Dylan Hartsfield (left) and Seth Hendley roar down the straightaway during Sunday's lawnmower races. The pair was among the fifteen RHS students who competed on the day. [Click to enlarge]

A crowd of around 200 people gathered at the Rector Arena Sunday to see the students of Jason Murray's Small Gas Engines class put their studies to the test in their second annual lawnmower race. Those present received an added bonus, as members of the Arkansas Lawnmower Racing Association, featuring Rector native Kinley Gatewood, also held four races on the day.

Beautiful conditions greeted both participants and spectators, as the warm, sunny day provided ideal racing conditions.

"I think the weather really helped us," Murray said. "It was a pretty day and people were willing to come out. We were fortunate to have the kind of day we did."

The weather wasn't the only success story on the day. With a large number of variables, including 15 students racing 17 lawnmowers, the events of the day seemed to consistently go off without any noticeable hitches.

"Things went relatively smooth," Murray said. "I thought the kids did a really good job with their lawnmowers and had them ready to go. All-in-all, I was very pleased with how things went."

Along with the outstanding efforts of his students, Murray also praised the members of the Arkansas Lawnmower Racing Association for their assistance and expertise.

"They really helped us out a lot," Murray said. "They brought in a PA system and an announcer so we could really keep the crowd involved. Plus, the racers were there to help the kids if they needed it and offer advice. We really appreciate those guys and everything they did."

Like last year, the students raced in heats with two competitors on the track at a time. This method, which has proved successful, is also a safety precaution. With less congestion on the track, the student racers are not as likely to make contact during a race. A total of 10 student races were held in an elimination-type round with winners advancing. The finals came down to Thomas Bagwell facing off against last year's champion Wesley Milbourne. In a hard-fought heat, Bagwell came away with the victory.

Even though the students were ultra-competitive, Murray noted the quality sportsmanship shown by his students.

"These kids were really good to help their classmates in any way they could. You'd see three or four students helping another with his mower in-between races. It was about everybody coming together and having a good time."

Milbourne was an example of this, as the talented young mechanic went as far as loaning his own mowers to his fellow students just so they could continue to take part in the event.

"I was proud of my kids for not only their hard work, but for the character they showed," Murray said. "We've got some great kids here and it really shows through when we do things like this."