In a victory for New Jersey's drag racing enthusiasts, SEMA and the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has withdrawn a proposed rule to reestablish noise restrictions for racetracks. New Jersey racetracks have been exempt from noise restrictions since 1971, but were encouraged to enter into "good neighbor" voluntary agreements with surrounding areas to address hours of operation, etc.
The draft proposed rule would have drastically impacted track operation and the drag racing sport and hobby in New Jersey by severely limiting track operating hours, requiring mufflers on racing vehicles and requiring tracks to certify that "street-legal" vehicles comply with New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicle standards.
The DEP will continue reviewing the issue to determine if there are better approaches to regulating racetrack noise.