Changes at Pukekohe

[RogerH]

This was an editorial in the TACCOC magazine "Bespoke" in 2011 which finds that the noise testing procedure at Pukekohe is flawed :


Another row seems to be brewing over noise control. This one is centred around Pukekohe, where, according to the rumour, a recently-arrived resident has been making complaints to the Council about excessive noise levels. The Council’s response has been to demand the stationing of an individual with a noise meter just past the kink in the back straight. This presence is now compulsory at every race meeting, and the hirers of the circuit are required to pay for the privilege. We encountered this imposition for the first time at our recent Pukekohe event, and I was curious to see just how this new requirement would work out in practice.

It took me a while to spot him, but eventually I could see him, sitting in a small utility truck, on the grass behind the fences on the infield. I hope he wasn’t parked on the horse racing track itself, as the equine racing fraternity are very protective of their valuable animals, and get extremely upset if the track surface is damaged in any way. A stationary vehicle parked there at right angles to the track all day might leave significantly dangerous craters in the soft greensward.

The Motorsport NZ rules are very clear on the noise level issue. In Schedule A, regulation 3.8.2 reads: “No vehicle may exceed 95 db(A). The measurement shall be taken 30 metres at a right angle from the track at a point where the vehicle is at maximum power. No compensation for differing climatic conditions shall be applied.”

The decibel, or dBA, reading is a sound pressure level made on the A-scale of a sound level meter. This unit of measure approximates the response of the human ear. The Motorsport NZ ruling is all very well and good, and is almost identical to the CAMS requirement in Australia, but no guidance is given as to the operation of the meter itself. And the requirements are very specific.

Sound level meters measure sound pressure level and are commonly used in noise pollution studies for the quantification of almost any noise, but especially for industrial, environmental and aircraft noise. However, the reading given by a sound level meter does not correlate well to human-perceived loudness; for this a loudness meter is needed. The current International standard for sound level meter performance is IEC 61672:2003 and this mandates the inclusion of an A-frequency-weighting filter and also describes other frequency weightings of C and Z (zero) frequency weightings. The older B and D frequency-weightings are now obsolete and are no longer described in the standard.

The NORDTEST method states procedures for measuring road traffic noise inside and outside buildings and in open terrain, under specified traffic and environmental conditions. The accuracy is that of an ISO engineering method (Grade 2). The method aims at obtaining noise levels as they occur during slightly downward atmospheric refraction. Measurements carried out in accordance with this Nordtest method yield as the main result the total A-weighted energy equivalent sound pressure level. The method also enables measurement of the maximum A-weighted sound pressure level and sound pressure levels in octave bands. The method specifies how to measure the noise level at a given position in a well defined way, and how, by measuring road traffic noise simultaneously in several microphone positions, the noise levels in these positions can be determined in an efficient way. The operational parameters required to run the meter to obtain accurate readings run to twenty pages, and looks like things like temperature, wind, shields on measuring equipment, etc. Care must be taken that noise due to wind acting on the microphone does not influence the result of measurement. A microphone wind shield must always be used. You can check it out on http://www.nordicinnovation.net/nord...er/acou039.pdf

The method is useful – within its constraints due to measurement uncertainty etc. – to test compliance with noise limits, for example when residents complain about their exposure to traffic noise.

Among NORDTEST’s many findings are the following:

6.2 Calibration
Prior to and after each measurement the measurement system shall be checked at one or more frequencies using an acoustical calibrator according to IEC 60942.

And:
7.1.2 “Free-field”
The distance from the microphone to any sound reflecting surface apart from the terrain shall be at least twice the distance from the microphone to the dominating part of the sound source.

And:
7.1.3 “+6 dB”
The microphone shall be located directly on a plane and hard facade (of concrete, tile, glass, wood or similar material). The measurement yields a noise level equal to the level of the incoming sound plus 6 dB. The facade must be plane within ±0.05 m within a distance of 1 m from the microphone, and the distance from the microphone to the surface edges shall be larger than 1 m.

Note Annex E - road type at higher speeds can have up to a 9 dB correction factor so this could mean that a reading of 104dB could actually have a car-generated level of 95 dB.

Does all of this mean that failure to follow the proscribed operational procedures to the letter puts the accuracy of all of the readings taken at risk? Probably. Worse than that, it leaves the operator, and Motorsport NZ, dangerously exposed should an aggrieved competitor, put off the track because of an over-95 dBA reading, decide to contest the ruling in court.

