Heymow - Lawnmower Racing Forum

General => Coffee Shop => Topic started by: Rooster on April 15, 2009, 10:14:53 pm

Title: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Rooster on April 15, 2009, 10:14:53 pm
Well I have seen alot of post, and had alot of PM's and e-mails latey about mower classes.
So I thought I'd give a quick and easy class definition post. You have got to admit that if your not used to reading rule books the class definition part of the US rule book cn get cornfuzzin'(By the way when I say "US" I am referring to the USLMRA, the lazy way)

First off, Both the USLMRA and ARMA have pretty much the same classes, which makes it nice. Credit for that has to go to ARMA as they had enough fore thought to make sure that US legal racers would be ARMA legal as well. However ARMA's rules are a little less restrictive so it don't work the Other way!
Also gotta give ARMA credit, their classes have much cooler names!

Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Rooster on April 15, 2009, 10:58:18 pm
Now, a down and dirty class list, slowest to fastest!

US Class designation/ARMA class designation - Brief explanation

Junior Prepared - Same class both associations, same mower as IMOW/Super Stock for kids 10 - 15
IF YOUR A HEYMOWER UNDER 16 THIS IS YOUR ONLY CLASS SO DONT REMOVE THE GOVERNOR

IMOW/Super Stock - This is the governed engine class, great place to start and learn to build,set-up and drive a racing mower. Or for the more experianced racer to just have fun! The great part is you can throw a modified engine on these chassis, if you build them right, and go to the faster classes.

AP/Mini-Sportsman These are the little guys, not the drivers, the mowers. Short,light mowchines with those :censored: off bumble bee engines, Small flatheads 8.5 HP & under! Don't let their size fool you, these little skates are a drivers machine!

SP/Sportsman - The rest of the flathead singles. This is my favorite class, I don't think the racing can get any better! A great step up from the governed classes, light and agile, but the longer chassis makes them alot easier to drive than an APs and Minis and allows for some good tight racing action. The slower speeds and lighter weights allow you to get away with a little bit of rubbin' and bumpin' without necassarily a complete whipe out, but not without a black flag!

CP/Mod-x - OHV Singles and Opposed twins. Now you better bring it boys, this is where things start getting serious! Where engines start getting mad and drivers better be bad, down in the dirt fight it out battle royal of mower madness, man and mowchine gettin' it on! Clean cut mommas boys stay at the house eatin' cookies and drinkin' your milk, but if you got feathers on your tail strap it to a CP/Mod-x and LETS DO THIS!

BP/Super Sportsman - OHV Twins. Can you say hold on to your tailfeathers! Fast is just what these speed demons do for parade laps! Thats not chicken grease in Supermans ears, he lost his hearing breaking the sound barrier at Talladega! Bring your best game, and your biggest wallet. A whole pocketful of Andrew Jacksons will get you in the game, but just barely. Short cut's and budget builds won't put you up front here. If a part can be broken, the Big Twins will do it! Your chasis better be right, your driveline better be right, your tires better be right, and your nerves better be 4140 or your gonna get left! If you don't have a couple of good seasons on a MOWER under your belt don't even try it. Ohh you raced a late model? Good now come learn how to drive! Track champ in a sprint car you say? So strap your tail on a Big Twin and lets take a walk on the wild side....Swindell & Haudenschild? Pfffft rookies!

FX/Pro-x  - Single cylinder OHV engines highly modified.This is the AP/Mini gone mad! .Ever drove a Hot Wheel 60 MPH? Barstool racers with a hood. This class allows all the neat go-fast goodies the others don't allow. Centrifugal clutches and RAGBs simulated decks. Highly modified custom chassis,The technicians with fast reflexes class. Another Rookies need not apply class. Where BP's And Super Sportsman are fast, FX and Pro-X are quick, light and agile.

ARMA also has the new Super Mod class. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, TONIGHTS FEATURE EVENT, THE SOOOOPER M O D I F I E D S!!! WOOOOOO HOOOOO.
If you don't know what they are, you don't need to be racing one so I ain't telling you more than...THEY ARE FRIGGIN' COOL MAN!

Ok, so now some body find my mistakes!
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: miatajoe on April 15, 2009, 11:47:09 pm
Well I could spend hours looking for mistakes.  :omg:

But definitely like the comparisons

Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: jerb on April 15, 2009, 11:51:52 pm
rooster, you simply have a way with words, all im gonna say, besides really cool post. thanks for taking the time!
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: ktownmadness on April 16, 2009, 12:07:31 am
Wow Rooster, good job!!!
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Rooster on April 16, 2009, 12:51:37 am
rooster, you simply have a way with words, all im gonna say, besides really cool post. thanks for taking the time!

