The Illinois Lawn Mower Racing Association is a local chapter of the US Lawn Mower Racing Association. We race in Illinois at county fairs and tracks around the state. We are a nonprofit organization that promotes economical racing of stock and modified riding lawn mowers. There are seven classes of mowers ranging from stock (just take the blades off and come out) to F/X that is a highly modified mower capable of speeds exceeding 85 mph. There are a few nationally acclaimed mower racers from Illinois - Charlie Bowen, David Lewis, Mitch Scott, Jeff Cox and Gless Essex. We have raced at monster truck shows, pulling tractor events, drag strips, county fairs and all kinds of events. We have also added two new classes for the youngsters. We have a Jr. Stock class for the 7-11 year olds and a Jr. Prepared class for the 12-16 year olds, both of these classes are highly regulated and info is available. We don't race for money (this keeps the racing friendly). We race for trophies and bragging rights. It is not uncommon to find a few different racers helping each other get their equipment ready for the next race. The racers are always willing to answer questions and give advice. We make what used to be a weekend chore fun. You can take a junk mower that doesn't cut grass anymore and make it into a racer. Safety equipment is required of all racers: a helmet, neck brace, long sleeve shirt, full pants, over the ankle leather shoes and gloves. Speeds on the track range from 6 mph for the stockers to 40 for the F/X class.