AMA Racing Continuing to Reduce Sound at SX/MX Events

January 10, 2007, 1:32pm

PICKERINGTON, Ohio (Jan. 10, 2007) – In an ongoing effort to control excessive sound at AMA Supercross and Motocross events AMA Racing officials have implemented new sound testing procedures beginning with last weekend’s start of the 2007 Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series. The effort coincides with reduced overall sound limits for the two racing disciplines.

Random post-race testing will be performed in addition to routine pre-race sound testing of all entries.

According to AMA Racing Sr. Director of Technical Development Kevin Crowther, the new rules and testing are having an immediate, beneficial result. “At Anaheim 1, all 101 entries were tested during tech inspection and most competitors were within a 96 to 98 dB/a range,” said Crowther. “At the conclusion of the event we measured the top three finishers plus one at random in both classes and found that in all cases competitors were within the acceptable limits.”

2007 AMA Supercross/Motocross rules state that motorcycles must meet sound limits of 99 dB/a in pre-race tech inspection and 101 dB/a in post-race inspection. 2006 rules called for a 102 dB/a pre-race limit only.

Sound testing is performed in accordance with the SAE J1287 sound test procedure which is the accepted industry standard.

Crowther added that AMA officials also measured sound from seating areas in Angel Stadium and, compared to similar tests performed in 2006, there was a decrease in sound of approximately three dB/a.

“We are pleased that AMA professional riders and teams are supporting responsible sound limits,” said Ed Moreland, AMA Vice President of Government Affairs. “Reducing excessive sound at MX and SX events is a very important step toward an overall reduction in excessive motorcycle sound. We are hopeful that the results of these new limits and their active enforcement will demonstrate to recreational riders and amateur racers that they don’t necessarily have to be louder to be faster.”

Moreland added that by embracing a proactive philosophy of responsible sound management, AMA Racing hopes to foster an appreciation for reasonable sound limits and the positive effect they will have on the entire riding community.

Current sound rules will be enforced in both the Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series as well as the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship presented by FMF. It is expected that future rules will call for a further reduction in sound limits.