UPDATED: Julie Walters set to start lawn mower race

by · July 30, 2014

UPDATE: The lawn mower race occurred yesterday, with the Northerners’ Kick Grass 3 team taking the checkered flag. According to The Argus, the event raised hundreds of pounds for the Ingfield Manor School for children with cerebral palsy.

They also posted a photo of Julie Walters waving the British flag to start the race. Check it out below:

 

Julie Walters lawn mower race

We’ve all heard of car and bike racing as being a common sport in today’s society, but what about lawn mower racing… for 12 hours? Yes, you read correctly! On August 9 at Five Oaks near Billingshurst (West Sussex), the annual 12-hour lawn mower race is set to take place, and announced to signal the start of said race is none other than Harry Potter actress Julie Walters (Molly Weasley). The race will start at 8:00 p.m. BST, and Walters will be there ready to drop the flag.

The location is situated just off the A29, and although the race doesn’t start until 8:00 p.m, qualifying begins at 3:15 p.m. BST and is open to the general public. From an official statement given by the organizers, the event is described as such:

If you think that ride-on mowers can’t offer much of a spectacle, think again! It’s slightly eccentric, admittedly, but the racing is guaranteed to be fast, fun and furious.

The teams of three drivers (male and female) compete throughout the night at speeds approaching 50 mph – and without any form of suspension other than a padded seat, this is no stroll in the park!

There’s an entry fee of just £6, and it is free of charge for children. Parking at the event is free also, and trackside catering will be available. Money made from the entry fee will be going to charity, specifically Ingfield Manor School for children with cerebral palsy.

Locals who are unable to make the race are encouraged to listen in on Radio Le Mow, 87.7 FM. Last year, a new record was made, currently standing at 348 miles – will the record be broken again this year?

Do you live near the area in which the race will take place? Are you thinking about heading down there to see Julie drop the flag? Let us know with your comments.