World's fastest lawnmower

A new world land speed record has been set...for a bladed lawnmower.

The British Project Runningblade Team cut a new record on 23rd May, having already broken the previous record (set by American Bob Cleveland in 2006) the day before. The record speed of 87.833 mph (141.35kph) was set at Pendine Sands in Wales, UK, home of many world speed records for powered vehicles.

The idea to break Cleveland's time was hatched by Team Principal Stephen Vokins, a journalist and member of staff at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, England after undergoing life-saving surgery, although he stopped short of putting his life on the line for a second time and left the driving to somebody else.

That honour was given to Don Wales, grandson of one of the world's most famous land and water speed record holders, Sir Malcolm Campbell, and nephew of Donald Campbell.  Don was also the driver of the record breaking Steam Car attempt as reported by OATS last year.

The Countax mower, which had to be capable of actually cutting grass, was timed using traditional regulations for car records with the mower travelling over a measured mile in both directions, each run within an hour of each other.  The average time was then taken.