Motorsports

Racing deals

BLADE RUNNERS: In its annual observance of April Fool's Day, the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association is gearing up for its biggest season ever, including national TV coverage and the debut of the Monster Mower.

No, seriously.

The season opens April 12 in Bunnell and will cut a swathe from Maine to Kansas before culminating with the STA-BIL Keeps Gas Fresh Nationals and Challenge of Champions in Mansfield, Ohio, on Labor Day weekend. The finals will be shown on ESPN2 later in the fall.

The Monster Mower, a 2002 Snapper modified after the popular monster trucks, has a custom 40-horsepower engine with chrome headers, brush guard and roll bar. For more information, visit www.letsmow.com.

HE'S THE ROLLOUT TYPE: Oakland quarterback Rich Gannon, the NFL's Most Valuable Player last season, recently spent the day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with IRL driver Scott Dixon. The two found they had similar approaches to their sports, but neither was willing to trade places. Dixon, at 5-10, 150 pounds, doesn't think he would last too long in the pocket: "I'd probably do it once. Once I got hit, that would be the end of it."

STRIKING A CHORD: The Goo Goo Dolls and Hootie and the Blowfish have joined the lineup for the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert on June 28 at Daytona International Speedway. Sheryl Crow, Alabama, Brooks & Dunn and Kenny Chesney also will perform. Proceeds benefit the Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Tickets go on sale today at www.ticketmaster.com.

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