Neighbours launch legal case to ban racing at Laguna Seca over noise
Racing must cease at the legendary California track, say residents living close to the Laguna Seca circuit, as they file a legal complaint
New residential developments have sprung up around Laguna Seca
Getty Images
Motor racing is sadly no stranger to the NIMBY movement, and now the ‘Not In My Back Yard’-ers have picked perhaps the most high-profile target yet for their noise complaints – Laguna Seca.
The world-famous track in Monterey, California is currently subject to a legal challenge over the amount of noise and traffic the venue creates, launched by some local residents.
A group calling itself the Highway 68 Coalition filed a legal complaint against Laguna Seca on December 12, claiming a spike in usage of the venue is damaging the local area. The complaint attempts to argue not just for a reduction in Laguna’s activity, but for all racing to cease entirely. The group says the circuit “is a public nuisance and has caused and will continue to cause irreparable injury not subject to money damages… The number of residences affected by the noise and traffic has substantially increased since 1974.
“These increases include but are not limited to more racetrack event days, higher permitted noise levels, additional track rental days, increased traffic, inadequate water supply and water quality, inadequate sewage disposal and expansion of camping grounds.”
Laguna Seca has been active since 1957, and the once secluded circuit is now bordered by a number of modern developments including a country club and shooting range – which oddly have attracted no noise complaint…
California screamin’: the sound of a high-revving racing engine is not to everyone’s liking in Monterey
The circuit sits on land owned by Monterey County and already operates to a set of strict regulations, including limiting car noise to no more than 90 or 105db and is limited to 35 days of event use annually – 24 of which are limited to an attendance of 5000 or fewer. Despite this, Laguna Seca has been a huge boost for the county economy in recent years, with its annual Motorsports Reunion meeting forming the heart of Monterey Car Week. The track also hosts IndyCar and IMSA events annually. Circuit officials estimated in 2022 the track was at the heart of £200m for local businesses.
Monterey County’s communications director Nicholas M Pasculli told local news website SFGATE: “The County does not recognise any merit to the allegations, and expects a favourable legal conclusion.” He added that the track’s scheduled events for 2024 would remain unaffected.