No matter their size or speed, tractors are a big source of entertainment in southwestern Ontario
CBC
When you think about tractors, you're probably more apt to envision them rolling along in a field, with a farmer in the driver's seat, in the midst of doing work.
But across parts of Essex, Lambton and Kent counties in southwestern Ontario, you'll also find they can provide a real sense of community, entertainment and competition.
What might be seen as unusual by some, is the norm for many others across rural parts of the region, when it comes to tractors.
The Western Ontario Outlaws Lawn Tractor Racing Club holds races for souped-up riding lawnmowers in Petrolia, from the end of May until October, as well as at local fairs and festivals.
Members of the club meet every other Saturday night during this time to kick up dust around an oval track — with speeds on some machines up to around kilometres per hour.
They race in five different classes with 47 current members. Juniors are as young as five years old — all the way up to the outlaw class where the motors are modified.
Corey LaPointe is the club's president and says despite there being no prize money, it can get really competitive.
"We're all friends, but yeah, out there on the track, you have to prove a point," said LaPointe. When you get into the higher classes there, when the green flag drops and you step on the throttle, the response is right there. You're like taking off."
The tractors have had the blades removed and the rules state they must be built on a lawn tractor frame with some modifications.
LaPointe says like a lot of motor hobbies it's easy to get carried away with tweaking and spending.
"Junior [age] you're around $500-$600. You get up into the pro modifications … it's endless. I just built a machine two years ago and I started out with an $8,000 budget and I probably went up to about $12,000."
The track is located on Oil Heritage Road in Petrolia. That's just south of Petrolia Line.
While not as unique as lawnmower racing, the more classic plowing matches continue in Chatham-Kent.
The 86th annual Chatham-Kent Plowing Match is set for next weekend.
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