grandpaul said:
I really dislike the concept whereby race tracks that were built, and existed far away from "civilization" for many years, are being forced to curtail or cease operations due to creeping residential construction and subsequent noise restrictions.
IN MY OPINION, adjacent developments should have deed restrictions forbidding any NEW property owners from making any demands on EXISTING property owners. In this manner, I have a deed restriction on my property disallowing me from claiming any injury from aircraft overflying my home as they land and take off. THEY WERE HERE FIRST.
I basically agree with you GP, and I'm a big fan and regular rider around Mallory. But... As usual, there's two sides to every story... As I understand it, Mallory had permission / a licence to run a certain number of noise restriction free events each year, but they blatantly broke that and held more such events than allowed. Given the high attention paid to such things by locals, and the inability to deny / defend it, that was a bit stupid and is therefore kinda difficult to defend really.
One other 'modern' problem that those living near race tracks face is the vastly increased use. In the '50s and 60s there would be a few dedicated test days on week days and races at weekends. These days, with the popularity of tracks days, tracks can be holding events 7 days a week, often with weekend events turning into minor rock festivals! That's gotta be kinda tough on those nearby unless there is good control of noise.
Most tracks seem to put little or no effort into noise 'insulation'. Large earth banks, high plackards, planting of trees and bushes would all help to absorb / deflect noise and wouldn't be hugely difficult or expensive.
An additional issue here in the UK is that the country is just so small! In the US you can build tracks that are miles from anywhere. In the UK you're either close to a built up area, or in a protected areas of natural beauty / interest. There's not much wiggle room left!
The reality of the situation is, if we want to continue enjoying our hobby, we have to do so in a way that considers others, otherwise, sooner or later, we'll no longer be able to do so at all.
