in two months.
“Everyone is welcome to come and have a look and feel free to contact Forbes Autosports Club if you require more info,” said Teale.
May 6 will focus on qualifying while May 7 and 8 will feature top class racing from some of Australia’s best lawn mower riders!