A WORCESTERSHIRE-based lawnmower racing team have returned home after spending 12 hours on a frozen lake in Finland.
Despite the freezing temperatures and multiple tyre punctures, Grassholes came 14th out of 27 whilst racing around a frozen lake on February 14.
It was the first time the trio, Vinny Jones from Worcester, Harry Westby from Evesham, and Dan Ludlow from Evesham, had raced on ice, which they said was ‘great fun’ and likened to mud mixed with tarmac.
Mr Ludlow said: “We went to Finland with the aim of finishing, and we did that. We didn’t have high expectations, but it was a great experience. The cold was a big challenge; it was -28 when we stepped off the plane. All the mowers were frozen solid. The test day went well, and we qualified tenth through eleventh.
“The race started, but it quickly became apparent that our tyres were not good enough. We were getting a puncture every 30 minutes. We were quite surprised by the number of punctures because we had used nuts and bolts as spikes for grip. It was good fun and like driving on both mud and tarmac at the same time. But everyone was having problems with their tyres.
“We came 14th out of 27, which is a good achievement, and we will definitely be returning to try again”.
Grassholes was set up in 2023 after the trio, who have now competed in 13 events, bought the mower.
Speaking of what drew them to lawnmower racing, Mr Ludlow said: “Mowers can get up to 50, maybe 60mph on a good track.
“Lawnmower racing is amazing because it’s pretty cheap for a motorsport.
“Anyone can have a go and, because you’re not allowed sponsors, everyone chips in and if you need a spare part, someone will give you one.
“You just turn up in a field, race around all day for charity, and go home. It’s just good fun.”
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