Ohio used tractor race set for 14th year

Usually cars are used in racing, but an Ohio event has featured used tractors for more than a decade.
Usually cars are used in racing, but an Ohio event has featured used tractors for more than a decade.
Used tractors are becoming a popular avenue for not only trimming a lawn, but also in more competitive circles.

Ohio's Wapakoneta Daily News reported that Saturday, September 4, will feature the 14th running of the R and K Lawnmower Derby. The event was founded by Jeremy Resor and Chad Kantner, and this year will be held behind the town's Knights of Columbus hall.

The spot will feature a special track constructed for the event, and local charities will benefit. Originally, derby winners got cash prizes, but the two founders felt as though that made things too competitive, so they decided to give the money away.

"For the last two years, we had 800 people show up to watch," Resor told the paper. "I would like to hit 1,000 this year."

Resor added that 2009's event had 42 drivers and raised $7,000 for charities. He added that he hopes to see the event continue to grow, as it has for the last 14 years.

Similar events are held around the country, and there's even an official racing league for racing used tractors. The U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association was founded in 1992.