Generational Speed

The sound of engines revving, people cheering and flags waving is a sight Hoosiers are all too familiar with. When you think of racing in Indiana, the first thing you may think of is the Indy500, but the racing doesn’t stop there, or even with cars. Every 4th of July, the small town of Twelve Mile holds their version of a 500 race: the world’s longest running lawn mower race, starting in 1963, the Twelve Mile 500.

The Troyer family has been a part of the Twelve Mile 500 for generations with multiple wins. One family member, Randy Troyer has often been called the Dale Earnhart of the Twelve Mile 500 with 12 wins under his belt. While Randy retired in 2017, his brother John, son Zach and nephew Joe still do.

One of the biggest reasons he retired is that he never got to actually watch the race, let alone his son compete.

“Being out there, watching him. It’s almost as good as running it yourself” Randy said, who is now a part of his pit crew.

With over 30 wins in the family they are the ones to beat, but to them, it’s just something that happens. Not just the winning, but racing in general and following in their families footsteps. At one point, the Troyer’s had seven family members racing at once.

“Honestly, it’s just something you don’t even think about” Zach Troyer said.