It’s not the noise limits themselves that are the problem. In 1992, mainstream motor racing, including classic and historic cars, had noise limits imposed. Here, our MotorSport Association got in first, just as the general public were starting to make noises (sorry) about the sport. MANZ chose a level of 95 dBA, to be measured at a 30 metre distance, while the car is on the track. Individual cars were banned from racing if they didn’t comply. There was no allowance made for different climatic conditions. We didn't know if we could comply, but rather than ignoring it we started work on making it happen even before the deadline.

In the Summer 1993 issue of this very magazine, I commented:

“MANZ have for once, taken the initiative. They have imposed these controls to obviate the need for outsiders to impose other, more stringent noise controls upon us. Public pressure groups could easily have decided that 75 decibels should be the maximum. Or 65. By getting its own house in order; by voluntarily getting all its members to conform to an acceptable standard; by being seen publicly to be doing something about a perceived problem, New Zealand motorsport can be hailed as a public spirited organisation, taking due consideration of the Resource Management Act. We, the members of the Motorsport Association should be praising MANZ’s actions in this. Ultimately, it’s our sport they are protecting. The benefits we will continue to reap long after the pain is over..”

As time went on, we had periodic grumbles and localised problems, especially at Pukekohe. There were difficulties with the rules’ interpretation due to the woolly way in which they appeared in the Motorsport Manual. Circuits all round the country cope in their own ways, but there was always seemingly a greater problem at Pukekohe. The Pukekohe circuit promoters have to cope with an aggressive lobby group; locals who were apparently unaware that there was a motor racing circuit in the neighbourhood when they moved there (sound familiar?)… The 95dBA figure is a level set by Motorsport New Zealand, and is in line with accepted international motorsport guidelines. It does not work quite as well in practice, as it is enormously affected by weather conditions, but the drivers quickly learnt to compensate. They take evading action; they go past the noise meter in groups, they temporarily reduce revs, or redirect their tail-pipe away from the meter, thus guiding the same amount of noise in another direction. The car is not quieter; the meter just thinks it is… Again, from “Bespoke” in the Winter 1998 issue:

“At Pukekohe, the position chosen to set up the meter clearly does not comply with the operating instructions for these sensitive units. These instructions specify that the measurements are to be taken from an open, level space, with no nearby buildings or structures to reflect the noise being measured. At Pukekohe, the meter is set up in a natural land contour that acts as a sound-shell. It is pointed at a small gap in the solid steel Armco safety fencing, and is right beside the Scrutineering building. A significant change in the readings can be effected just by opening or closing the shed doors!
“There are certain local bylaws with which we must comply. Forget motor racing; the Franklin District Council’s District Scheme and the Resource Planning Act provide a fixed maximum limit for all property owners of 45dBA (I’m told) measured at the boundary of the property. This, surely, is what really counts here; not some arbitrary reading taken by a meter near the track. At the Levels circuit, in Timaru, the promoters have created a wall of huge hay-bales along one boundary where they had a noise problem - a very simple and effective cure. Measuring the Pukekohe perimeter noise levels would seems a logical first step. Solve that problem (if indeed it exists at all) and the locals no longer have grounds to object.
“This is not to say that the cars can then do what they like, but there must be a discretionary leeway in the interpretation of any regulations. In the glory days of the Wellington Street Races, there was no way in the world that any noise restrictions could have been met - an exemption was available and granted. The Grand Prix in Melbourne is painfully loud when the Formula 1 cars are on the circuit - earmuffs are essential. At Pukekohe earlier this year, every single car in the main race at the Formula Libre meeting failed the noise test. The organisers would have had to cancel the event had reason not prevailed. Imagine the chaos that would have caused, and the large amounts of money from sponsors and spectators that was at stake. Yet, technically, the event was illegal. We can; we must do better than this.”

The current position for the noise meter just past the kink in the back straight does at least get the thing away from the surrounding buildings we had in the old Paddock area. However, it still does not meet the requirements outlined in 7.1.3 above, of being mounted more than 1 metre above a plane and hard façade of concrete, tile, glass, wood or similar material, which itself has been laid to an accuracy of ±0.05 m.

[socram]

H'mmm. To the complainers, I suggest there is a huge difference between hearing the noise and the noise being intrusive.

Apart from enduros, let us assume a load of 8 lap scratch races.

The race is usually all over in 11 or 12 minutes and generally, organisers run to a time table of 3 races per hour. On that basis, there is only race noise for 36 minutes an hour, BUT, in an eight lap race and particularly, those formulae where lap times are close (Suzuki Swifts as an example), even though the field may be reasonable, for half the lap - or even three quarters, the cars are literally out of sight and earshot across the far side of the track.

