Author Topic: March 8-9, STA-BIL National Series at Avon Park Florida Mowerplex  (Read 7800 times)

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Offline evansop

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Avon Park Mowerplex to hold national event in March

http://www.newssun.com/news/010314-mowerplex

By BARRY FOSTER

News-Sun correspondent

AVON PARK -- The United States Lawn Mower Racing Association once again will be bringing their national competition to the City of Charm. Officials from the North American Grass Racers and Sod Slingers have inked the contract that will see competitors from all over the United States converge on the Avon Park Mowerplex.

"We're excited, we're absolutely thrilled to death," said NASGRASS President Wes Pyburn.

Noting that the March race will represent the first of the USLMRA season, he compared the planned two-day event to the "Daytona 500 of the mower racing season." Moreover, the March 8 date will set the competition in between the annual Sebring Historics and the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh From Florida.

"This is going to be the opening race of the USLMRA season, when the eyes of the racing community already are focused on Highlands County," he said.

Pyburn predicted more than 100 drivers and mowers from as far away as Maryland and Texas could arrive to race at the track located on the western end of the Avon Park airport.

"We are hearing there might even be some from Canada who could come down," he said.

Because the Avon Park Mowerplex is the first of the for-purpose mower racing tracks, Pyburn said there is added interest to come here.

"I think there is a certain prestige to be able to race in the oldest facility in the country," he said. "Plus, with the improvements we have made, this is easily the fastest track in the southeast as well."

In addition, there may be yet another appearance by longtime racer Bobby Cleveland. It was Cleveland who set a record for lawnmower speed at the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Because the NASGRASS competitions regularly run on the second Saturday of each month from September through June, the national races will be integrated with the regular racing schedule. That will me that local racers will be run as part of the features along with the national competitors.

"The only real difference will be that local racers will be earning local points as well as national points for their finishes," he said.

Logistics still are being hammered out, but Pyburn said races are planned both on Saturday and Sunday, March 8-9.

Monday has been scheduled as a work day, with several truckloads of clay scheduled to be dropped off and worked into the racing surface as well as improvements to the lights, sound system and other structures planned.

The next scheduled NASGRASS race will be run Jan 11. Dubbed "Tourist Nite," a competition will be held to see which state has the most fans on hand that night.
Kerry Evans
USLMRA President
Evans Outdoor Power & Promotions
USLMRA Timing and Scoring
USLMRA Steering Committe Member
Dixie Outlaws Safety Director
Owner/Builder 2001 S/P National Champion
e-mail: evansop@bellsouth.net

LetsMow.com
facebook.com/USLMRA

Offline mrmowitall

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Re: News Link: Avon Park Mowerplex to hold national event in March
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2014, 11:25:18 am »

Blog post has been updated to include cool video from Avon Park MowerPlex and the Race Flyer

http://www.letsmow.com/event/the-sta-bil-snow-bird-nationals-at-avon-park-mowerplex-in-florida/

Facebook Event Created
https://www.facebook.com/events/1493038254255938/

Instagram post
http://instagram.com/p/kBQoUJjwpV/

Twitter Feed
https://twitter.com/USLMRA/status/430913720601300992

All systems are MOW! 
Bruce Kaufman
Mr. Mow It All
Founder & Past President
U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association
Founded April 1, 1992

LetsMow.com
facebook.com/USLMRA

Offline Toadworks

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Offline mrmowitall

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Re: March 8-9, STA-BIL National Series at Avon Park Florida Mowerplex
« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2014, 03:30:14 pm »
http://www.newssun.com/news/article_384cfe0d-a7d8-506e-8c42-d6637d3c6e52.html


National races to hit Avon Park today

By BARRY FOSTER News-Sun correspondent | Posted: Friday, March 7, 2014 8:00 am

AVON PARK — Racers, rigs and officials already are set up at the track for the biggest race of the year. But these are not cars at Sebring, they are lawnmowers at the Avon Park MowerPlex.

Dubbed “The Snowbird Nationals,” the races represent the United States Lawn Mower Racing Association gears up for their first national competition of the new year.

