A man races a swamp buggy in the Florida Everglades. Photographer Malcolm Lightner grew up in Collier County, Florida, and documented the unique sporting event.
A man races a swamp buggy in the Florida Everglades. Photographer Malcolm Lightner grew up in Collier County, Florida, and documented the unique sporting event.
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books
The average number of spectators per race is 6,000, Lightner said.
The average number of spectators per race is 6,000, Lightner said.
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books
This solid-gold buggy pendant was designed by a local jeweler for $1,600.
This solid-gold buggy pendant was designed by a local jeweler for $1,600.
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books
The buggies "just slice through (the mud) like butter and there is this sort of majestic quality about it," Lightner said. "It's very surreal."
The buggies "just slice through (the mud) like butter and there is this sort of majestic quality about it," Lightner said. "It's very surreal."
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books
Fishing hooks adorn these hats that resemble the Confederate flag.
Fishing hooks adorn these hats that resemble the Confederate flag.
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books
A road sign near the "Mile O' Mud" where racing takes place.
A road sign near the "Mile O' Mud" where racing takes place.
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books
A woman shows off her gun tattoo.
A woman shows off her gun tattoo.
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books
A fabricated alligator was mounted on the back of this swamp buggy driven by the late John "Allen" Barfield.
A fabricated alligator was mounted on the back of this swamp buggy driven by the late John "Allen" Barfield.
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books
Children wrestle in the mud.
Children wrestle in the mud.
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books
People watch the races from a homemade stand.
People watch the races from a homemade stand.
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books
Leonard Chesser is known as the godfather of swamp buggy racing. He retired in 2010 as "the winningest man in swamp buggy history."
Leonard Chesser is known as the godfather of swamp buggy racing. He retired in 2010 as "the winningest man in swamp buggy history."
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books
The Everglades Parkway extends from Naples on the west coast of Florida to Broward County on the east. The American Automobile Association invented the nickname Alligator Alley because of the large number of alligators in the waterways near the road. Dead alligators on the side of the road are also a common sight.
The Everglades Parkway extends from Naples on the west coast of Florida to Broward County on the east. The American Automobile Association invented the nickname Alligator Alley because of the large number of alligators in the waterways near the road. Dead alligators on the side of the road are also a common sight.
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books
The culture of swamp buggy racing goes back to the 1940s.
The culture of swamp buggy racing goes back to the 1940s.
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books
These swamp buggies, part dragster and part boat, are built from scratch and take loads of time and money to create. Competitors can spend nearly $100,000 or more into these custom-created machines.
These swamp buggies, part dragster and part boat, are built from scratch and take loads of time and money to create. Competitors can spend nearly $100,000 or more into these custom-created machines.
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books
A tail of mud goes flying in the air.
A tail of mud goes flying in the air.
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books
The Swamp Buggy Queen Pageant is held every April, and one contestant is chosen to preside over all race-related activities.
The Swamp Buggy Queen Pageant is held every April, and one contestant is chosen to preside over all race-related activities.
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books
This buggy broke in half after a crash.
This buggy broke in half after a crash.
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books
Trucks and trailers are parked near the event.
Trucks and trailers are parked near the event.
Malcolm Lightner/powerHouse Books