Finding Tranquility Amidst the Roar: Insights from a Weekend Car Race
This past weekend, as the annual Grandprix filled the air with its reverberations, I found myself unexpectedly filled with exhilaration.
Entering the race venue, just a block away from our home, I was immediately greeted by an undeniable cacophony of noise. Yet, as everyone around me donned their earplugs, I couldn't help but feel strangely comforted by the roar of engines. As the afternoon wore on, I watched spectators of all ages succumb to slumber on the grass, despite the racing cars passing mere feet away.
This is strange, because occasionally, when the rumble of engines echoing through the indoor parking area, especially with the entrance of Ferraris and Maseratis, became almost unbearably loud. In those moments, I couldn't help but think, "Oh, this is a bit much..."
I began to ponder why, amidst the same noise, my heart soared during the race. Was it the outdoor setting that made the difference? Or perhaps there was a unique allure to the engines themselves?
As I delved into my thoughts, I stumbled upon a fascinating article.
It turns out, there's a connection between the engine sound of a Maserati and the renowned violin maker Stradivarius. Many who experienced the sound shared a common impression, and frequency analysis revealed similar spectral patterns. Indeed, the "Maserati Sound" is something to behold. It's remarkable how profound this connection goes. (https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/19620459/)
I also found this article:
In 2023, a toy was introduced that replicated the exhaust note of cars like the Honda S2000 and Integra Type R, which surprisingly appealed to babies. Honda found that the exhaust note of the NSX, in particular, had a calming effect on babies, akin to stopping their cries. This toy, shaped like a car, was developed in collaboration with a toy manufacturer. It appears that the low-frequency range of exhaust sounds resembles what babies hear in the womb—sounds like heartbeats, blood flow, and conversation. These sounds evoke memories of the mother's womb, triggering the release of relaxation substances like serotonin and oxytocin, thus calming the baby. (https://www.excite.co.jp/news/article/Webcartop_1303658/)
This revelation left me astounded. I had no idea.
It seems that the frequency of engine sounds increases as the engine revs higher!
Standing amidst the grounds surrounded by racing cars completing hundreds of laps, I couldn't help but wonder if we, too, were resonating with their high vibrations. The beauty of the blue sky, the sea, boats, and the cityscape all contributed to the release of serotonin, a sensation I can certainly attest to.
Nevertheless, the sheer volume of sound is undeniable. Being near the track without earplugs is quite uncomfortable, and it's crucial for children to wear proper noise-canceling earmuffs.
Despite the estimated attendance of over 200,000 people throughout the three-day weekend, our experience at the event was surprisingly pleasant. I truly appreciated the opportunity to enjoy such a fun and safe gathering in our city.