“This starts our season,” said USLMRA spokesman Bruce Kauffman, “and we are delighted to be back at where it all started.”

The Avon Park Mowerplex is the first for-purpose lawn mower racing facility built in the United States. Constructed by club members, the fifth-mile oval now has been declared “the fastest mower track in the southeast” and holds races on the second Saturday of each month.

“We’re told we are the fastest growing club in the United States,” said Wes Pyburn, president of the North American Society of Grass Racers and Sod Slingers — also known as NASGRASS.

In addition to the burgeoning club, crowds have been growing at the monthly races as the operation continues to grow, adding vendors and amenities to the monthly nights of racing.

“We pack the two grandstands that we have, so some folks might want to bring some lawn chairs,” he said.

While they average 30-40 competitors in the pits for a regular Saturday night race, local officials say that number could swell to more than 100 for this weekend since it will be a national competition.

“We have confirmations from as far away as North Carolina, Delaware, Ohio and Alabama as well as drivers from all over Florida,” Kauffman said.

Also slated for these races is Sta-bil spokesman and the “World’s Fastest Lawn Mower Racer” Bobby Cleveland. It was Cleveland who set a record of more than 96 miles per hour on a specially-prepared racing mower on the Bonneville Salt Flats.

Activities will begin tonight (Friday) with an open house and open practice that members of the public may view free of charge. That will commence at 6 p.m.

Racing will get under way at 6 p.m. Saturday. Fans will have an opportunity to see an extended night of racing due to the increased number of competitors in the field.

Following Saturday night’s racing, Karaoke by Dalton will be offered.

Due to the increased number of racers, Sunday features also will be run. Heat races will start at 1 p.m.

Because it is a national race, tickets will be $10 each. For more information visit the NASGRASS FaceBook page or the AP MowerPlex FaceBook page. 

Bruce Kaufman
Mr. Mow It All
Founder & Past President
U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association
Founded April 1, 1992

LetsMow.com
facebook.com/USLMRA

Offline evansop

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Re: March 8-9, STA-BIL National Series at Avon Park Florida Mowerplex
« Reply #4 on: March 08, 2014, 10:06:47 pm »
The Un-Official Results for todays Sta-Bil Snowbird Nationals 1 in Avon Park, FL can be found at:
http://www.letsmow.com/2014-season-schedule/race-results/?mylaps=type,event,eventid,991390
Kerry Evans
USLMRA President
Evans Outdoor Power & Promotions
USLMRA Timing and Scoring
USLMRA Steering Committe Member
Dixie Outlaws Safety Director
Owner/Builder 2001 S/P National Champion
e-mail: evansop@bellsouth.net

LetsMow.com
facebook.com/USLMRA

Offline mrmowitall

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Re: March 8-9, STA-BIL National Series at Avon Park Florida Mowerplex
« Reply #5 on: March 09, 2014, 12:36:12 pm »
http://highlandstoday.com/hi/sports/lawn-mower-racing-extravaganza-20140308/

 URL: http://highlandstoday.com/hi/sports/lawn-mower-racing-extravaganza-20140308/


Lawn Mower racing extravaganza

By JIM TAYLOR
Special to Highlands Today

JIM TAYLOR
Sam Miller and his "Lightning McQueen" will attempt to chase down his son, Jeremy, in the points standing this today.

AVON PARK - With campers inundating Highlands County in anticipation of the 62nd 12 Hours of Sebring, another track is garnering a lot of attention.


The Avon Park Mowerplex is hosting the first annual Snowbird Nationals in conjunction with the United States Lawn Mower Racing Association, and approximately 100 lawn mower racers from all along the East Coast and central United States have been arriving since Thursday.


"We have drivers coming from everywhere," said North American Society of Grass Racers And Sod Slingers President Wes Pyburn, as he and others worked on the 20 mile track. "Some are arriving from Georgia and we have more coming from Michigan, Maryland, North Carolina, and other states, that are currently on their way."


