This Sunday drivers will take to Hamilton’s Western Speedway  for the first round of the Victorian Mower Racing Association 2018/19 championship.

Hamilton Motorsports Park president Travis McIntosh wants the event to bring grassroots racing back to the town.

“This will be something no one has seen around here,” Mr McIntosh said.

Drivers from across Victoria and South Australia will race on modified lawn mowers with engine capacities up to 450cc.

Racers will travel up to 80km/h around a 400-metre track on the infield at the speedway.

“The track they will be running will have six or seven corners with a couple of chicanes in there,” Mr McIntosh said.

Spectators will be able to walk around the pit area to view the lawn mowers and talk to the drivers although they will not be allowed on the track.

Members of the Hamilton Motorsports Park committee will contest a novelty push mower race and a clown will be in attendance to entertain children.

Gates will open at 9am with racing commencing at 10.30am. 

Racing mowers must be built from a commercially available ride-on with as many of the original parts retained.

Motors can be built up to a capacity of 450cc but must use a carburetor.

Hamilton Motorsports Park secretary Adrian Rhook said riders were in for a bumpy, fast time because mowers had no suspension in them.

“You just hang on and turn,” Mr Rhook said.

Mr McIntosh is hoping to use the event as a fundraiser towards the construction of the Hamilton Motorsports Park.

“We are hoping to build an eighth mile drag strip, a burn out pad, a motor complex,” Mr McIntosh said.

Part of the proceeds will be donated to community groups such as scouts and guides.

Catering will be provided by the Western Speedway.

Entry cost is $5, with children under 16 admitted free.