11/26/2017 12:57 PM
Edited Date/Time: 11/26/2017 12:58 PM
In my state of Georgia, racing and dirt bike riding in general are on life support. The subprime mortgage crash ten years ago had a huge impact due to so many racing families being in the construction trade.
There are many factors we could argue are to blame but I think the major reason the practice tracks are closing is the noise issue. The change to four strokes and the nature of their sound waves traveling a longer distance intensified the noise complaints from neighbors near tracks.
With no riding area near home parents are not buying dirt bikes for their kids.
I think the sport can be saved but we have to change our attitude on noise. The Alta may be the future (I would own one if they were cheaper) but for now the factories and aftermarket pipe companies must focus on reducing exhaust sound down to the level of a utility four wheeler. If as much R&D went into muffler technology as suspension and electronics we could be there in short order. If neighbors can't hear you ride they don't care if you ride.