Since then, the Barooga local has raced his hand-built mowers every year for the past 15.
For 12 of those years, he’s also helped organise the annual Cobram Mower Races.
A motorcycle mechanic by trade, Stuart said he’s always been fairly competitive.
“I had a look and thought, ‘You know what? I can build one of these, race one of these and have a bit of fun’,” he said.
Years later, he’s enjoyed many memorable races. At this year’s Mower Races, he rode his custom-built Barooga Bullet II.
The former Cox Stockman ride-on lawn mower has received more than a fresh paint job.
With its factory-made engine replaced with the engine from a Honda XR 440cc motorcycle, it’s fair to say that Stuart’s ride is built for a little more than trimming the lawn.
He said he was very proud of his machine.
“It’s been a sturdy steed, and it’s held up to a lot of different races,” he said.
“The engine power’s good, it handles well, you can nudge a few hay bales, and it still stays in one piece compared to some other mowers that are built a bit light.”
With some fierce competition this year, Stuart was happy to make 5th in the A-class final.
He was joined by other Barooga locals like father and son duo Kevin and Blake Cameron, who finished first in the B-class and third in the junior class respectively.
For Stuart, a big part of what keeps him doing what he loves is the pleasure of watching the fruits of his labour blossom.
“It’s the satisfaction of building something, completing it and also getting some wins,” he said.
“You’ve hand-built something yourself, you’ve put it on the track, and it works really well, and you don’t have break-downs.”
But that’s not the only thing bringing him back to the track each year.
“I think it was [also] because of the adrenaline, and watching people get out and have a bit of fun,” he said.
“That’s what it’s all about.”
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