Just received the official line from MA as follows:
Dear All,
Motorcycling Australia has received approximately 25 items of correspondences expressing concern at the reduction of noise levels to 96dbA for Classic Motorcross.
The matter has been considered by the Board of Motorcycling Australia and I take this opportunity to provide a common response which will hopefully address the majority of concerns raised in the aforementioned items of correspondence and hopefully as a result you will have a better understanding of noise issues.
To assist in the process, I will respond in an item format.
1. There is no exception for classic road racing. All road racing is limited to 102dbA and the principle reason for that are twofold:
· Road racing is conducted on an established circuit with clear planning permits. Noise at many road racing circuits is monitored by government regulation.
· The 102dbA level for road racing was allowed for the 2008 year because imported exhaust systems are designed for a world market in line with FIM regulations.
2. Motorcycling Australia’s regulations of 96dbA for motorcross conforms in general with FIM regulations.
3. Historic Road Racing does not have a specific exemptions. It is in line with the 102dbA regulation for all road racing.
4. In the early days of Historic Road Racing there were no regulations and machines emitted noise in the range of 115dbA and 120dbA with open and reverse cone megaphones. The Historic Road Race competitors have made considerable effort to reduce noise with modified exhaust system which are usually quite different from the original system.
5. Whilst the visual compatibility of classic motorcross machine should be, if possible, maintained alteration to exhaust system from the original appearance must be accepted in the interest of responsible management of sport in an effort to reduce noise. As stated above this has occurred in Historic Road Racing.
6. In introducing a 96dbA level everybody must understand the relevant regulations outlined in GCR 12.10.3. Because type 2 meters are used in Australia a deduction of 2dbA is permitted. GCR 12.10.12 allows for rounding down of the reading ie. 96.9dbA become 96. Consequently, an allowance of 2.9dbA is permitted using a Type 2 meter. In this way, a reading of 98.9dbA will be recorded as 96dbA.
7. Motorcycling Australia will have representatives at Classic Dirt 5 carrying out noise testing in an informal and educative manner. This will allow people the opportunity to modify their exhaust system prior to the next competitive event.
8. In relation to the forthcoming Australian Championship and other race meetings in 2008, a heavy handed approach will not be the method used by any officials doing noise testing, ie. the allowances as specified in (6) above will apply.
9. As stated above a heavy handed approach will not be adopted. However, a “no attempt” approach will not be tolerated. By no attempt I would classify as straight pipe on a four stroke machine or expansion chamber with no muffling on a two stroke machine as a non attempt to comply.
10. Motorcycling Australia, by introducing this regulation is not attempting to drive people away from Classic Motorcross but is introducing a process of regulation for all disciplines of motorcycle sport rather than have regulations inflicted upon us by Government legislators who would have not have an understanding of our sport.
11. Motorcycling Australia fully understands that classic racing machines were built without noise regulations in mind. However, we are now in a different age and faced with a myriad of environmental issues. Visual, original compatibility is a small sacrifice if that ensures a continuance of racing.
I will conclude by reiterating we are not about unnecessarily restricting competitors, but about responsibly managing our sport to ensure its future.
Should you wish to respond to this conclusions feel free to do so by email me at
[email protected] or phone me on 03 9684 0512.
Kind Regards,
David White
Chief Executive Officer
Motorcycling Australia
I'm on the way out now but will pen a response when I get back on Wednesday.
One thing stood out though, and that is how the CEO of MA refers to motocross as 'motorcross'.
Pretty minor I know, but a silly mistake all the same that normally comes from those that have no knowledge of the sport.........................
