Louisiana Residents Fume Over Nocturnal Go-Kart Track Noise in Zachary
Residents of a tranquil neighborhood in Zachary, Louisiana, are expressing intense frustration after a noisy go-kart track began operating late into the night in their backyard. The 593 Motorsports Kart Club, located on W.J. Wicker Road approximately 20 miles north of Baton Rouge, has disrupted the rural serenity of the area, according to locals who claim the facility is ruining their peace and quiet.
Neighbors Voice Their Anger Over Persistent Disturbances
Longtime resident Larry Perkins articulated the community's distress, telling ABC affiliate WBRZ2, 'They're coming to our backyard, and we're having to put up with the noise.' Another local, Diane Fletcher, echoed his sentiments, insisting, 'It does not fit the neighborhood, go find somewhere else to do it.' Fletcher further argued that the track appears to function as a business, which she believes should not be permitted in a zone classified as residential.
Permit Conditions and Alleged Violations Stir Controversy
The go-kart club opened less than a year ago on land zoned as residential, necessitating a conditional use permit from the city. In November 2025, the Zachary City Council approved this permit, imposing specific conditions such as limiting races to three times per month and restricting operating hours to between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. However, outraged neighbors report enduring zooming noises until as late as 11:30 p.m., as vehicles tear up the dirt track beyond the permitted timeframe.
Legal Action and Defensive Responses Escalate the Feud
Some residents have escalated the conflict by launching a lawsuit against both the city and the track, contending that the permit should never have been approved. Perkins urged authorities, 'Take the opportunity to correct a mistake.' In response, track owner Joshua O'Neal has denied all allegations, asserting that he has adhered to all city rules. O'Neal told WBRZ2, 'We have never been in any type of violation of any law, any ordinance or anything.' He added, 'I don't want to call anybody a liar, but to say that someone's doing something that they're not doing is wrong. They're assuming I'm guilty before anything, and I feel like I'm having to prove that I'm innocent.'
Community Division and Upcoming Council Meeting
The local dispute has also spilled onto social media, where posts about the feud garnered mixed reactions. One supporter questioned, 'If a rural area isn't where a go-kart track is supposed to be, then where IS it supposed to be?' Another local defended the track, noting, 'It’s not even that loud from across the street… the rail road tracks across from Kenilworth are much louder and disruptive if not accustomed.' Several others expressed interest in visiting the facility. Meanwhile, Zachary City Council members are scheduled to hold a public meeting on Tuesday to determine whether the track has violated the terms of its permit, with The Daily Mail having contacted 593 Motorsports Kart Club for further comment.
