By ohnson 
Huge red race seat, a big black tail wing, and a smaller one up front for downforce and a touch of asymmetry.
Okay, so is that a basic sprint car?
Nah, it’s a lawn mower.
The midway area of Volusia Speedway Park is filled with State Fair-style foods to be savored, but there are also numerous commercial vendors like Arctic Cat, die-cast sales (Ray’s Racing Collectibles), and for the very first time, Ferris Mowers has showcased its product in the Sunshine State.
A rather substantial display of Ferris Mowers products takes up a decent-sized area in the midway. If you have the opportunity, make time to stop by and have a look because there’s a unique-looking mower parked right out front.
Al Latta, a distributor from the northern part of Ohio, decided to be creative. Along with Ferris Mowers’ Bill Shea, he said that race track exposure generates significant business for the company and its dealers.
This “racing mower” generates a certain amount of interest, and Al proudly talked about his creation. He said, “It’s an IS3200 and it’s new this year. I’ve built four of these previously. Each one is a bit more advanced.”
One of the major additions is “a new red racing seat donated by Bill Shea. I wasn’t sure if I’d like it, but I really do.”
The racing mower is a popular attraction in Northwestern Ohio. Al said, “I take it to all kinds of special events, and we might take 200 to 300 pictures a day with fans on it. It’s one of the highlights at the events we attend.”
Continuing, he said, “It’s fast, but not overly fast since it has these rather small tires on it.”
He did mention having a crash with it. Al explained, “We were at Eldora during the Dream Weekend, and last year I hit the fence with it. I tried to do a burnout, but got stuck high up, caught a rut, and crashed into the fence. The announcer had a great time with that.”
Latta noted, “This is just something I enjoy doing. I like to build, and it’s a conversation starter wherever we go.”
Al has received support from several drivers and is involved in 360 Sprints, 410s, and other classes, as well as the tractor pull circuit.
Promotion is a key to business, and Latta feels this is a worthwhile endeavor. He said, “It’s amazing how much racing impacts our business. In fact, this is the first year we’ve come to Florida, and I feel we’re already making a strong impression. We’re not really well-known down here, but this is already helping to build awareness of Ferris Mowers. We’ve already set up a demonstration in St. Augustine.”
Latta loves what he’s doing as he’s been involved in this type of business for decades. He realizes his racing mower attracts interest and attention in spreading the brand name, and you can tell from spending a few moments with him how much he enjoys the people who stop and take the time to inquire about what he’s doing at Volusia Speedway Park.