Published: June 27, 2009 11:59 pm      

Fourth of July special

‘Little 500’ lawnmower race is set for Saturday in Twelve Mile

The 47th edition of the “Little 500” lawnmower race is scheduled for Saturday at Plank Hill Park in Twelve Mile. Festivities sponsored by the Twelve Mile Lions Club will begin at 11:30 a.m. with the start of the parade preceding final qualifying.

Polesitters for this year’s races are Mark Rudicel and Greg Zimpleman. Rudicel will lead the pack in the Briggs division with a fast lap time of 28.71 mph. In the modified division, Zimpleman will lead them to the line after qualifying at 30.23 mph.

Zimpleman will be participating in his eighth 500 and after qualifying second last year, will be leading the pack for the first time in his racing career when the green flag flies next Saturday.

“It was just pure luck to qualify where I did. I just went out, ran it hard, and had fun driving it. At the end of the day, there I was,” said Zimpleman.

Zimpleman will have his hands full when the race begins as the Troyer family will be close on his heels. The Troyers are to Twelve Mile as the Unsers are to Indianapolis and with Troyers in positions 2, 3, 4, 6, and 11, Zimpleman has his work cut out for him.

“I don’t know what it is they’ve figured out about the place but whatever they’re doing seems to work,” he said.

In addition to the Troyer five, Zimpleman thinks there are others who will be toward the front by the end of the day.

“Chuck Warpenburg and Chris Ulerick both usually run real well at Twelve Mile and I’m sure they’ll be a threat to win as well,” said Zimpleman.

After the finish of the parade there will be a final 20-lap qualifier taking place at approximately 12:45 p.m. in an attempt to fill the field at 33 mowers. When the field has been set, the Briggs division will take the green flag at approximately 1:30 p.m. with the modifieds getting started after the Briggs race.

Race organizer Mark Lowe states that there will be other activities taking place over the weekend. On Friday there will be a 3-on-3 basketball tournament taking place and at dusk there will be a fireworks show at Plank Hill Park. All race festivities will take place Saturday in and around the park.

Admission to the race is $5 for adults and $1 for kids 6-12. Kids under 6 are admitted free of charge.