In the heart of West Sussex, the quiet village of Wisborough Green is transformed each summer into a roaring arena of grassroots motorsport. Forget sleek racing cars and paved circuits—here, the stars of the show are garden-variety lawn mowers, souped-up and ready to tackle the legendary Le Mow, a 12-hour race that has become the stuff of local legend and motorsport folklore alike.
Le Mow, as it’s affectionately known, started life in 1973 in the most British of settings: a village pub. A group of friends, disillusioned by the rising costs and commercialization of traditional racing, hatched a plan to reclaim the sport’s spirit by racing lawn mowers instead. More than half a century later, the event remains fiercely true to its roots—affordable, accessible, and powered by the camaraderie of its participants.
Every year, as the clock strikes 19:00 BST, dozens of drivers line up at the start line, engines humming and nerves tingling. The challenge? To complete as many laps as possible before 07:00 BST the next morning. It’s not just a test of speed—though these modified mowers can hit a remarkable 55 mph—but of endurance, teamwork, and, let’s face it, a bit of stubbornness.
Teams typically consist of three drivers, each taking shifts behind the wheel. Every 45 minutes, it’s into the pit lane for a mandatory stop—time to refuel, patch up battered mowers, and occasionally tend to battered bodies. Glyn Saunders, a 54-year-old veteran of the circuit, knows the toll all too well. “I’ve not had any bad injuries, only broken ribs,” Saunders told the BBC with a wry grin. For many, just finishing the grueling overnight slog is a badge of honor.
But there are those who chase more than just the finish line. Daz Whitehead, representing the team Northerners Kick Grass, stands as the most decorated driver in Le Mow history. His seventh victory last year capped a 26-year run of success—an extraordinary feat by any motorsport standard. Yet, this year, Whitehead’s focus was less on silverware and more on sentiment. “Mark Rostron, who was part of our winning team last year, sadly passed away a couple days after last year’s race,” Whitehead reflected. “The idea is just to race in his memory and what will be will be in terms of result.”
The spirit of Le Mow is unmistakably inclusive, but it’s also a powerful testament to the allure of affordable motorsport. Nick Webb, a first-timer this year, summed it up: “It’s one of the cheapest forms of motorsport, which is probably why most people are getting into it. The cart will probably cost you about £1,000, and the entrance fee’s £65.” Compare that to the astronomical costs associated with even entry-level car racing, and it’s easy to see why Le Mow has become a magnet for enthusiasts from all walks of life.
One of the most striking stories this year comes from Indianna Winchester, a 28-year-old whose racing pedigree started in motocross but found a new home on the grass. “It’s a different kind of sport,” Winchester explained. “The endurance is obviously so much longer and there’s no suspension, so the back takes a bit of a beating.” Despite previous efforts to encourage female participation, Winchester remains the only woman in the 2025 field. “It would be nice to see some more women coming through,” she said. “I think if you’ve got the heart for it then why not go for it? There is no better feeling than beating the boys.”
The community aspect of Le Mow is as important as the racing itself. For locals like 23-year-old Alfie Walliss, the event has become an annual tradition. “We always saw signs but assumed it was just a cutting grass competition,” Walliss admitted. “Two years ago me and my family popped in and had a great time. We’ve never looked back.” That sense of belonging is echoed by Peter Hammerton, the event’s president. “I can confidentially say I’ve got 200 friends out there. And they’re all friends,” Hammerton declared. “It’s my life’s hobby and I’ve never even raced a mower.”
As dusk gives way to dawn, the fatigue sets in, but so does the sense of achievement. This year, after 12 relentless hours, it was Bullseye Racing who emerged victorious, having logged the most laps around the bumpy grass circuit. Their triumph was the result of meticulous teamwork, quick pit stops, and a bit of luck—because in a race where mechanical failure and driver exhaustion lurk around every corner, nothing is ever guaranteed.
Yet, as much as the race is about competition, it’s also about celebration—of ingenuity, perseverance, and the enduring appeal of doing things a little differently. The unique format, the modest costs, and the friendly rivalry have all combined to make Le Mow a fixture not just in Wisborough Green, but in the wider world of alternative motorsport.
For those on the outside looking in, the idea of racing lawn mowers through the night might seem a touch eccentric. But for the drivers, mechanics, and supporters who return year after year, it’s a highlight of the summer—a chance to test themselves, honor old friends, and make a few new ones along the way.
And as the grass settles and the mowers are wheeled away until next year, there’s a sense that the true winners aren’t just the ones holding the trophy. They’re everyone who took part, cheered from the sidelines, or simply showed up for a slice of something gloriously, stubbornly, and uniquely British.
