Noise Limits

These days, all racing circuits have noise restrictions and unfortunately there are no exceptions. It is extremely important that we operate in compliance with these limits to ensure the future of trackdays.

Noise can travel a long way, particularly in certain climatic conditions. Although the requirements below may seem restrictive, they ensure that the trackday enthusiasts are able to continue to enjoy their events without jeopardising the future of trackdays with further restrictions.

Anyone wishing to have their car tested before an RMA trackday is recommended to contact their local circuit who will usually be only too happy to carry out a noise test free of charge. The initial test is a static test which is carried out using a handheld meter. Each car is measured 0.5 meters away from the exhaust at a 45 degree angle when the engine is being held at ¾ of the maximum RPM. In cases where the vehicle has two separated exhausts the measurement will be taken as above from the centre point between the two.

The noise limit measured as above is shown on the Events Diary page for each individual circuit.

Drive by monitoring

In addition to the static noise test the majority of circuits also carry out constant drive by monitoring. If the results of the drive-by monitoring show that your vehicle is generating drive-by sound levels appreciably higher than vehicles with comparable static test results, then you will be called into the pit-lane to address the noise level being generated.

Additional Information

Factors such as air temperature and humidity can affect the level of noise that your car is producing. This means that whilst on one day your car is within the respective limits, on another it may fall outside of those limits, preventing you from participating.

For your own piece of mind we urge you to keep a record of your cars noise level at each event. If you are ever within 1dB(A) of a particular limit then we suggest that you consider having your car looked at before making another booking.

Exhausts do get louder with age as the packing deteriorates and it may be that you need to purchase an additional silencer or have the exhaust repacked before attending another event.