VENICE CENTER - Tom Holland, of King Ferry, has been racing for the past six years.

His vehicle of choice?

An ordinary riding lawn mower with a few minor adjustments.

“The hardest part is the first time you build the machine,” he said during the annual HOSSCAR lawnmower racing event held at the Venice pavilion Sunday afternoon.

“After that it is just a matter of keeping up with maintenance.”

Holland just installed a new transmission in his machine which will give him better speed.

“It is fun,” he said. “But I race because it is for charity.”

HOSSCAR holds seven races per season with each one's profits donated to a different charity.

“Last year we raised more than $20,000,” he said.

According to Holland, this season is a bittersweet one for the HOSSCAR team as founder Bill McGarry recently passed away.

“We are holding a memorial race for him this year,” Holland said. “He is missed.”

In addition to the races, HOSSCAR members also host two annual spaghetti dinners, also for charity.

“That is the great thing about it, all of the money is raised for charities,” said Sandra Rouse, also of King Ferry.

The rainy weather didn't prevent the racers, or even the spectators from enjoying the afternoon.

“They are going to be kicking up some mud today,” said Ed Marshall.