Been to a lot of different races and tracks, not as many as rsk, however, more than my share. Everything from Dirt Street stocks to Super Mods (helped Ray Sand at Oswego for years). Stood next to Top Fuel Nitro cars in the pits. Been to several NASCAR races and tracks and all without protection. I guess I've been lucky as I only have a pretty good case of Tinitous and I am now 60. 3 years ago went to my first Bristol race and, of course, no protection. MISTAKE! Ears rang for almost 4 days after. Oswego IS loud, not close to Bristol though. Wear protection at Bristol now and will for Martinsville this year too. My wife has lost most of her hearing and my mother in law is completely deaf. My son in law lost most of his hearing in Iraq. I guess I have been lucky. It's too easy today to get proper ear protection and still be able to communicate when the track is not hot. Encourage people to use it (especially kids!). Don't wake up one day and say coulda, woulda, shoulda. JMO