Quieter NASCAR? Sport floats idea of cars that make less noise
The rumble of the cars on NASCAR tracks could grow quieter under a proposal reported Monday that would allow fans to more easily communicate during races.
The proposal is among 15 to 20 changes currently being studied by NASCAR, according to The Sports Business Journal. The sounds emitted by the stock cars is one of the allures of NASCAR, but the constant roar of the cars --- which is usually around 100 decibels during races --- makes communication difficult and the use of ear plugs a must among many fans
Messages left with NASCAR representatives by Paste BN Sports were not immediately returned Monday.
Cutting down on the noise race cars emit would be a serious undertaking and changes to the exhaust system could become pricey.
"I think the cars are too loud," Michael Waltrip said at Daytona 500 media day. "Right now, they're obnoxious and I guess I've gotten old because it really gets on my nerves.”
Waltrip is part of Fox's team of race analysts and stepped away from NASCAR's premier level after his final run in the Daytona 500 on Feb. 26.
Another proposal under consideration is cutting some NASCAR events --- which are typically run over three days --- down to two, The Sports Business Journal reported.
That already is being tested this season, with tracks such as Martinsville Speedway and Watkins Glen International moving to two-day weekends for fall events.
Follow Perez on Twitter @byajperez
PHOTOS: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series schedule