Wacky races in Castletown
The humble lawnmower became one of the star attractions at Castletown’s Southern Agricultural Show, with the event’s first sit-on lawnmower rally.
A field of 13 budding champions entered their machines in the circuit racing in front of an impressive crowd.
Organiser – and competitor – Robert Comish said it could become a regular fixture at the Southern Show.
‘It was a great event, an excellent success for the show, because it drew a massive crowd. It was three-deep all the way around the circuit,’ said Mr Comish.
‘The show committee was dubious to begin with, but they were amazed with how it went in the end, and we’ve been asked to hold it again next year which is brilliant.’
Roy Cottage is a Self Catering Manx holiday cottage, situated on the sea front, in Castletown, the ancient capital of the Isle of Man. Bringing news to the visitor of the Isle of Man.
Two heats came before a mass final, with many of the competitors entering into the spirit by racing in fancy dress. The competitive element came a distant second to the sense of fun.
‘Some of the lawnmowers were modified in their own ways. Well, my one was!’ said Robert. ‘Just for crowd entertainment, really. Some were totally standard.’
The eventual winner was Will Duggan, though Robert joked he ‘had it in the bag’ before a breakdown to his speedy mower forced him out of the running.
‘The atmosphere was great,’ he added. ‘Thank you to [the voice of the Purple Helmets] Derry Kissack for doing the commentating, he was absolutely brilliant, he made it.
‘What a guy – people were in stitches!’