Ok I'll let the secret out, I was a language arts major what little bit of college I went to.

LOL, "Can you friggin' believe it?" ok who said it in what movie?
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Caseracer on April 16, 2009, 07:48:27 am
Very nice job explaining the classes Rooster!

Jack Jones
Hard Case Racing
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Rooster on April 23, 2009, 11:50:15 am
Lol, Look the Rooster got stickied, I say there boy I think someone done went an spilt some of the Col's honey sauce on my wings!
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Mr Goodwrench on May 31, 2009, 09:02:34 pm
Rooster, you give this sport personality!!!!!!
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Rooster on May 31, 2009, 09:09:24 pm
Lol, thanx...some call me a smart butt, I just try to keep it light.
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: accutune on June 01, 2009, 02:17:28 pm
thanks all of us newbies need to know so we can understand what we are reading and if these thing will work on our set ups or not. thanks again
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Tony on June 12, 2009, 10:23:10 am
       George you will be in our prayers. Listen to the doctors do what they tell you please.
    I know you think you know better but trust me, don't push things to early we need you around.
    Your one of the people that makes this crazy sport what it is today.

     ANTECH racing
     Tony
      Dave
        &
      Mitch
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Mike Gentry on September 05, 2009, 10:42:09 pm
This needs to be printed off and read EXACTLY as written during the intro at all our races  :twothumbsup:
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: George Herrin on September 05, 2009, 10:58:44 pm
I am using it in the ALL American Program.
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Mike Gentry on September 05, 2009, 11:11:23 pm
 :twothumbsup: .............. AWSOME !!!
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Rooster on September 06, 2009, 01:29:55 am
Roflmao...do you know how long I tried to make it to print!!
I'd be honored George!
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Rooster on November 23, 2009, 08:59:15 pm
The American Heartland Lawn Mower Racers have just started a new class.

Team Push Mower.
Any verticle engine push mower, blades must be removed.
No cart axles allowed, OEM wheels only.
Engine may or may not be running, or even there (Though they make a nice seat)
Cart seats are allowed, but they will slow ya down on the switch.
2 person Mixed Teams, one boy, one girl...or one manly girl and one girly man..either way. Must be at least 18 years of age (Sorry kids, this one gets ugly)
All races are 2 laps; 1st lap, one sits, other drives, 2nd lap, switch!
Bumping and rubbing is not allowed, although kicking, biting and screaming are both allowed, and encouraged.
First mower across finish line wins...I really don't care if you finish with a passenger, as long as you started with one.
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: deerepuller on November 24, 2009, 06:35:11 pm
Now thats funny.  :rofl:
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: David (Yardzilla) Wright on December 29, 2009, 04:17:27 pm
Can we get that by weight class. us old 300lb++++er's run slow  :D :D :D :D :D :rofl: :willynilly: :lol2:
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Rooster on December 29, 2009, 04:54:50 pm
Can we get that by weight class. us old 300lb++++er's run slow  :D :D :D :D :D :rofl: :willynilly: :lol2:
Slow running isn't what hurts the...ummm..."traction enhancing"... drivers, its the poor sucker that has to push them!
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Dynamarkking on August 04, 2010, 10:16:30 pm
haha i hope thats not A real class lol that biting gets me nervous :woo:
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: docbro on August 04, 2010, 11:22:14 pm
Can these be self-propelled?  (maybe modified?) >:D

That's the only way I could run a full lap  :woo:
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Wade1978 on August 19, 2010, 03:41:21 am
The American Heartland Lawn Mower Racers have just started a new class.

Team Push Mower.
Any verticle engine push mower, blades must be removed.
No cart axles allowed, OEM wheels only.
Engine may or may not be running, or even there (Though they make a nice seat)
Cart seats are allowed, but they will slow ya down on the switch.
2 person Mixed Teams, one boy, one girl...or one manly girl and one girly man..either way. Must be at least 18 years of age (Sorry kids, this one gets ugly)
All races are 2 laps; 1st lap, one sits, other drives, 2nd lap, switch!
Bumping and rubbing is not allowed, although kicking, biting and screaming are ALL allowed, and EVEN encouraged.
First mower across finish line wins...I really don't care if you finish with a passenger, as long as you started with one.




