About WAMRA

2016 to 2026

Our story

Written with input from past and present members.

1. 2016

   Founding years

   In 2016, the Boddington Rural Expo planned to hold what was believed to be the first mower race in Western Australia. (It turns out it wasn't quite the first, as mower racing had apparently been held at the Royal Show around ten years earlier.)

   The Expo organisers contacted AROLMRA for help setting up the event and sourcing five race mowers for local participants. Then-President Di and Carilynn from AROLMRA flew over to help run the event and provide commentary.

   Following the success of the event, Boddington Ride On Racing Mowers (BRRM) was formed shortly afterwards, with Bradley Hewton as the club's founding President.

   Our first track was at the Boddington Rodeo Arena. After two or three follow-up events, we were politely asked to race elsewhere after the mowers made a little too much of a mess of the arena surface! A local farmer then set up a track in one of his paddocks, and invitations started coming in to race at events like Narrogin Revheads, the Wagin Burnouts and other community events.

2. 2018

   Becoming WAMRA

   As interest grew, the club rebranded to the Western Australian Mower Racing Association (WAMRA) and began racing at agricultural shows and events across the state, including racing at Beverley alongside WATPA.

   2018 also marked WAMRA's first interstate event, when James, Quade and Jarad attended the inaugural Mowers at Meningie hosted by SALMRA in South Australia. WAMRA played a major role in helping establish South Australia's first mower racing club.

3. 2019

   WA vs SA

   In April 2019, WAMRA hosted the WesternNats at Beverley. South Australia brought over a truckload of mowers, starting a friendly WA versus SA rivalry. A perpetual trophy was introduced, with the event to alternate between the two states.

4. 2020

   A new home

   The pandemic disrupted those plans, and the interstate challenge never fully got its momentum back.

   That same year, WAMRA raced at Pinjarra for the first time after being contacted to run several events there. It quickly became a staple venue alongside regular Beverley race meetings, while the club kept attending events like Wandering, the Chudacud Cup, Kellerberrin and many other regional shows.

   Through the post-pandemic years the club steadied, grew, and started planning for the future.

5. 2024

   A purpose-built track

   WAMRA reached one of the biggest milestones in its history by establishing its purpose-built home track at Pinjarra.

   Thanks to the incredible generosity of members, volunteers and mates who donated countless hours of labour, machinery, clay and limestone, a simple grass paddock was transformed into a dedicated racing facility that WAMRA is proud to call home.

   WAMRA also ran its first ever night racing events. Racing under lights brought a whole new atmosphere to the sport and another exciting chapter to the club's history.

6. 2026

   10 years and counting

   WAMRA celebrated its 10-year anniversary and entered its second decade with a strong focus on growth and sustainability, and a positive, inclusive club culture where every member is valued, respected and encouraged to have a voice.

   Racing expanded to Bunbury Speedway, work continued on the Pinjarra home track with the generous support of our sponsors, and WAMRA became a registered low-risk food business, bringing food to race days for members, volunteers and spectators.

From humble beginnings in the Boddington Rodeo Arena to race meetings across WA, interstate competition and a purpose-built home track in Pinjarra, it's been quite a ride. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey. Here's to the next 10 years! 🏁