2026 Lawnmowers & Mini Wedges Rules & Regulations
Northwestern Michigan Fair
Each driver & team member has an obligation to read these rules.
● Drivers must be over the age of 18. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian signed waiver form. Officials reserve the right to reject or accept any and all registrations.
● All drivers must wear an automobile racing or motorcycle style safety helmet.
● Driver must wear long sleeve shirt, long pants, gloves, and closed toe shoes – riding gear is strongly
recommended.
● Every lawnmower and mini wedge entered in the event must be approved for competition by a fair official. Any
lawnmower and mini wedge may be re-inspected at any time.
● All lawnmowers subject to following requirements:
○ ALL CUTTING BLADES MUST BE REMOVED COMPLETELY.
○ Non-stock mowers must be equipped with an automatic throttle closing device (kill switch) which will turn off the ignition if the driver leaves the mower. Velcro is not acceptable. Pressure switches are not allowed. Kill switch must remain in a closed position (engine not running) until the driver mounts the mower. Additional Switches that can by-pass the kill switch are not allowed under any circumstance.
○ Mower brakes must be in good condition, operating on at least 2 wheels.
○ Fuel must be pump gas. The only additive allowed is STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer.
○ Mowers must be free of projections, which could injure the driver or a competitor, or damage another mower. No axle or wheel mounting bolts may protrude beyond the face of the tire sidewall. Mowers must be safe and complete, all parts and panels in place, with no missing nuts, bolts, cotter keys, etc. All exposed chains and sprockets must be fitted with metal guards, which will direct a broken chain downward.
○ Glass headlights must be taped or removed.
○ Any apparatus other than the carburetor which can be used to introduce any gaseous or liquid substance into the induction flow, whether connected or not, is prohibited.
● Bumping will not be tolerated.
● Only drivers and pit persons who sign a release form will be permitted in the pit area.
● Any driver/pit crew not obeying the rules will be disqualified. The driver is responsible for the actions of his/her pit crew in all respects. Unsportsmanlike conduct will result in disqualification. At any time during the event a driver and/or pit person(s) can be asked to leave the event for any reason.
● ABSOLUTELY NO ALCOHOL ON GROUNDS. Anyone under the influence of intoxicating beverages or drugs
prior to or during the race disqualifies the car and crew of the offending party.
● The Northwestern Michigan Fair team will not be held responsible for personal property or damage to any vehicle entering in the competition at any time.
● At any time during the event if any official rules a lawnmower/mini wedge unsafe it will be disqualified. If a vehicle is found illegal there will be no refund of the entry fee or pit passes.
● Max pit speed is 5 mph.
● Drivers must attend the drivers meeting held approximately ½ hour before race time.
● ABSOLUTELY NO PASSENGERS. Only the registered driver is permitted in the vehicle.
● All injuries must be reported before you leave the event area.
Flagging Signals
GREEN: The race/practice is underway when the green flag is waved.
YELLOW: Take care, Danger. NO PASSING ON ENTIRE COURSE. Drivers form a single line and close up with the leader, and follow the Starter’s directions. Very slow machines may signal following machines to pass under yellow.
YELLOW & WHITE: These two flags drawn together by the starter are to indicate that the field is not sufficiently bunched for the restart. If you see this signal, close it up!
RED: Stop racing immediately. Clear the course as much as possible.
BLACK: Generally for a driving infraction or equipment violation. Driver must complete lap and pull into the pits for consultation with the Chief Steward at the designated spot. A furled black flag means the driver must clean up his/her act or receive a full black flag.
WHITE: One lap to go.
WHITE When Crossed with GREEN it means half way-point.
CHECKERED: End of race or practice session. Driver must complete lap and pull into pits or impound area.
THE DECISION OF THE JUDGES, SCOREKEEPERS AND OFFICIALS WILL BE FINAL!
At time of registration all drivers and pit personnel must sign a waiver and release of liability and indemnity agreement. These rules will govern all Northwestern Michigan Fair events. All participants must comply with
these rules and regulations, it is furthermore agreed that all entries, pit crew, driver, owner, sponsors, safety personnel, law enforcement will comply with these rules. No expressed or implied warranties of any kind. This is a guide set forth for the conduct of the sport and in no way a guarantee against injury or death to the spectator, participant or official. The Northwestern Michigan Fair has the right to accept or reject any entrees without notice. Cash and prizes awarded at each event.