Memorial Day: Community Etiquette for Throttle Salutes
Memorial Day is almost here - a time to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. There are many ways of paying our respects, and in the motoring world, sometimes it’s about making a lot of noise! The goal is to honor the dead without harassing the living. If noise is your thing, then it’s time to think about WHERE.
1. Location: The "Where" Matters Most
The goal is to honor the dead without harassing the living.
-
Track Days/Drag Strips: Many local tracks host "Memorial Drags" or "Test and Tune" nights. Performing a burnout here is 100% legal, safe, and often encouraged as a dedicated tribute.
-
Private Property: If you have access to a private lot or a friend's warehouse, use it. Just ensure the owner is on board.
-
Industrial Zones/Business Parks: On weekends, they are usually empty, meaning you aren't waking up babies or rattling the windows of a nursing home. BUT, still keep it brief, 30 to 60 seconds, in public spaces.
2. The "Last Rev" Protocol
If you are doing a collective rev-up (often called the "Minute of Noise" instead of a minute of silence):
-
Coordinate the Timing: Have a designated leader. Everyone starts at once and—crucially—stops at once. Random, scattered revving just sounds like a broken engine; a synchronized "wall of sound" sounds like a salute.
-
Don't Overheat: Don't bounce off the rev-limiter for three minutes straight. It’s hard on the bike/car, and the "symbolic" value drops after the first 30 seconds.
3. The Burnout Protocol
Be in an approved area of private property; the marks left in public places are like graffiti. A drag strip or out in front of a friend's car barn on their private motor ranch is where to do this.
-
If you’re planning a “Tire Pop”, make sure you have a spare and a jack ready.
-
Be aware of wind direction so smoke stays in the tribute area and is not a nuisance.
-
If you have the right place dialed in really well, then maybe use "tribute tires" (tires with dye in the rubber) that match the deceased’s favorite color or their branch of service.