Mark Sirota wrote:
> We have options on a site with a great lot, but I think it's far too
> close to residential neighborhoods to use. I'm hoping to collect
> information before we start using the site in an effort to determine
> whether it's worthwhile even to try. Any information, however
> anecdotal, is quite welcome. Good hard data is even better.
Thank you all for the responses. Great stuff. I'll try to summarize
what I learned; this is good stuff for any club that's concerned about
noise complaints.
Most noise complaints don't come with details. But some do.
The most common appear to be in regard to tire noise from street
rubber. Second most common appear to be about the PA. And third is
about loud exhaust. The tires and PA go all day, but the exhaust
noise is occasional and brief.
So here's the suggestions:
(1) Philadelphia Region uses an FM broadcast to supplement our PA.
It might be wise to use only the FM broadcast at this particular site.
(2) Invite the neighbors to watch, participate, whatever. Let them
know ahead of time what's happening. Obviously, we'd have to be
careful about "non-participant spectators", insurance-wise.
(3) Run on Saturdays instead of Sundays. Some sites have starting
times as late as noon. Others have "no loud engines before 10am" or
some such; that's harder to police than First Car Off times.
(4) Actively monitor sound. Get the club's road racing Chief of
Sound Control involved. Record the results, require remediation for
loud cars, let the neighbors, site owners, and the police know that
we're doing that. Nothing like being proactive.
(5) Hire a police detail, nominally for security. If there's already
police presence there working for us, noise complaints can be handled
more quickly, and the police may already be on our side.
(6) Respond to noise complaints! Be prepared to make changes or give
up the site if necessary.
As far as noise restrictions, the toughest was 93 dBA at 50 feet,
slow response, measured on a straight when the cars are at full
throttle. Several other clubs have 95 dBA at 50 feet, and one had
95 dBA at 100 feet (all measured on a straight). Most cars should
have little trouble getting exhaust noise to be under 95 dBA at 50
feet. Some people suggested that 93 is tough.
Several people agreed with my earlier assertion that street tires can
be much louder (A-weighted, anyway) than exhaust, even when measuring
on a straight (tires screeching around corners further away still read
higher on the sound meter). Unfortunately, there's really nothing
that can be done about that; if tire noise is the major complaint,
there's nothing to be done other than giving up the site.
Thanks again! We'll give this some careful consideration before
moving ahead with this site.
Mark
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