This could be the next big feature at the ALL AMERICAN
along with the paramedics doing the 100 yard oxygen tank dash
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Honey Badger on September 03, 2010, 11:16:27 pm
So, I am a newbie here so if this question has been answered previously I am sorry to waste your time.  I saw a post recently by a member who wanted to know why rear engines were not allowed in IMOW.  I can understand about the safety issues one might have with little experience and a rear engine with not much protection from a front engine mower.  However, I would love to get involved by starting out with this type of mower.  The AP class sounds like tons of fun, but I have no racing experience so this would be a foolish mistake to try and do this (plus I am sure I would irritate other people off with my inexperienced driving). I was wondering if people have been kicking around the idea of starting a rear engine IMOW type of class any time soon.  Have you guys heard anything regarding this???  -Alex- :confused:
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: George Herrin on September 03, 2010, 11:54:44 pm
Nope not even been discussed by anyone I am aware of.
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Rooster on October 22, 2010, 10:00:39 pm
Can these be self-propelled?  (maybe modified?) >:D

That's the only way I could run a full lap  :woo:

Can we get that by weight class. us old 300lb++++er's run slow  :D :D :D :D :D :rofl: :willynilly: :lol2:

Ok old post I know...but just now verified with AHLMR Tech!

Self Propelled Push mowers may be used, however, riders seat must be securely attached to flywheel.
HP rating of engine to be set at 5HP per 100lbs of combined passenger weight!

I would suggest stirrups....
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: oldguyretired on October 24, 2011, 02:01:54 pm
hey  Rooster.  Old guy retired here.  Just a quick note to say I'm back.  Only challenge is to figure out how to run this darned putter. I'll be in touch later.  Gary
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Rooster on October 24, 2011, 02:36:18 pm
hey  Rooster.  Old guy retired here.  Just a quick note to say I'm back.  Only challenge is to figure out how to run this darned putter. I'll be in touch later.  Gary
Awesome!
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: JSRacing on November 19, 2011, 03:24:46 am
Is IMOW strictly for Flatheads and Mod-X for OHV's?
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: George Herrin on November 19, 2011, 07:56:41 am
not any more. IMOW now allow ohv motors
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: JSRacing on November 19, 2011, 02:43:17 pm
not any more. IMOW now allow ohv motors
Ok - what is the HP limit for IMOW OHV's?
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Tazz914 on November 19, 2011, 02:46:39 pm
17hp if im not mistakin
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: JSRacing on November 19, 2011, 03:10:58 pm
17hp if im not mistakin
mine is 17.5 would that slide or would i have to be in Mod-X class?
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: tsmith1499 on December 02, 2011, 09:22:06 pm
If it's a Kawasaki FB540 it's 17hp.
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: JSRacing on February 29, 2012, 02:51:46 am
If it's a Kawasaki FB540 it's 17hp.
yeah - my bad, I'm assuming I pulled that .5 out of the air for no apparent reason whatsoever lol - thanks for the clarification.
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: GRUBDIGGER on February 29, 2012, 09:56:43 am
MOD-X-R YOU CAN USE A 17.5.
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: ARC C63 on May 28, 2012, 12:42:28 am
rooster if you dont mind can you do me a faver and renew this with all these new classes is was at the Arma race up in NH this weakend and i race Us rules and with all the new class in both i dont kown
like is one of the new us class a super mod?
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: saltyAMF on May 28, 2012, 08:45:20 am
fx-s and fx-t adam.   if you read the 2012 us rulebook itll tell you everything you want to know
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Rooster on May 28, 2012, 01:28:09 pm
I suppose this is do for an update lol
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: Ladyblaze on August 22, 2012, 07:24:48 pm
Do have a question about rookies like me; I raced in hobby stock and in England SCCA so I am climbing onto a built lean mean mowing machine and I would have to start all over in the class where my twin Courage 22 has to race to get experience?
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: PitCrewdad on August 20, 2015, 06:08:01 pm
Thanks for the class definitions. Now I know where to start my builds. I will Also look for the rule books to make sure I am in compliance with them. This looks like it can get insane.
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: gogo on April 11, 2016, 11:11:39 pm
when are we going to hear more about the GPT class .
Title: Re: The Classes of Mower Racing Explained
Post by: joe calabrese on August 15, 2017, 01:11:24 pm
Thank you Rooster for the great information on The classes.
It is greatly appreciated.