Ride-on lawnmowers may be cheaper, but they still give you speed, fun and thrills.

Riding them also takes guts, if the attitude of Yarrawonga’s John Lean is anything to go by.

“You go as hard as you can and try to slow down on the corners so you go very fast but not roll over,” he said.

“I usually don’t use brakes, you just go down a gear.”

Mr Lean is a regular competitor in Yarrawonga’s annual lawnmower races.

Yet try as he might, he and his lawnmower, “Wild Turkey”, have not been able to beat “Berrigan Monster” and his owner, a Berrigan motorbike mechanic in the past few years.

He’ll line up again today in the A class, for 251cc to 450cc lawnmowers, although Mr Lean isn’t yet sure if his arch rival will be there.

Spectators at the Lions Club fund-raiser could be in for some serious motorsport ferocity.

Unlucky and unwary competitors have sustained broken legs and broken collarbones in recent years.

The proceeds this year will be used on amenities at the Bundalong recreation reserve.

Gates open at the Yarrawonga Showgrounds at 6pm today, with adult charged $5 for admission.

Children are free.