It was perfect conditions for Moorngag Mower Mania on Saturday, April 1, with organisers describing it as the most important race in Australia that day.
Although committee chair Andrew Lavis did concede that the Formula One would have been entertaining.
“They have it easier than us though, as they don’t need to keep watering their track,” Mr Lavis said.
There was something for everyone at the event with food and drink, including a bar as well as a display of model trains in the hall.
““It’s going well,” Mr Lavis told the Ensign after the morning heats.
“We’ve had a lot more entries this year, and with the extra paperwork we started a bit late.
“But we’re very happy. We’ve got people from all over Victoria, from NSW, from Canberra.
“There’s actually a guy who flew in from Taiwan. He had some mates taking part and wanted to race himself.
"Rod Farmer, a colleague of mine from Benalla Bus Lines, has coordinated the model railway display and has done a great job.
“The bulk of the guys involved with that are from the Goulburn Valley Train Club.”
There were long queues for food in between races with many commenting on how good it was.
“It’s good food,” Mr Lavis said.
“My wife Anthea puts it together, they’re all made fresh, proper burgers with proper meat. They’re very tasty.
“We also have the coffee van, they also do milkshakes and cold drinks, and we have instant coffee and salad rolls inside the hall.”
The highlight of the day for most was the racing, which took place in four categories.
- Juniors — up to 110cc;
- C Class — up to 200cc;
- B Class — up to 250cc; and
- A Class — up to 450cc.
“It’s the A Class that can hit 100km/h,” Mr Lavis said.
“Probably not here as our straight’s not long enough, but we’ll see how fast they get.”
This event was postponed after October’s floods inundated the Moorngag Reserve.
The upside to that is ride-on mower racing fans won’t have to wait very long for the next Moorngag Mower Mania.
It will take place in November to coincide with the Benalla Festival.
Keep an eye out in the pages of the Ensign and at www.benallaensign.com.au for more on that.