(Fri 04 Dec 09)

We knew that lawnmower racing was a sport (there are even 24-hour events) but we admit that we were unaware of an official speed record for the things. But, rather wonderfully, there is one. In 2007, Bob Cleveland was clocked at 80.792mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, which we think you'll agree is very impressive indeed.

Stephen Voskins, who has worked at the Beaulieu estate - home of the National Motor Museum - for the last 27 years, was certainly impressed after watching a video of the run, but he also thought that a higher speed was possible. And so began Project Runningblade, whose goal is to push a lawnmower beyond the 100mph barrier.

The machine has been built by Countax and will be driven (or ridden, or whatever you do with lawnmowers) by Don Wales, grandson of multiple record holder Sir Malcolm Campbell. And the attempt will be made at Pendine Sands in Wales, the very same venue where Sir Malcolm set a new outright land speed record back in 1925.

In order to qualify for a mention in the Guinness Book of Records, the Countax will have to demonstrate that it can actually cut grass by doing so on the same day that it makes its record attempt. But not at the same time.

More on all this at www.projectrunningblade.co.uk.

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