Wabash Plain Dealer’s Coverage of the 2007 Wabash County Lawnmower Race
4-H Lawn mower races a hit
By JOSH SIGLER, jsigler@wabashplaindealer.com
Monday, July 16, 2007
The smell of fuel fumes was out in full effect at the Wabash County 4-H Fairgrounds Outdoor Arena Monday night as area racing experts took to the newly constructed racetrack with a common goal: Taking home top honors in a race at the inaugural Wabash County 4-H Fair Lawn mower Races.
Houlihan Lawn Mower and Pries Turf Management were the corporate sponsors of the event, with a special thanks to the 4-H Fair Board, who allowed the event to go on at the Outdoor Arena.
And, when the dust literally settled, a fun time was had by all competitors, as well as those attendance.
Many spectators agreed that the races were a definite upgrade from the Monday Arena events in years past.
Wabash Plain Dealer Sports Editor Aaron Turner fulfilled public address announcer duties, and also helped organize the event.
For the first year, the event was viewed as an enormous success.
“This was the first time that lawnmowers have ever taken to the Outdoor Arena,” he said.
“And I'd say it went very well. We had a lot of racers that also raced in the 12 Mile 500 and last week's race at Rochester, and many of those guys drove 50-to-60 miles to compete in these races.
“I think we put on a good show that everyone enjoyed.”
There was a three way fight for first place in the second heat race of the Modified race.
And in the end, Adam Geisler passed Darren Ulerick for the lead on the sweeping left turn of the course near the end of the race, going on to take the checkered flag.
Brock Hinderlider was the overall champion in the Superstock finals. He had the fastest qualifying time to start on the pole, but started sixth because the field was inverted for the start.
“Although Hinderlider dominated the race, the Superstocks put on a great show,” Turner said.
Jerome Emory took second in the Superstock finals, followed by Chris Offutt in third, Dean Owens in fourth, Tyler Frazier in fifth, and Todd Martin rounded out the top six.
Peru's John Troyer made a pass on the sweeping left-hander of the final lap, overtaking Greg Zimpleman for the win in the Modified finals. Zimpleman had led the first 34 laps of the race, but Troyer made the pass on the inside of the first turn. Cullen Ulerick took third in the event.
“It doesn't get any better than the end of the Modified race,” Turner said.
“It was very exciting with the pass on the last lap.”
Turner and other organizers will look to make the lawn mower races an annual event at the 4-H Fair.
“We certainly hope that we can,” he said.
“And, we'd love to have more local people participating in the races.”