VIDEO: One for the trophy room: Mark's mower racing glory

MARK Shipton's lawn is looking a bit scrappy but the trophy cabinet is looking good.

The 52-year-old, from Coes Creek, near Nambour, has just been crowned a national ride-on mower champion.

Mr Shipton won the "outlaw" class at last weekend's national titles at Yaamba, north of Rockhampton.

The quietly spoken instrument repairer was introduced to the sport by a customer 10 years ago.

"He used to come in and tell me how much fun it was so I went and had a look and got involved," Mr Shipton said.

His first race mower was a revamped Rover Rancher but he won the national title on a custom-built machine powered by a Briggs and Stratton V-twin engine.

The mowers, which have had their blades removed and engines tweaked for maximum speed, are capable of burning around the track at 85-90kmh.

Mr Shipton, who has previously raced motorcycles and go-karts, said ride-on racing was an affordable but exciting motor sport with a social side.

He likes nothing better than sitting around a camp fire with other racers at a meet.

"The racing can get a bit intense but you always remain good friends and have good fun," he said.