The news that MotoGP would be going to Indianapolis, bringing the return of motorcycle racing to this historic track, was met with interest and acclaim all around the world. The Brickyard at Indy is one of the world's legendary tracks, a name recognized by both race fans and non-race fans alike.
But not everyone is enthusiastic. And we're not talking about riders worrying about problems with grip or the final turn back onto the front straight. No, it seems that the town elders of Speedway, Indiana - the town which is home to the track - are afraid that the arrival of thousands of MotoGP fans on their noisy motorcycles could keep the upstanding citizens of their town awake at night.
Perhaps fearing scenes from The Wild One, the Town Council are attempting to pass a special ordinance banning "unnecessary noises made by certain motor vehicles". The ordinance is specifically aimed at motorcycles revving their engines noisily, and will give police the power to impose fines on anyone they believe are causing a nuisance by making a lot of noise with their bikes.
While a concern for the well-being of their citizens is an admirable thing in a politician, it doesn't look like the elders of the Town of Speedway have really though this through. Although it is quite clear what they are afraid of - even the most perfunctory browse through Youtube will turn up aural assaults from many European MotoGP rounds - the wording of the ordinance seems a little strange. After all, a case can be made that bouncing your sports bike off the rev limiter or doing long and noisy burnouts are an integral part of the weekend's entertainment, and an important factor in keeping the atmosphere going at a MotoGP weekend. Unnecessary, like so many adjectives, is very much in the eye, or the ear, of the beholder.
But not everyone is enthusiastic. And we're not talking about riders worrying about problems with grip or the final turn back onto the front straight. No, it seems that the town elders of Speedway, Indiana - the town which is home to the track - are afraid that the arrival of thousands of MotoGP fans on their noisy motorcycles could keep the upstanding citizens of their town awake at night.
Perhaps fearing scenes from The Wild One, the Town Council are attempting to pass a special ordinance banning "unnecessary noises made by certain motor vehicles". The ordinance is specifically aimed at motorcycles revving their engines noisily, and will give police the power to impose fines on anyone they believe are causing a nuisance by making a lot of noise with their bikes.
While a concern for the well-being of their citizens is an admirable thing in a politician, it doesn't look like the elders of the Town of Speedway have really though this through. Although it is quite clear what they are afraid of - even the most perfunctory browse through Youtube will turn up aural assaults from many European MotoGP rounds - the wording of the ordinance seems a little strange. After all, a case can be made that bouncing your sports bike off the rev limiter or doing long and noisy burnouts are an integral part of the weekend's entertainment, and an important factor in keeping the atmosphere going at a MotoGP weekend. Unnecessary, like so many adjectives, is very much in the eye, or the ear, of the beholder.
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