Mower and kart races were held Saturday at the O.D. Tucker Arena at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds. Nineteen karts and 36 mowers were entered, according to organizers. Some of the machines can reach up to 44 mph. Heat races are 10 laps and decide which drivers advance to the 20-lap premium race.
The competition is named for Lou Sargeant III, a longtime chairman of the Fair Association's mower and kart racing committee who died two years ago from cancer. Organizers held a moment of silence for him on Saturday. The Lone Star Mower Racing Association has conducted the races for the past two years. The Fair has hosted the racing for 14 years.
Needville High School freshman Chevy Zwahr, 14, finished first in her heat, and her sister Ava, 13, finished fourth. Waylon Wright, 10, of Hallettsville, also won his heat. Annsley Howard, 20, took home two awards. Organizers said a growing number of young people are taking up the sport.
Committee chairman Justin Lamensky said he would like to see more spectators. The crowd was small on Saturday.