Media Mow A Meadow - Honda Lawnmower Challenge Race Report

Media Mow A Meadow
Honda Lawnmower Challenge
Race Report 12 July 2001, Silverstone

Honda powered teams of a different kind were competing for a place on the
straw bale podium yesterday (Thursday) in the 2001 Honda Lawnmower
Challenge, which took place next to Silverstone circuit despite inclement
weather conditions and last-minute changes to the driver line-up. 

The victorious F1 Racing fought off strong competition from 10 other teams
made up of the British media, Honda (UK) and a late entry from Team Japan,
in an event organised by Honda and presided over by the British Lawnmower
Racing Association (BLRA). BAR Honda’s Olivier Panis and Jordan Honda’s
Jarno Trulli started the first race at 1230hrs following a photo shoot
with the competitors on the grid, who were all kitted out in BAR and
Jordan fire suits.

All teams drove identical Honda 2216 ride-on lawnmowers, powered by the
new 16hp V-twin air-cooled Honda engine. The vehicles, which were liveried
in Lucky Strike BAR Honda and Benson and Hedges Jordan Honda team colours
for the event, feature a hydrostatic drive for smooth operation at any
speed, which clearly proved beneficial to the majority of competitors.
 
Dubious activity in the F1 Racing pits meant that competitors and
spectators were subjected to an anxious few minutes as they waited for the
result of the first heat. Following a steward’s inquiry, Bob Constanduros,
commentator and Chief Race Steward, announced the somewhat controversial
decision to allow F1 Racing’s Oliver Peagam, Tom Clarkson, Mark Thompson
and Anthony Peacock through into the final. Their rivals, Autosport, Honda
(UK) and the Tabloids, maintained a dignified silence, being forced to
acknowledge the superior race strategy of the winning team.

After a short rain delay, and an essential refuel for the drivers, the
final took place with the winners of the three heats, Sutton Images, Team
Freelance and F1 Racing. The tension was almost unbearable, with the lead
changing several times and plenty of vehicle contact, but F1 Racing just
managed to hold off the best efforts of Sutton Images and Team Freelance,
to take victory in the inaugural Honda Lawnmower Challenge.

The winning team obviously enjoyed the podium celebrations, but it was
hard to tell whether they were more excited about the Honda Izy lawnmower
they each received or the congratulatory kiss from ITV’s Louise Goodman.  

Oliver Peagam, Deputy Editor and Team Manager of F1 Racing, said: “Our
pre-race training and commitment shone through on the day. Talent clearly
abides at F1 Racing, even behind the wheel of a Honda lawnmower. The
opposition was strong but we are very happy to have won. Next year we’ll
take on allcomers.” 

Photos of the Honda Lawnmower Challenge are available on the Honda media
website: www.honda-gp.com, user name: honda, password: ginther


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