Photo: Stock.Xchng

You probably didn’t know what the speed record for a lawn mower was, but that record has just been broken in west Wales. Don Wales rode a custom-built machine (which had to pass a grass-cutting test to prove that it was, primarily, a lawnmower) along the beach to smash the previous record of 80.069mph – then beat his own record speed. The record-setter still hasn’t reached his goal, though, so he might just be back for more in the near future.

It’s the custom

The lawnmower that Wales drove to beat the speed record is a custom-made model – but that doesn’t mean that it’s not good for cutting the grass, too. Before attempting to break the record, the team had to take part in a public demonstration of grass-cutting. World record regulations state that the machine used in this kind of event needs to be made primarily from lawnmower parts – and future challengers will have to undergo the same testing.

One more time

Photo: Stock.Xchng

After breaking the record, what was the next step? Breaking it again, of course. After hitting 86.069mph on Saturday, Wales went back on Sunday and broke his own record by travelling at 87.833mph on Sunday. Why the second attempt? Well, the team had actually been hoping that they’d pass the 100mph mark – but that, it seems, will have to wait.

Just like granddad

Wales’ granddad is also a record holder: he set the world land speed record in 1924, driving a car – on the exact same spot where his grandson’s record speed for a lawnmower was set. It seems that a need for speed runs in the family – and although Wales’ spokesperson hasn’t been clear about whether he’ll be back to attempt to reach his 100mph goal, it seems likely enough.

Tags: lawnmower