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Selectmen consider revoking NHMS demo-ride permit after board and police say no marshals were present
Summary
Town leaders discussed complaints about motorcycle demo rides tied to New Hampshire Motor Speedway and whether to revoke the Speedway's permit after enforcement conditions requiring marshals were not met.
Town of Loudon selectmen said this week they will seek legal advice and may revoke a permit for motorcycle demonstration rides connected to New Hampshire Motor Speedway after enforcement conditions were not met.
The issue surfaced during the board's June 17 meeting when the police and selectmen discussed reports that the demo rides tied to Motor Speedway events lacked the marshals required by the permit. The board directed staff to contact the town attorney about a potential revocation letter and said the chief of police should issue summonses if legal review supports enforcement.
The matter drew sustained attention during discussion about traffic and safety during 'bike week' and Speedway events. Police and selectmen described elevated speeds and two motorcycle crashes reported so far during the week-long events. The chief of police told the board he spent multiple hours monitoring the demo rides and said marshals required under the permit were not present on the route.
Board members discussed options under town ordinance, including sending a revocation letter and charging a $100-per-day penalty if conditions are not met. One selectman noted that even with a revoked permit, riding on public ways likely would continue, but noncompliance could trigger fines. The board agreed compliance staff should prepare a formal, attorney-reviewed letter and that the police chief should be prepared to issue citations if counsel advises.
Selectmen also discussed speed limits and whether additional local ordinances could affect enforcement; a member cautioned that state law limits the town's authority over some speed regulation. The board asked compliance staff to deliver the existing permit-related communications and verification that required notices were mailed.
The board did not vote to revoke the permit at the meeting but directed staff to reach counsel and prepare letter(s) and enforcement steps; the selectmen said they would revisit the matter once legal guidance is available.
