Fans flock to Springs for feared swansong

Speedway fans turned out in force last night for what was perhaps the last meeting of the 75-year-old event at Western Springs.

More than 10,000 people packed the stadium, which promoters said was a much bigger crowd than at the traditional Boxing Day meeting last year.

Fans spoken to by the Herald said they were sad and disappointed that the speedway, which has been unable to comply with noise limits, could disappear from the Auckland landscape.

Several said they came to see the cars because they feared it was their last chance.

Others were angry that a small group of residents who opposed the noise could shut down an event that they had been coming to for decades.

Last week, the Environment Court refused an appeal from the speedway and the Auckland City Council to lift the noise limit from 85 decibels.

Promoters said it was impossible to run the event within the limit.

A full hearing of the speedway case is due in the Environment Court in February.

Sue Cross, who has lived next to the entrance of the speedway on Old Mill Rd since 1966, said she was "devastated" by the thought of the speedway closing.

She loved the thrill of watching the cars and could not understand why other residents did not like the noise. "It's exciting. It's thrilling, all the dirt and the dust. I bring my whole family," she said.

Lloyd Raymond did not understand some residents' complaints either, saying he would happily swap his house in Papatoetoe for one next to the stadium.

Carl Skelton of Glendene said the noise was part of the appeal.

"You get 10, 12, 15 sprint cars out there. That's a buzz," he said.

Another said the sound was "music".