Speedway roars on despite restrictions

Protests might have put the brakes on speedway at Western Springs, but racing promoter Dave Stewart is confident it will survive.
Rules introduced before the start of last season reduced noise levels and almost halved the number of races after complaints from neighbours.
"We did well last year on managing the noise levels but there's still work to be done," Mr Stewart says.
"It's always difficult with a motor racing event like this.
"It's not like a concert where you can just turn the volume knob down.
"That's the challenge - to minimise the racing car noise but still comply with international rules and specifications."
Mr Stewart says staff are trying to source a standard muffler and exhaust system which all drivers would have to fit before being allowed to race.
He's hoping they will be available for sprint cars next season. They are also looking at a system to test individual cars for noise.
Last year cars were monitored during racing, making it hard to work out who exceeded the noise limit.
"With the standardised mufflers and testing procedure the noise of the overall event will definitely decrease," Mr Stewart says.
A report showing just four out of 163 races exceeded noise levels by no more than two decibels last season went to the Western Bays Community Board this month.
There were seven noise complaints received from residents during the season, from November to March.
Springs Promotions had to pay the board $2000 - $500 for each time noise levels were breached.
The new rules were introduced after an independent review by Peter Salmon QC cut race meetings to 12 and lowered decibel limits.
Mr Stewart says the restrictions are putting a strain on Springs Promotions but speedway will stay at the stadium.
"The majority of the local community support speedway and it?s sad a very small minority can end up putting on so much pressure.
"It's not just relevant to Western Springs.
"There are all sorts of areas with concerts, big events and parades.
"So many things are affected by a small number of people who have issues."
The Auckland City Harbour News has previously contacted a spokeswoman for the Springs Stadium Residents Association, which drove the complaints against speedway.
On the last occasion, the woman, who refused to be named, asked not to be contacted again.
By JENNY LING - Auckland City Harbour News Friday, 29 June 2007