Kevin Gehr and Ellen Sunderman, both of Reading, compete Saturday in the Belt Sander Race at Bertie's Inn in Exeter Township, Berks County.

BIRDSBORO, Pa. — Around an eastern Pennsylvania parking lot, motors sputter into life and racers zip around the track.

About 300 people crowd around the sidelines as the racers speed along the checkerboard track — large pieces of plywood on the gravel lot. The race is neck-and-neck until one competitor pulls away for the win at the last moment. The crowd erupts in cheers as the rider jumps off the victorious vehicle — a belt sander.

Yes, it's the annual charity belt sander race by Bertie's Inn in Exeter Township, now in its 20th year.

"It's the only event of its kind in the world," said Bertie's Inn owner Peter W. Thomas, adding he expected about 600 people to stop by throughout the day. "Other people race belt sanders, but we're the only ones who ride them."

Thomas said the idea took root when he and his wife Anne were looking for a charity event to benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society.