Lawnmower racing is the in thing

If you thought mowing the lawn is not something that could be changed into a sport, think again, because lawnmower racing is the in thing in England.

Spring for England means the smell of fresh cut grass in the air as racers gather to rev their engines on noisy mowing machines.

On Sunday, lawnmowers gathered for the start of the British lawnmower racing season.

The race features three categories: roller-driven mowers, wheel-driven mowers, and wheel-driven lawn tractors.

"It's a little unusual, it's not like jumping in a car and turning the wheel and peddles and gears. You have got to learn how you lean, how you brake, the different types of surfaces. So it really does take three or four years before you get the hang of (it)," British champion of the wheel-driven variety, Dean Fuller, told reporters.

And if this is a sport you are interested in, you just need to make sure of the following:

Be above 10 years of age. You mower blades must be removed and the machine must have an engine safety cut-off switch and two brakes that work well.

The mower must be fueled by gas and for safety reasons, the rider has to wear a helmet, pants, long-sleeved shirt, gloves and decent shoes, plus proper neck support.

The finals will be held at Carolina Speedway in Gastonia, North Carolina.