Phil and anyone interested:
Let me throw in 2 cents more on this.
FYI, I do some work for Laguna Seca (SCRAMP), so I am familiar with this
issue.
First, Laguna Seca is a Monterey County Public Park, governed by the Monterey
County Board of Superviosrs. Read between the lines here....community
political pressures.
The track itself is run and managed by SCRAMP (Sports Car Racing on the
Monterey Peninsula), a non-profit (by design) corporation that runs on a
break-even
basis and contributes excess revenues to local charities.
The sound requirement at the track is set by the Board of Supervisors (with
inputs from SCRAMP, expert consultants, local businesses, and of course,
residents). The track has so many operating days at various sound levels.
There
are a handful of dates at unlimited levels for the professional events. All
other events are subject to varying sound restrictions depending on the date,
and
how many days have already been used. As you may expect, track rental days
with higher sound limits cost considerably more than those at lower levels.
This allows the track some flexibility in scheduling certain types of events
at the track. Track rental days, which most of the smaller club events fall
under, generally are at the lowest levels (92 db). Trust me that 92 db is not
very loud...many street cars are louder than that.
Laguna is not the only track with noise limitations, however it is probably
the most severe, especially now that many more multi-million dollar homes are
going up within earshot of the track.
Event organizers and even SCRAMP have nothing to do with setting and policing
these requirements. A county-owned sound station is a permanent facility at
the track and is manned by county personnel who are paid by event organizers
to be there. They are a sophisticated staff and can immediately spot those
who are dodging the sound station and lifting only when you go by. They have
the ability to SHUT DOWN THE FACILITY if noise limits are abused. My advice,
don't mess with them.
It is the responsibility of the racer/participant to show up with a vehicle
that meets whatever sound limit is in effect that day. Usually, you'll get 2
chances to bring your vehicle into compliance. After that, you're on the
trailer with no refunds. So, its up to you to make the limit.
Regards,
Myles H. Kitchen
1965 Lotus Cortina #128
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