Officials learn of NASCAR realities

Some things local officials discovered on a fact-finding trip to California Speedway:

* The Metrolink rail system is used to get many people to the races.

* Before and after races, traffic is funneled in and out of the facility by making the road one-way.

* Other than before and after races, the racetrack didn’t significantly affect traffic. Local residents who weren’t attending the race avoided the area at those times.

* Residents, construction concerns about race noise disappeared once the track opened.

* It’s very noisy inside the stadium during races, particularly when cars are in front of the grandstands. The speedway gives patrons earplugs, and many bring their own headsets to muffle the noise.

* At a housing development a mile away, residents could see the track, but had to listen closely to hear it.

* Homes at another development a mile from the track are valued at $500,000 to $1 million. City officials said the track had not negatively affected property values and that more homes were being built near the facility.

* Two city managers said they had received no complaints about the track and were hard-pressed to find any negatives.

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