The lawnmower racing fraternity is a close-knit crew with a shared passion.
For those who know their motors, the process is simple enough.
An old ride-on mower is sourced for a few hundred dollars, even less if the right deal presents itself.
Cutting blades are removed and a motorcycle engine replaces the trusty mower motor, and a new racing machine is ready to tear up the track.
According to veteran lawnmower racer Ray Mackay, of Lakes Entrance in Victoria’s east, competition during Monday night practice could be very serious, despite the light-hearted nature of the sport.
“You're fair dinkum enough, we're all racers when you get the helmets on and engines revving. It doesn't matter what [lawnmower] you're on,” he said.
Mr Mackay was born with spina bifida and uses a wheelchair. He is one of a growing number of Australians removing the blades from ride-on lawnmowers and converting them into racers.
“For me personally, it's fantastic to be able to sort of do something and be able to compete with the others," he said.
"It's great that with only slight modifications, I can get in one and still be very competitive."
A National Association now conducts regular racing meets in regional centres around Australia.
Dozens compete in the events, including Ray's son Ash who recently finished second at the Australian titles in Queensland.
He said it was the camaraderie, as much as the rush, which attracted him to the sport.
“I love racing alongside my dad in the shed at home, travelling to different places we haven't been, the whole family's involved,” he said.
The national association has more than 70 members, and there are four categories of competition.
The steady growth of the sport also means a small windfall for the many charities and community groups it supports.
Among them is the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, as well as local fire brigades and local projects.
Madelaine Mason is secretary of the Welshpool Recreation Reserve, which recently hosted a lawnmower racing event.
The rally raised several thousand dollars for a resurfacing project at the local basketball court which Ms Mason said was crucial for the community.
“[It's] very important, the more we can keep our kids active in sport the better, instead of them at home in front of the television,” she said.
Mr Mackay loves the pungent scent of racing fuel in the air, the camaraderie and the post-race banter - which includes speculating on the origins of the sport.
He said the concept came about when a “couple of blokes in a local bar were sort of debating who had the fastest ride-on one day, and they decided to go race it up a hill and back to see who was the fastest".
