For some dedicated petrol-heads the wait was finally over on Saturday as the British Lawn Mower Racing championships got under way.

The cutting edge sport took place on a large, grassy race track in the village of Billinghurst in West Sussex.

There are four race categories depending on the type of lawnmower, ranging from roller-driven mowers with seats to wheel-driven varieties.

For safety reasons the mower blades are removed for racing!

Grass roots sport: British Lawnmower Racing event begins | https://t.co/EzxE5OWbaA pic.twitter.com/8bPkj9YQwt — RTÉ News (@rtenews) May 6, 2019

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According to the British Lawn Mower Racing Association, lawnmower racing began in 1973.

Defending British champion for Group 3, Dean Fuller, thinks the continued appeal of the sport is rooted in the camaraderie of the racing community.

"I think people keep coming back. It's one big family. Everybody's here to help each other," he told media.

"It's really close racing and it's affordable which makes it probably the most appealing thing for most people," he added.

The sport retains the same objectives as when it began, with no sponsorship, commercialisation or cash prizes allowed.

The British Championship takes place from May to October.