How loud is a NASCAR race?
During a NASCAR race, levels measured 6 m (20 ft) from the track were 99 to 109 dB(A), and 96.5 to 104 dB(A) at 46 m (150 ft). In the pit area NIOSH found levels averaging above 100 dBA, with peak levels reaching 140 dB.
- Level
- 96.5–109 dBAA-weighted sound level
- Daily limit
- 1 min 53 s a dayNIOSH, at the loud end
- Versus conversation
- 10,593× energyabout 16.3× as loud
What the numbers mean
How it was measured. Sound level survey at a NASCAR event: 96.5 to 104 dB(A) at 46 m and 99 to 109 dB(A) at 6 m during the race. NIOSH also measured pit-area levels averaging above 100 dBA with peaks of 140 dB SPL.
A sound level survey at a NASCAR event found 99 to 109 dB(A) at 6 metres from the track and 96.5 to 104 dB(A) at 46 metres. Moving back from the fence helps, but not by as much as many fans expect, because the whole field of cars is a moving line of sources rather than a single point.
NIOSH surveyed a professional stock car team at their race shop and during two races. In the pit area, where cars are adjusted and refuelled, sound levels averaged above 100 dBA before and during the race, and peak levels reached 140 dB SPL. Every personal dosimetry measurement taken on race day exceeded the NIOSH recommended exposure limit.
The survey authors concluded that fans with occasional exposure are unlikely to develop permanent hearing loss from it but could have a temporary threshold shift, and recommended hearing protection, particularly for track workers.
How long is safe?
NIOSH recommends no more than 1 min 53 s a day at 109 dBA (34 min at 96.5). OSHA's legal limit is 34 min.
| Level | NIOSH limit (85 dBA, 3 dB rule) | OSHA limit (90 dBA, 5 dB rule) | UK/EU 80 dB(A) action value reached after | UK/EU 85 dB(A) action value reached after |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96.5 dBA | 34 min | 3 h 15 min | 11 min | 34 min |
| 109 dBA | 1 min 53 s | 34 min | 36 s | 1 min 55 s |
Times are for a whole day’s exposure, with the rest of the day quiet. The workplace limits were written for adults at work, not for children. Work out a mixed day with the noise dose calculator.
Children
Children at a race need well-fitting earmuffs from the start; earplugs often do not fit small ear canals.
Protecting your hearing
Wear foam earplugs or earmuffs for the whole race; many fans use radio scanners with headsets, which also block noise if worn properly. Seats higher and further from the track are a little quieter.
Earplug and earmuff ratings (NRR in the US, SNR in the UK and EU) are lab figures; real-world protection is usually lower. How to read the ratings.
Compared with sounds nearby
Using midpoints of each range. Energy multiplies by 10 every 10 dB; perceived loudness roughly doubles (why).
- Circular saw (89–110.4 dBA): this has about 2× its sound energy and sounds about 1.2× as loud.
- Hand dryer (80–121 dBA max): this has about 1.7× its sound energy and sounds about 1.2× as loud.
- Chainsaw (98.5–112 dBA): it has about 1.8× the sound energy of this and sounds about 1.2× as loud.
- Car horn (93–118 dBA max): it has about 1.9× the sound energy of this and sounds about 1.2× as loud.
- Normal conversation (55–70 dBA): this has about 10,593× its energy and sounds about 16.3× as loud.
Questions
How loud is a NASCAR race in the stands?
A survey measured 96.5 to 104 dB(A) at 46 m from the track and 99 to 109 dB(A) at 6 m.
How loud is it in the pits?
NIOSH found pit-area levels averaging above 100 dBA, with peaks of 140 dB SPL.
Sources
- Noise exposure levels in stock car auto racing, Ear, Nose & Throat Journal (Rose et al., 2008), abstract via Europe PMC. Supports: dB_low 96.5 at 46 m; dB_high 109 at 6 m.
Noise levels measured during the race ranged from 96.5 to 104 dB(A) at 46 meters ( approximately 150 feet) from the track and 99 to 109 dB(A) at 6 meters ( approximately 20 feet) from the track.
Checked 2026-11-03. - Ototoxic occupational exposures for a stock car racing team: I. Noise surveys, Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (Van Campen et al., NIOSH, 2005), abstract via Europe PMC. Supports: pit area >100 dBA, peaks 140 dB.
During the races, SPLs averaged above 100 dBA in the pit area where cars undergo adjustments/refueling, both before and during the race. Peak levels reached 140 dB SPL.
Checked 2026-11-03. - Ototoxic occupational exposures for a stock car racing team: I. Noise surveys, Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (Van Campen et al., NIOSH, 2005), abstract via Europe PMC. Supports: dosimetry result.
NIOSH REL was exceeded for every personal noise dosimetry measurement.
Checked 2026-11-03.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have ringing in your ears, muffled hearing or any change in your hearing, see an audiologist or your doctor.