As many meetings are inclusive of road cars with road exhausts, one can only assume that the noise is only an issue with some classes and some race formats. With an in car camera in my car for a televised meeting, you could hardly hear the car through the single glazing even with the car window open, and I know the external tailpipe exhaust sound noise is not at all noisy. Quite boring to watch really!

So to the moaners, I'd happily suggest that they use sheep instead of lawnmowers, hand-saws instead of chainsaws and shoot all the birds, as we know from Hampton Downs, that the dawn chorus is louder than the race cars, otherwise, these are just hypocritical kill joys, no more, no less .

If you want real noise, try living on the flight path into Heathrow airport...

[on_to_it]

Originally Posted by socram

So to the moaners, I'd happily suggest that they use sheep instead of lawnmowers, hand-saws instead of chainsaws and shoot all the birds, as we know from Hampton Downs, that the dawn chorus is louder than the race cars, otherwise, these are just hypocritical kill joys, no more, no less

Refer to Post 113

[Martin Collins]

Next time you drive down the back straight at Puke have a look to your right just past the kink and you will see one of a few noise meters placed around the track. Obvious as they are in a wire cage.
Think you will find noise of most NZ cars (or V8SC) isn't really a big deal at Puke anymore.

[Mr Revhead]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awZRHgj60uE

Have a look at what Puke looked like a while back....

[sizzle]

Originally Posted by Just Do It!

Bit of a baaaaaaaa-stard!

Geez off topic I know, but that is commitment over the crests into the sun with only the pace notes for info!

[Goat Boy]

Originally Posted by Mr Revhead

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awZRHgj60uE

Have a look at what Puke looked like a while back....

Great clip, cheers Rev

[fordo]

I grew up living opposite the hairpin from 1961 to 1992 when I left and came over to Aus. Every time a new resident moved into the area and their wives got dragged into the CWA (Country Womans Do gooders ) meeting the noise subject came up and the whinging started. Back then, thankfully, the council had the attitude that if you moved into the area you put up with it. Hell I remember the good old days when you could drive in the bottom gate near the hairpin and the crowds were so big that the cars were parked on the side of the road right out past the Buckland Primary School because there was no room inside. The CWA complained about that too ! V8 Stupidcars could and will never ever pull crowds like that in a single day. They have to throw a concert to inflate the numbers and they better not have one of those at Puke or the fun police will really cry.
Check out the crowds in these pics from The Roaring Season.

When did you last see spectators on the infield !

This is how I remember the hairpin ! Full of cars and people inside the hairpin as well.

[Goat Boy]

Jeez did you see where that marshall is standing in the second pic?

Walk socks and all!

[Goat Boy]

I guess there was less to do in those days (they used to get massive numbers to the Anniversary Day yacht regatta too) and there was no TV that showed motorsport, no internet and no skateboard parks. I doubt we'll ever see crowds like that again here, sadly.

Kids these days are so apathetic!

[nistfan]

Originally Posted by Goat Boy

Jeez did you see where that marshall is standing in the second pic?

Walk socks and all!

And how about the Two guys in White Jackets from the First Photo, about to be saved by a couple of Tyres. I think not

Times sure have changed.

If you look back at Old Racing Photos from the 1950s etc, and everybody is just standing by the side of the grid for the race start. The Le Mans Pit Lane was pretty much the Track

[Armco Bender]

The power poles lining the back straight were involved in the Lawrence/Faloon crash,as was the train parked on the railway lines.
In the late '60s through the mid 70's the Grand Prix was a sell out there was huge crowds at Puke.The police used to set up a giant paddy wagon by the old woolshed behind where the third photo was taken,as the day went on there was some serious bottle throwing and plenty of people got dragged off.I remember Allan Moffat cutting the chicane on top of the hill and next lap around he was greeted with a shower of cans and bottles.
The dunnies behind the hill stand used to overflow about lunchtime and start running down under the hill stand seats.
Ah them was the days...

[Icarus_nz]

Originally Posted by Goat Boy

Kids these days have sooooo many choices

Fixed that for you.

Love the white painted stones for a ripple strip. Nana would be proud.

First photo is great with marshall chappies standing on the grass there. Perfectly safe. No-one ever goes off there.

[flyingduck]

The funny thing in Photo 2 is most people are running away but 2 people are not even moving away.

[FAS33]

Originally Posted by Goat Boy

I guess there was less to do in those days (they used to get massive numbers to the Anniversary Day yacht regatta too) and there was no TV that showed motorsport, no internet and no skateboard parks. I doubt we'll ever see crowds like that again here, sadly.

