Project Runningblade
A cut above the rest – a new WORLD RECORD!
D'Arcy Myers, WHB CEO and world-record breaking driver
Don Wales on the fastest lawnmower in the world!
About a year ago self labelled ‘petrol head’ Stephen Vokins came to us with his plan to break the world land speed record for a lawnmower (I kid you not), whilst raising funds and awareness for Wessex Heartbeat. This was more than just ‘pub talk’. This was going to be a serious attempt by a hand picked team of experts, including world record holding driver Don Wales to bring the record over the pond (oh yes, there’s a whole world of lawnmower racing stretching across the shores!) from the USA to Great Britain.
Over the weekend, the hottest of the year so far, Project Runningblade’s cutting edge lawnmower took to Pendine Sands on the south coast of Wales and smashed the previous world record of 80.792mph by setting a new one of 87.833mph! The lawnmower had to cut grass on the day to qualify for the record.
Previous record holder Bobby Cleveland and his supporters came over from the States for the attempt, needless to say much banter was had. All taken in good humour, though the Americans were rumoured to have begun drawing up their comeback plan before they had checked out of the hotel!
Gold Eagle Co., who sponsored Bobby’s attempt presented Wessex Heartbeat with a cheque for £1,104. This generous donation will fund the running of Heartbeat House for a week. Our heartfelt thanks go to all those at Gold Eagle for so kindly thinking of us.
Our warm thanks to all the Project Runningblade team, its supporters and Beaulieu National Motor Museum.
