Rector FFA host fourth annual lawnmower races

An estimated 150 spectators visited the Boydsville Arena Sunday for the fourth annual Rector FFA Lawnmower Races. The day included numerous races in both open and professional divisions.

"It was a good afternoon," FFA advisor Jason Murray said. "I thought we had a great crowd. Considering how the weather turned out Saturday with the rain, I thought we had a beautiful Sunday to race."

Among the estimated 30 racers were Rector students Westley Milburn, Cody Loveless, Seth Hendley, Logan Wesley, Blake Tracer and Thomas Masterson. Local adults Alan Milburn, Tony Loveless, Joseph Dodd, Perry Mason and Murray also participated in the event. Several professional racers from the Arkansas Lawnmower Racing Association took to the track, as well.

"There were racers from all over competing," Murray said. "We had a strong turnout from our local racers and the professionals, as well as students and adults from other schools. It's really branching out from where it was when we started."

While the event has seen an increase in popularity with those outside of the school, its importance in the classroom remains. The event caps off the work done by Murray's Small Gas Engines class.

"It's a type of incentive," Murray said of the race. "Instead of just tearing down a motor and putting it back together, they tear down the motor and get it ready for racing."

Murray said the students began working on their mowers immediately following the Christmas break. His students spent much of the final semester making preparations to take part in the race, he noted.

"They have a great time working on their mowers and getting them ready to race. They have that goal of actually putting together something on their own and using it in the race. It gives them something to look forward to while they're working."

Even though the students were competitive and each wanted to win, Murray noted the quality sportsmanship shown by those who took part in the event.

"These kids were really good to help their classmates in any way they could. You'd see three or four students helping another with his mower in-between races. It was about everybody coming together and having a good time."