The three day event started Thursday with a cookout and open practice. Today, after registration and inspections, open practice will be held from 1-2 pm with the heat races starting at 3 pm. Tickets for the race cost $10.


Friday's heat races determined the starting order for the feature races that will begin at 6 p.m. There are four different classifications of mowers, starting from the slowest and more restrictive International Mower of Weeds to the Open Single and Open Twin mowers, which can reach speeds in excess of 70 mph.


Pyburn said that his Red Rocket mower registers about 70 horsepower and can speed along the course at over 60 mph. Pyburn usually wins the races held in Avon Park. Pyburn added that he expects to finish between third and fifth in the races with so many mowers in the top classifications, as many drivers will be controlling mowers with 100 or more horsepower.


The day's events will conclude with karaoke by Dalton Dinner as racers and their teams prepare for the second day of racing on Sunday.


The heat races will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday with the feature events beginning at 1:00 p.m.


Both races will count for points toward the drivers in the local NASGRASS chapter.


Current point leaders for each classification are as follows: IMOW - Frankie Lane with 855; followed by Richie and Buddy Pippin holding second and third, respectively, with 715 and 675 points.


Grand Prix (GP): Pat Sullivan leads the pack with a solid 855 points while Matt Earp holding second with 510. Sean Kennedy is third with 400 points.


Open Single: Sean Kennedy sits on top with 795 points, but Bruce Runyan has him in his sights with 725 points. David Curtis is a distant third with 475.


Grand Prix (GP) Twin: Jeremy Miller maintains first place with 755 points. Close behind him is his father, Sam, who drives the "Lightning McQueen" mower with 635. Richie Pippen is on their heels with 530 points and Craig Geary is still in the points race, currently in fourth, with 450 points.


Wes Pyburn currently holds a solid first place lead in the Open Twin classification with 795 points, but a broken belt in last month's races allowed Justin Cagel to close the gap. Cagel is in second with 500 points.


Racing is not limited to just the men. More women have entered into the fray with Brooke Kennedy competing in both the IMOW and GP classifications. Sharon Curtis competes in the GP, while Becky Kuhfeldt in the Open Single. Both still find themselves in contention for a strong finish.


Avon Park's own Keri Bryant, who started late in the season, has already propelled herself into sixth place in the IMOW classification and is within striking distance to move up a few more spots this weekend.


In the Junior classification, Catherine Baker holds a 70 points lead over Jordan Campbell.


With two races this weekend that count for points at both the national and local level, along with the number of drivers that will be participating, there's a strong possibility for a dramatic shift in the standings.


"We have a great season with huge support from the fans," Pyburn said. "Over the next two days, they will have the opportunity to see some of the best racers throughout the United States and some of the fastest lawn mowers. It is going to be a great weekend."

Bruce Kaufman
Mr. Mow It All
Founder & Past President
U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association
Founded April 1, 1992

LetsMow.com
facebook.com/USLMRA

Offline mrmowitall

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Re: March 8-9, STA-BIL National Series at Avon Park Florida Mowerplex
« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2014, 12:51:40 pm »


http://highlandstoday.com/hi/sports/fast-times-at-lawn-mower-racing-20140312/




 URL: http://highlandstoday.com/hi/sports/fast-times-at-lawn-mower-racing-20140312/


Fast times at lawn mower racing

By JIM TAYLOR
Special to Highlands Today

JIM TAYLOR
Pat Sullivan leads Sean Kennedy in the GP class race during Saturday's Snowbird National mower race at the Avon Park mower-plex.

AVON PARK - The North American Society of Grass Racers and Sod Slingers (NASGRASS) hosted its inaugural Snowbird National race in partnership with the United States Lawn Mower Racing Association (USLMRA) that brought in approximately 60 racers from other states.


In total, more than 90 drivers participated in 12 different race classes.


"The public response was overwhelming," said NASGRASS President Wes Pyburn. "We had around 700 spectators on Saturday and ran out of parking space."


Both Saturday and Sunday consisted of two races per classification. The first being a heat race of 10 laps to determined starting position for the 20 lap main race.