Kids these days are so apathetic!

nice stereotyping...
skateparks? nothing wrong with them, and without the intenet we wouldnt be seeing these cool pics

[Goat Boy]

Originally Posted by FAS33

nice stereotyping...
skateparks? nothing wrong with them, and without the intenet we wouldnt be seeing these cool pics

My irony was apparently lost then...

[Chappelli]

Originally Posted by Goat Boy

My irony was apparently lost then...

Kids these days... Never listen do they. I blame the Rap Music.

[on_to_it]

Originally Posted by Chappelli

Kids these days... Never listen do they. I blame the Rap Music.

You left the c off rap Chappelli. It's a Gen Y thing; they don't listen 'cos they know everything, and it's all about them.

[Southern Man]

From my experience of either operating the sound meter or having to enforce the ruling of the Judge of fact operating the sound meter at Timaru I can asure you that there is sfa difference in the reading between an individual car recording say 93.7 and a group made up of cars of a similar reading coming past the meter.

What did make a difference was astmospheric conditions, Dry ground and a clear sunny sky and most Tranzam's would read around 92 decibels, overcast sky and it would be up around 93 to 94. If there had been overnight rain plus and overcast sky then 95 to 96 could easily be reached.

For enforcement purposes I worked on full numbers only therefore you had not exceeded 95 until the meter read 96.

Like most other circuits the District Council had three monitoring sports where they were checking on the noise level emmitted from the property and by adjusting our pa system and a bit of relocation of the speakers we were able to meet their requirements. We need to remember that the noise is from all sources and not just the cars.

As an aside, we were advised when reading one council report that their staff member had been unable to take recordings from one of the approved sites becasue of the noise made from birds who were feeding close by. For a time it was not difficult to arrange for some grain to be scattered close to the measuring points for our January meeting

[HProject]

Originally Posted by on_to_it

You left the c off rap Chappelli. It's a Gen Y thing; they don't listen 'cos they know everything, and it's all about them.

Rap's been around since the '70's hasn't it? If you want to be critical of gen Y's musical tastes, at least be correct.

Today it's all about that Josh Bieber bloke and the other members of One Direction.

[on_to_it]

Originally Posted by HProject

Rap's been around since the '70's hasn't it? If you want to be critical of gen Y's musical tastes, at least be correct.

I wasn't time-framing rap music, merely being a little fascetious about Chapelli's comment. Neither did I say it was Gen Y's taste in music (you did).

Chapelli said "Kids these days... Never listen do they". I was replying to that, and guessing the likely generation of FAS33 (Gen Y dates from the later 1970s, or the early 1980s to the early 2000s decade).

[HProject]

Originally Posted by on_to_it

I wasn't time-framing rap music, merely being a little fascetious about Chapelli's comment. Neither did I say it was Gen Y's taste in music (you did).

Chapelli said "Kids these days... Never listen do they". I was replying to that, and guessing the likely generation of FAS33 (Gen Y dates from the later 1970s, or the early 1980s to the early 2000s decade).

I was also being fascetious.....though I should've assumed that a joke about Beiber and One Direction would go over the heads of anyone older than 20

[Bill Brown]

1. The rule 3.8.(1) Motorsport rule book that the clubs are required to follow is totally inadequate and in fact would not be policable without hiding behind the Judge of Fact scenario. There are other guidelines i.e. the race organisers hand book but these are not rules that can be applied. It fails in the following areas:

No meter height requirement

No meter angle requirement

No windsock requirement

No maximum wind speed requirement

No clear area requirement

All these are critical to getting accurate readings.
Because the measurement of noise has so many var
iables I believe that the only possible solution is that the sport employ the services of an Acoustic Consultant who could write the rule properly and noise test and set an individual noise level at each circuit measuring point. Then if say the level at the Manfeild measuring point was 95dba and perhaps Levels with its measuring point confines was 98dba then a car running at 95dba at Manfeild would also comply at Levels with no changes. This could only happen with expert advice and at considerable cost. Also Resource Consent requirements would have to be taken into consideration.

[on_to_it]

Originally Posted by HProject

I was also being fascetious.....though I should've assumed that a joke about Beiber and One Direction would go over the heads of anyone older than 20

I noticed (who the ****'s Josh) but didn't comment on it. And I'm well over 20...

Oh and by the way, nice shot of Owens ST down the front straight from the infield. Good composition.

[Goat Boy]

Originally Posted by on_to_it

I noticed (who the ****'s Josh) but didn't comment on it. And I'm well over 20...

Yep, I noticed too, and I am 22 - again