What was once described as a goat track with cracks all through it has gone through an amazing transformation to provide a new sport for Inverell.
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Upgrades completed by Inverell Lawn Mower Sport Club members put the track ever so close to being the first recognised lawn mower racing venue in NSW.
Club secretary Steve 'Jacko' Jackson said members have been working closely with the NSW Government to have the venue licenced.
"We've been a club for four years, we have 35 members at present and a lot of paperwork has been done during that time being Crown Land but Inverell Shire Council has been great as well as senior constable Heath Roberts," Jacko said.
A State Government grant of $15,000 was provided to the club to help build a pit area, grandstands, canteen and upgrade the track.
Jacko said only a few more safety upgrades were needed before the possibility of being a licenced to race venue.
"We've just applied for another grant so fingers crossed we get that. The idea is to provide safer racing and invite travellers from QLD and Kempsey who are involved in the sport.
"The sports unofficial governing body the Australian Ride On Lawn Mower Racing Association (AROLMA) has offered us the 2021 National Titles. Last year 700 mowers went to the titles so it would bring a lot of people here," he said.
The club has been running regular test and tune days and working bee barbecues to keep members on the track and entice eager new racers.
Jacko said mower racing was a family sport run on Christian morals. The whole family are able to race in their own heats, on the same mower making the sport a cheaper option that includes every family member.
As a former go-cart racer himself, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall put petal to the metal to test out the new track; giving it a thumbs up.
Mr Marshall congratulated the club for developing a fantastic facility with huge potential to host local, state and national race meets in the not too distant future.
"Mower sports racing is really starting to take off right across Australia because it's something different, it's fun and most importantly it's affordable for people.
"There is still a bit of work to be done with this track but once complete this will provide an opportunity for the sport to grow and get more people involved," he said.
Admitting it had been a few years between jumping on the mower, Mr Marshall thought he might be a little rusty, but he was quite the opposite.
"I absolutely love it. It's very easy to participate in and a great sport to watch. It is safe and all modifications done to the mowers are under strict guidelines."
Jacko hoped the track would be licenced and race ready early next year.
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