When it comes to lawn mower racing, Cedar Creek Lake is the place to go.

The Lone Star Mower Racing Association recently gave the Gun Barrel City Council  a certificate honoring the city as the "Best Racing Venue" on its circuit.

Mike Howell, who is also known as "Crash," presented the award to Mayor Jim Braswell at a council meeting.

"We would like to present this certificate to Gun Barrel City for having the best track in the area," Howell said. "We would like to race here more often."

Gun Barrell City hosted lawn mower racing during its two past fall festivals that attracted large crowds to the city.

During previous reports to the council, City Manager Gerry Boren said the lawn mower races helped make the fall festivals big sucesses. "They're a lot of fun," he said.

Braswell said the city would consider holding two lawn mower races every year, and that the track might be enhanced to make it even more attractive to the racing asociation.

The Lone Star Mower Racing Association (LSMRA) was formed in 1998 as a Chapter of the United States Lawn Mower Racing Association (USLMRA), according to the organization's website. Lawn mower racing originated in England.

The LSMRA and USLMRA are sponsored by Sta-bil Fuel Stabilizer and K&N Filters.

The basic concept is to remove the blades from a lawn mower, build the mower according to the USLMRA's rules and regulations.  The racers speed and try to stay in front of all of the other racers.

Races begin with Hot Laps, allowing each class of racers to make five laps to get a feel for the track before the race begins.

The races begin with the Heat, which is the qualifying race for placement in the Feature Race. After the Heat, a short intermission follows to allow time to determine the line-up of the Feature Race. The Feature Race is 20 laps per class.

After the race, racers gather in the center of the track with their mowers. Spectators are then allowed in the Pits for a “Meet and Greet” where racers answer questions, sign autographs and are available for photos.

The LSMRA performs at venues in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. They are quality, family entertainment for Fairs, Barbeque Cook-offs, Festivals, Exhibitions and Private Events.

For information visit: http://lsmra.com/

Pictured below are Braswell and Howell.