A speed freak has claimed a new world speed record after hitting 96mph – on a LAWNMOWER.
Bobby Cleveland reached the staggering speed on a modifed mower at the famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA.
The gutsy American, nicknamed the Engine Answerman, previously held the record when he hit 80mph in 2006 but lost the title earlier this year to thrillseeker Don Wales.
Brit racer Wales, the grandson of legendary speed king Sir Malcolm Campbell, reached 87mph on the back of ‘Project Runningblade’ in June at Pendine Sands in Carmarthenshire, west Wales.
Cleveland, from Georgia, said: “When I set the record back in 2006, I never dreamed I’d be able to go back and do it again.
“Then the Brits stole my record, so I just had to beat Don Wales.”
On Cleveland’s first run he beat Wales’ record, reaching 88.9mph before crushing that speed on a second run – hitting 96.5mph.
Cleveland had his own personal pit crew made up of members of the United States Lawn Mower Racing Association.
To comply with regulations Cleveland then rode the ‘104 Mower’ over a strip of grass purposely laid out on the jaw-dropping salt pan.
The jubilant American said: “I was hoping we would get my machine up to 100mph, or even 104, but 96 mph is still a record and pretty fast on a lawnmower.
“I feel like the luckiest guy alive, it scared me so good!”
Don Wales was one of the first to congratulate Cleveland on his achievement.
He said: “Bobby was there when I broke his record and he told me to savour it as I wouldn’t have it for long so.
“When I heard Don had taken the record back I was one of the first to congratulate him, via Facebook.
“The grass roots of land speed record breaking is turning into a battle between Britain and America and we’d love to have another crack down at Pendine Sands.
“We’ve got the means, all we need is a bit of sponsorship and the race is on to 100mph.”