In the JP classification, Joseph Paccione and Ty Garrett swapped first and second place finishes in the main races on Saturday and Sunday.


Paccione edged out Garrett by thee hundredths of a second on Saturday night to take the checker and Garrett won handily on Sunday for first place.


The IMOW class consisted of 11 drivers in which the top three drivers on Saturday night finished within a second of each other.


Tina Paccione led the pack followed by Matt Strine and Avon Park's Kerri Bryant.


Dawn Filos, who traveled here from Bel Air, Md., won on Sunday, beating local racer Buddy Pippin by less than a half a second for the victory.


In the GP-K classification, Ty Garrett won on both Saturday and Sunday by default as he was the only racer in that classification.


That was not case in the GP classification as 15 drivers competed. Local NASGRASS drivers crossed the finish line in first in both races as Sean Kennedy edged out Wally Bender on Saturday by less than a second, but finished second himself on Sunday to another NASGRASS driver, Pat Sullivan.


Wally Bender would earn a first place finish in the AP Class as he squeaked past Kevin Nipper in the Saturday race. Nipper returned the favor on Sunday.


Jason Nutbrown became the first driver of the weekend to win both races in the same classification. He accomplished this in the SP class as he squeezed past Matt Strine by a tenth of a second on Saturday and Wally Bender by a second on Sunday.


Pete Sullivan then swept the CP class by comfortable margins in both races.


In the BP class, James Maurice could not follow up his Saturday victory with one on Sunday as he was not able to finish the race. Instead, Shane Shellnut in the 88 National Guard mower crossed the finish line for the Sunday win.


Jason Nutbrown and Kevin Nipper finished first and second respectively in both the Saturday and Sunday races in the FX class.


In the FX-S class, Wally Bender and Andrew Maurice battled in both races with Bender skirting to wins both days by less than a second.


Local driver and NASGRASS president Wes Pyburn won both Saturday and Sunday in the FX-T classification by comfortable margins with the highest average track speed of 34 miles per hour.


The GP Twin class was the final race of both days. Cody Fitsko brought home the checkered flag on Saturday as local driver Jeremy Miller beat his father in the second race by two seconds for the win on Sunday.


Next race is scheduled on April 12 at the Avon Park Mower-Plex. Start time 6 p.m.

Bruce Kaufman
Mr. Mow It All
Founder & Past President
U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association
Founded April 1, 1992

LetsMow.com
facebook.com/USLMRA

Offline nip 19

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Re: March 8-9, STA-BIL National Series at Avon Park Florida Mowerplex
« Reply #7 on: March 12, 2014, 09:43:47 pm »
I'd like to say Thanks to Wes and the whole NASGRASS staff. Everyone did an outstanding job all weekend. We felt right at home from the moment we unloaded. Great bunch of guys to race with and organization. I thought there were way more spectators than they said because everywhere you looked you had truckloads of people and the stands were completely packed. Great Job!!!!
2011 GLMRA FX champion
2011 SRUSAAO FX champion.   Kevin

Offline pyburn12

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Re: March 8-9, STA-BIL National Series at Avon Park Florida Mowerplex
« Reply #8 on: March 15, 2014, 09:43:21 am »
Thanks Kevin, we enjoyed having you guys down here in the sunshine state!
Chris

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Re: March 8-9, STA-BIL National Series at Avon Park Florida Mowerplex
« Reply #9 on: April 11, 2014, 02:30:31 pm »
Post event recap from the Cutting Edge Blog at www.letsmow.com


The STA-BIL Snow Bird Nationals at Avon Park Revisited – A Prestigious Lawn Mower Racing Event | LetsMow.com


http://www.letsmow.com/2014/04/the-sta-bil-snow-bird-nationals-at-avon-park-revisited-a-prestigious-lawn-mower-racing-event/
Bruce Kaufman
Mr. Mow It All
Founder & Past President
U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association
Founded April 1, 1992

LetsMow.com
facebook.com/USLMRA