Caldwell County first reading approves racetrack ordinance changes amid resident complaints about noise and unbuilt sound barrier

The Caldwell County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 on first reading to approve amendments to the county ordinance that govern hours and operations at Tri County Motor Speedway, moving the measure to a required second reading while commissioners and community members continued to debate noise impacts and whether promised sound barriers have been installed.

Supporters of the Speedway told the board the track is an economic and community asset and said its operators have helped residents in times of need. Neighbors who live within a mile of the track urged the board to require stronger noise controls and to delay any permanent change until a previously promised sound barrier is built.

The proposed amendment would add the month of February to the existing operating season, extend the season into the first 15 days of November, permit test‑and‑tune sessions on weekdays Monday through Thursday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and allow race‑day activity to start at 10 a.m. (race end times would remain at or before 11 p.m. under the proposal). Interim county staff read the ordinance language into the record and said test‑and‑tune events are defined as laps and settings adjustments with “no racing, no crowd, and no money taken at the gate.”

Why it matters: Commissioners said the change is meant to help the Speedway attract visiting professional teams and boost revenue, which supporters say helps the business survive and improves the county’s recreational offerings. Opponents said…