Sound restrictions for AFM at Sears Point

[eeeeek]

I remember at one of the rounds last year, Sears Point was staffing their sound tower and black flagging bikes that busted the meter. The buzz then was that they had the power to red flag an entire race (I'm not sure if that's true or not, but it sounded plausible).

What's the scoop for this year?

 

[eeeeek]

Nothing? From what people at the track were saying last year, it sounded like this was going to be an ongoing thing.

 

[twistybits]

They did at least threaten to meter sound at an event I attended earlier this year, so unless someone in the know says otherwise it would be safe to assume it's still in effect.

 

[easter bunny]

I googled for the heck of it. I saw some car clubs mentioning a 96db limit, but there's nothing I can find on the AFM site and only a passing mention of it on a track day providers site. I think unless you're running something completely obnoxious like straight pipes you're ok, but I'll let someone official make that claim.

 

[frozenuts]

I remember at one of the rounds last year, Sears Point was staffing their sound tower and black flagging bikes that busted the meter. The buzz then was that they had the power to red flag an entire race (I'm not sure if that's true or not, but it sounded plausible).

What's the scoop for this year?

Last year Barb told them to fuck off as the track gave us less than 48 hour notice.

I have not heard about this year yet.

 

[jtiisto]

This year's track day the limit was 102 or 103. I don't think anybody blew it the whole day.

// Jack

 

[Shaggy]

I heard the sound monitoring equipment is on the front straight near the drag strip timing lights.

Anyone know for sure?

This year's track day the limit was 102 or 103. I don't think anybody blew it the whole day.

// Jack

I was there with Keigwins last month and I didn't hear about anyone getting flagged for sound either.

 

[Honey Badger]

I've been there a couple times this year, limit was 103 a couple Sundays ago. I haven't heard of anyone getting flagged this year either, although I don't recall if they had to be reminded at our season opener that if they can't pick out which bike it is (aka, it's a group) they're not pulling people in...but as far as I'm aware, no one was blowing sound, 103 is pretty loud unless you have straight pipes on there.

 

[eeeeek]

Last year, more than a few people were busting through the limit. They only ran the meter on Saturday and race day would have seen more offenders. I kept glancing at the meter and had they been enforcing on Sunday, it would have had an impact on the races.

Usually when sound metering starts, it doesn't back off. I weill be shocked if there isn't something in effect this weekend.

 

[KazMan]

As racers, you should always be prepared to respond if you get popped for sound. We had sound testing in tech lines in the 80's in both AFM and AMA so this isn't something new to the sport. We had the lawyer at Laguna, and the milk rancher at Sears Point. We didn't have anyone around Willow Springs :laughing

Anyway, one of the ways to get yourself back under the sound it to alter your map. It may "slow" your bike, but at least your bike is on the grid to make points. Just throwing it out there for you loud racers.

The other way is to bring ceramic wool and invest in a rivet gun if you have re-packed your can in over a year. Should be an annual maintenance event anyway.

 

[frozenuts]

From the prez...

Racers and riders,

Please be aware, In keeping with Sonoma's 103db limit last season, Sonoma will be strictly adhering to a 103 db limit on all bikes on course during the full AFM event this coming weekend. This is the same policy Sonoma required the AFM to follow last season. Note the AFM maximum decibel limit is 101 db for any motorcycle on track.

In trying to get information on options for keeping within the 103db limits, The good folks of Yoshimura came out and we tested three different models for compliance to Sonoma's 103db limit. All exhausts with inserts were below the 103db limit by several decibels. I was forwarded on information from Yoshimura on keeping sound levels down with track bikes. The information is below. Please note: repacking an exhaust has a significant effect on sound and hp. This I never knew as I've never repacked my own exhaust.

Frequently asked questions:

Does my muffler need to be repacked?
Yes, mufflers do require periodic maintenance which includes the replacement of the sound absorbing packing material. When exhaust packing degrades performance levels are reduced and damage to the muffler and/or the vehicle may occur. In fact, as little as a 100 grams of packing loss can lead to a measurable loss of power.


· Can I use any muffler packing on my muffler?

No, quality mufflers are manufactured and installed with application specific measured volumes. Installation of generic/universal packing materials may decrease the life and performance of your exhaust systems and cause damage to the muffler or vehicle on which it is used. Contact your muffler manufacture for the proper repack materials. From Yoshimura:

To maintain maximum sound and engine performance the muffler packing may need to be replaced at some time during the muffler’s life. Failure to maintain the muffler packing may cause damage to the muffler and/or void the warranty. Regularly inspect the muffler body for discoloration, cracks, rattling, or other signs of wear caused by depleted muffler packing. If muffler packing is determined to be depleted or worn, a muffler re-pack kit is highly recommended to restore the muffler to optimum performance.



Here are a few tips on how to tell if it is time to repack your muffler:

· discoloration on the muffler body or endcap

· burned stickers/badges on the muffler

· increased sound output

· hollow sound or rattling sound when the muffler body is lightly tapped

· decreased engine performance.

Carbon fiber equipped exhaust components require special attention. The following addresses wear issues directly related to carbon fiber.

Keep all clamps, bolts and other fasteners tight. Carbon Fiber is very susceptible to vibration damage.
High temperatures will cause the resin in the carbon fiber to break down. Visual signs such as an amber hue in the resin may be early signs of heat damage to carbon fiber.
Upon seeing amber colored resin, discontinue use until the exhaust system so it can be sent in for inspection, repack, and/or repair. Continued use will cause component failure.



Thanks to all of you for complying with Sonoma's sound limit, keeping our ability to race with the good folks at Sonoma Raceway. Also, thanks to Yoshimura for sending some of their top people up to Sonoma to test specifically for the AFM at Sonoma. I've spoken with Yoshimura about becoming a class sponsoring the AFM and they're fully on board with further supporting the club.

There exist several options from different exhaust manufacturers to the strategies written above to achieve the required max decibel limit. Please take the appropriate steps to keep us in business at Sonoma and our other 103db limit track, Thunderhill.

Thanks everyone. I look forward to seeing you all in a few days!

Berto Wooldridge
President 2017
AFM #15

 

[velazcod]

While 103/101 is pretty loud, and probably doesn't affect many people, I don't think it is reasonable to send this kind of notice 2 days before the race weekend.

There is an NRS this weekend and some of the new racers may not be prepared for this, it would be bad for the club to have some of these new guys not able to race because of sound restrictions.

 

[frozenuts]

The restrictions have been in place for well over two days...

 

[velazcod]

The restrictions have been in place for well over two days...

Yeah, I'm talking about the notice. Although, you do bring up a good point, this is in the rule book, so I'm in the wrong here anyways.

 

[twistybits]

Yup