When attending events at Charlotte Motor Speedway, it's important to consider your audio experience and hearing safety. Here are some practical tips for using scanners and hearing protection during race week.
Scanners: Scanners allow you to listen to race communications, enhancing your experience. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Check local regulations regarding scanner use at the venue.
- Bring extra batteries to ensure your scanner lasts throughout the event.
- Familiarize yourself with the frequencies used by the teams and officials to get the most relevant updates.
Hearing Protection: The excitement of live racing can be loud, so protecting your hearing is crucial. Consider these options:
- Earplugs: Simple and effective, earplugs can significantly reduce noise levels while still allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: For a more immersive experience, noise-canceling headphones can help block out excessive noise while letting you tune into the race.
Remember, whether you're at a race or a concert, taking care of your hearing will allow you to enjoy future events even more. Stay safe and have a fantastic time at the All Star Race Party!
Getting the Most from Your Headset on Race Day
Many fans end up combining both tools: a scanner paired with a set of over-ear headphones or a dedicated racing headset. The padded ear cups block a good share of engine noise, while the scanner audio comes through clearly at a moderate volume. If you already own a scanner but only earbuds, consider wearing foam earplugs under a pair of passive earmuffs instead. Cranking earbuds loud enough to beat the cars defeats the purpose of protecting your ears.
Setting up before you leave home
- Program and test early. Load the frequencies you want the night before and check that the scanner powers on, scans and saves channels properly. Trackside is a hard place to read a small screen or a manual.
- Label your favourites. Put your preferred driver, the race broadcast feed and race control in easy-to-find memory slots so you can switch quickly during cautions and pit stops.
- Check the fit. Headsets that pinch become uncomfortable over several hours. Try yours on for a while at home, ideally with a cap or sunglasses on.
Protecting children's hearing
Young ears are especially sensitive, and children often won't keep earplugs in. Properly sized earmuffs made for kids are usually the more reliable choice. Put them on before you reach the grandstands, not after the first lap. For infants, ask a paediatrician whether bringing them to a loud event is a good idea at all.
Renting versus buying
Rental scanner kits are often available at big race events and suit occasional visitors. Fans who attend several races a season usually find that owning their own gear pays off and is more comfortable. Either way, check the venue's current policy on permitted items and bag sizes before race day. Our guide to planning your visit covers what to pack.
Beyond the oval
Race week in Concord often includes concerts and fan-zone stages, and amplified music can be just as damaging as engines over a long evening. Keep your earplugs on you after the checkered flag. Take short breaks away from the speakers, and see a doctor or audiologist if ringing in your ears lasts beyond the next day. You'll find the wider schedule of activities on our race events page.