Speedway back with new rules

Speedway lovers will finally get their fix this weekend as the new season kicks off at Western Springs Speedway.

Promoter Dave Stewart says tonight's opening will showcase different classes and include a national sprinters race for $10,000.

"It's exciting for us, the first night we're able to race with realistic noise levels at the boundary," Mr Stewart said.

"We'll be taking it easy on the fireworks ... I'm tired of being in trouble."

The future of the speedway was in jeopardy last year after nearby residents won an Environment Court case forcing the speedway to comply with Auckland City Council's 85-decibel noise limit.

The new season was made possible after an agreement last month between the council, speedway, and residents. Council staff will be present this weekend to monitor noise levels at the stadium boundary.

"This sophisticated equipment, installed at the site last season, takes into account weather and environmental conditions and provides up-to-the-minute reports on each race," said Chris Dee, the council's environmental health manager.

Noise monitoring reports will be produced after each weekend of racing throughout the season.

Racing tonight starts at 7pm.


Standards for the season:
* Ten events (excluding practices)
* 60 per cent of races at 90 decibels, 40 per cent at 88 decibels
* No racing on one weekend each month, or on Anniversary Weekend and Waitangi Day