It’s not uncommon that one group’s form of recreation or entertainment is another’s annoyance.
Mission Raceway Park has been an institution in the this community for decades.
Thousands of racers and spectators have come through the gates since the doors opened, and it continues
to be a successful enterprise that brings competitors from throughout North America to the National Hot Road Association-approved track.
Judging from comments in letters to the editor, and on The Mission Record’s website and Facebook page, local residents appear split on whether the noise of the cars tearing down the quarter-mile track is invasive or tolerable, or even enjoyable.
There are important considerations to bear in mind that can help frame this discussion, starting with the fact that the raceway predates many residents’ arrival to the District of Mission. Complaining afterwards is akin to moving near an airport and objecting to the noise of planes.
Financially, the raceway brings millions of dollars into the community annually, through competitors and fans purchasing gas, food, lodging and vehicle parts.
These points aside, as a civilized society, this should not be an open-and-shut case. Compromises should be sought wherever possible to try to lessen the extent of the noise that has become as much a part of Mission’s summers as sunshine and mosquitoes.
