Posted February 26, 2007

AMA Pro ATV Racers Face Strict Sound Tests

Pro ATV motocross racers will need to comply with slightly stricter sound-limit requirements now that they're racing under the AMA Pro ATV Racing banner.

While racing in ATVA-sanctioned events last year, the pros needed to meet a 102-decibel limit as measured using the Society of Automotive Engineers J-1287 test standard. The test is performed with a sound meter on the "A" scale 20 inches from the exhaust, with the engine running at a designated rpm. For example, 450cc ATVs tested at 3,750 rpm.

AMA Pro ATV racing will use the same test on competitors but instead of testing the machines at a designated rpm, the test rpm will be determined by the formula 306,000 divided by the stroke. What this means is that the pro machines will be tested at a slightly higher rpm than they were tested at in the past.

Amateur racers will still be tested under the old procedures.

Another important distinction for this year compared to last year for the pro racers is that the race manager can ask for sound testing to be done after the race. In that case, the AMA technical inspector will conduct the test, and the machine must meet a sound limit of 101 decibels.

Since the first race of the season is just around the corner — the ATV Southern Nationals at Mill Creek Motocross Park in Pell City, Alabama, March 10-11 — and the racers may not be fully informed about the new testing procedure, the AMA will allow pro riders to be within 3 decibels of the maximum limit of 99 decibels for the first four rounds of the series.

But all pro riders must meet the 99-decibel limit by the fifth round, the Birch Creek National at Birch Creek in Danville, Virginia, April 28-29.

© 2007, All Terrain Vehicle Association