Local NASCAR fans are excited about plans to revitalize Nashville’s historic fairgrounds speedway. However, some people who live closest to the track are not and wish they had more of a say.
Depending on where you're sitting, the roar of NASCAR engines at Nashville's Speedway could reach more than 100 decibels.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says at 100 decibels hearing loss possible after 15 minutes. Experts say higher decibels could lead to severe pain and ear injuries.
It's a concern we took to Bristol Motor Speedway executive vice president and general manager Jerry Caldwell on Lower Broadway Thursday.
“Part of this design is ready to improve that,” explained Caldwell. “To build that sound absorption wall and bring in consistency with events so people know when things are coming.”
Those pushing for renovations say new fairgrounds structures and enforcement of a muffler requirement, could reduce loudness by nine decibels. FOX 17 News asked Caldwell for his message to homeowners living near the fairgrounds who aren't fans of NASCAR's return to their neighborhood.
“That’s one of the reasons we’ve had 25 community meetings so far and we’re going to have more as we go through this process. We want to make sure that we’re good neighbors and make it a better quality of life for everybody.”
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