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Interview with the owner of Autodrom Most, Josef Zajíček, in connection with the verdict in the dispute with the Huličeks

How do you react to the ruling of the Regional Court in Ústí nad Labem, which orders that the autodrome must not exceed the noise limit of 55 decibels on weekdays and 50 decibels on public holidays and Sundays?

We are currently still waiting for the exact wording of the reasoning for the judgment, which will be delivered to us in the coming weeks, however, compliance with the set limits has always been and will be absolutely crucial for us and we will take all steps to comply with the legal limits. However, it is important to remember that the racetrack was approved for clearly defined limits, which are 60 dB for daytime and normal operation and 70 dB during races. We also purchased the racetrack under these conditions. We therefore perceive the court's decision on lower noise limits as a step that is completely contrary to the approval regulation. The paradox is that the parallel Tvrzova street running alongside the racetrack, which is even closer to the house in question, has a limit of 68 dB, i.e. much higher than the court set for us. For our part, we will therefore take all available legal steps, including filing an appeal with the Supreme Court in Brno.

So what measures will you implement at the racetrack to comply with the court's decision?

We have already implemented a number of measures in the past that help to comply with the limits. We are currently controlling the noise limit of vehicles moving on the track, we have banned drifting and related races, we have introduced the mandatory use of exhaust mufflers and, in particular, a ban on driving in the area after 6 pm. In the past, we also applied for permission to build a noise barrier on the border of the autodrome property in order to further reduce the noise level spreading to the property, but the Regional Hygiene Station of the Ústí nad Labem Region rejected the permission. However, we remain open to discussions that will be constructive and ultimately lead to a reduction in the noise level. Of course, we are ready to fully invest in noise protection measures.

Why didn't you and the Huličeks reach an out-of-court agreement and did the court have to decide this matter?

A mutual agreement can only be reached if both parties share the will to reach an agreement. We have been trying for a long time to find a compromise that would allow the operation of the autodrome and maintain the comfort of the neighbors. We were willing to accept a number of restrictions, however, the other party insisted on conditions that would de facto mean the end of the autodrome and the polygon in their current form, which we could not accept. The other party's negotiations have essentially seemed like an attempt to liquidate our regular business from the beginning. Moreover, the Huličeks used to have their workshop in the autodrome premises and they never complained about the noise, this has only changed recently.

How did the negotiations proceed and what conditions did the other party demand?

We met with representatives of the Health for Most association, the Most City Hall and the regional office, but unfortunately we never reached a compromise. At the last meeting, the Huličeks suggested that we run one day and not the next. However, this option is not possible, because it would mean a fundamental restriction on commercial rentals, which are almost always for several days and it is not possible to divide their duration in this way. Given that only thanks to commercial rides can we finance not only regular operations, but also safety improvements, track maintenance and, in particular, the organization of prestigious races, this restriction would de facto mean the end of the autodrome and polygon. Prestigious races attract visitors, but at the same time they are so financially demanding that we have to subsidize them. And we need to look at the situation from the other side. Nevertheless, we are trying to work on an agreement, every year we reduce the noise limits in the operating rules and we do not oppose the construction of other noise-control measures that we will be allowed to implement.

How much do you invest in track modifications?

Maintaining the racetrack and its equipment is extremely expensive, we have invested hundreds of millions of crowns just in repairing the asphalt surface and ensuring top-notch safety infrastructure. But it is an economic cycle. The funds we collect from commercial races are reinvested in the maintenance and modernization of the circuit, thereby bringing orders and opportunities for companies from the region.

Equally important is the fact that the Most autodrom and the events held there will attract thousands of visitors to the region, generate jobs and bring economic benefits not only to the autodrom but also to local businesses – hotels, restaurants and other services. If commercial leases were to be restricted, all of these entities would feel the impact.

Who was here first, the Most autodrom or the Huličeks?

The Most racetrack was built between 1978 and 1983. The Huličeks bought the house in question in 1994, much later. Needless to say, land or houses near racetracks are usually cheaper and the owners buy them with the knowledge of the increased noise.

How does the state stand on the whole case?

We need to open a dialogue on this matter and involve the state, the region and the city in it. This is not just a problem for our racetrack and its neighbours. Why, for example, is the construction of houses still going on around the racetrack and there is no protection zone? We are not able to answer that, it is the representatives of the local government who must do that. However, it is also necessary to point out the fact that when prestigious motorcycle races are held here, such as the world championship, which is organised by the International Motorcycle Federation, of which the Czech Republic is a part, everyone proudly supports us. At the same time, the state wants to punish us for allegedly exceeding the permitted limits. Therefore, this situation needs to be resolved comprehensively and does not concern just one family with whom we are currently in dispute. If we had stable and long-term support from the state, we could focus more on strategic races and investing in the modernisation of the area without the need for commercial leases to such an extent. Racing circuits in Europe are mostly co-owned by the state or region, which helps to eliminate noise problems. We are not opposed to this option in the future either.

So why doesn't the Most municipality rent the racetrack and not race there today? This has also been discussed in the past.

In the past, there was indeed an idea that the Most City Council could rent the racetrack on certain days and the track would not be open on these days. However, we cannot answer why this idea did not come to fruition; it is necessary to ask the Most City Council. We are still open to this debate.

How are noise measurements carried out?

It should be noted that this ruling by the Regional Court in Ústí nad Labem concerns only the land of the Huličeks. The Huličeks must prove that the racetrack disturbs them beyond what is appropriate for the local conditions. However, a higher noise limit applies to the road closer to their land, specifically 68 dB. The paradox of the whole situation is that when we did not drive at all on the Most circuit for one day, they measured a higher noise level than is permitted by the implementing regulation.

What is the significance of Autodrom Most for the entire region?

The Autodrom has been a key part of the Most region for many years – it generates jobs, supports local businesses and brings financial resources to the city and the region. When we took over the Autodrom, it was in a critical economic state. We have managed to build a modern complex where international events are held and which contributes not only to the development of motorsport, but also to road safety. We have also managed to raise the profile of the city of Most and the Czech Republic on the international stage.

Is the racetrack for sale and is it because of this noise issue?

The Most autodrom is the heart of Czech motorsport and its future is a priority for us. We are currently investigating whether there is an investor who would be interested in joining us and helping to develop the autodrom even more intensively. The noise issue is definitely not the reason for a possible sale. It is important for us that the autodrom remains functional and prosperous not only for motorsport, but also for the entire regional economy.

Are noise problems the most fundamental problem that the racetrack is solving?

Since I joined the racetrack in 2014, we have been operating it in accordance with the approval decision, when the permitted noise level is 70 dB during races and 60 dB during training. We try not to exceed these limits and have introduced a number of measures to comply with them. It is paradoxical that the racetrack has been operating here for decades and has never faced such fundamental criticism in terms of noise as it is now during its history. After all, the Huličeks also had their workshop in the racetrack premises and never complained about the noise, this has only changed recently. However, coexistence with the local community is key for us and we are ready to invest in other noise-reduction measures that would reduce the noise level and preserve the racetrack as a functional and successful project.