IN THE

TENTH COURT OF APPEALS

No. 10-06-00092-CV

HOT ROD HILL MOTOR PARK AND 

ROGER DEEWAYNE BROWN,

Appellants

v.

DONMICHAEL LUCAS TRIOLO,

Appellee

From the 361st District Court

Brazos County, Texas

Trial Court No. 04-001812-CV-361

OPINION

Hot Rod Hill Motor Park is a race track located on Roger Deewayne Brown’s 

property. Donmichael Lucas Triolo sued Brown and Hot Rod Hill, alleging that the 

track constitutes a nuisance. The trial court granted a temporary restraining order 

prohibiting races and subsequently issued a temporary injunction that allowed Brown 

to conduct races, but ordered that races end by 11:00 p.m. and imposed noise level

restrictions. 
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 2

A jury later determined that the track constitutes a nuisance and awarded Triolo 

$3,000 in damages for loss and enjoyment of his property, but no damages for loss of 

market value. The trial court entered a final judgment permanently enjoining Brown 

from conducting any races of motorized vehicles for either competition or practice. 

Brown and Hot Rod Hill challenge the permanent injunction on grounds that (1) the 

trial court failed to properly balance the equities before issuing the injunction; and (2) 

the injunction is more restrictive than justified by the evidence. We affirm.

BALANCING THE EQUITIES

In his first issue, Brown contends that the trial abused it discretion by imposing a 

permanent injunction because: (1) the trial court failed to balance the equities; and (2)

the equities do not support a permanent injunction.

Whether the Trial Court Failed to Balance the Equities

Question two of the jury charge asked whether Brown and Hot Rod Hill should 

be permanently enjoined from “directly or indirectly conducting or allowing any races 

of motorized vehicles, both practice and competitive,” to which the jury answered, 

“Yes.” According to Brown, this was an issue for the trial court, not the jury, but the 

trial court merely adopted the jury’s finding without balancing the equities. Triolo 

concedes that the question was improper, but argues that (1) Brown failed to preserve 

the issue for appeal, having failed to object to the question at trial; and (2) the record 

does not support a finding that the trial court failed to balance the equities.

Regardless of whether the question was proper or the issue was preserved, the 

record is devoid of evidence indicating that the trial court issued an injunction without 
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 3

balancing the equities. See Winfield v. Lamoyne, No. 05-94-01851-CV, 1995 Tex. App. 

LEXIS 2553, at *15 (Tex. App.—Dallas Oct. 16, 1995, writ dism’d) (not designated for 

publication) (Winfield alleged that the trial court failed to balance the equities, but

provided no evidence of such a failure, arguing instead that he “suffers more harm 

from the injunction than LaMoyne suffers from the violations”); see also Estancias Dallas 

Corp. v. Schultz, 500 S.W.2d 217, 221 (Tex. Civ. App.—Beaumont 1973, writ ref’d n.r.e.)

(“[T]here is an implied finding that the trial court balanced the equities in favor of 

plaintiffs by entering the judgment granting the injunction.”). Neither did Brown seek a 

hearing or request findings of fact. See Lee v. Bowles, 397 S.W.2d 923, 924 (Tex. Civ. 

App.—San Antonio 1965, no writ) (trial court held a separate hearing on the issue of 

balancing the equities); see also Sixth RMA Partners, L.P. v. Sibley, 111 S.W.3d 46, 52 

(Tex. 2003) (“When neither party requests findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is 

implied that the trial court made all fact findings necessary to support its judgment”); 

Operation Rescue-Nat’l v. Planned Parenthood, 937 S.W.2d 60, 82 (Tex. App.—Houston 

[14th Dist.] 1996), aff’d as modified by 975 S.W.2d 546 (Tex. 1998) (“When part of a cause is 

decided by a jury and part by the court, the party appealing the court-decided issue 

should request findings of fact and conclusions of law.”). The record before us does not 

establish that the trial court failed to balance the equities. 

Whether the Equities were Properly Balanced

Abatement of a nuisance is a “discretionary decision for the judge after the case 

has been tried and the jury discharged.” Schneider Nat'l Carriers, Inc. v. Bates, 147 

S.W.3d 264, 286 (Tex. 2004). The trial court must balance the equities before issuing an
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 4

injunction, considering injury to (1) the defendant and the public were the injunction 

granted and (2) the complainant were the injunction denied. See Storey v. Cent. Hide & 

Rendering Co., 226 S.W.2d 615, 618-19 (Tex. 1950). An injunction will ordinarily be 

denied if the “injury to the complainant is slight in comparison to the injury caused the 

defendant and the public.” Id. at 619. Conversely, an injunction may issue if the injury 

to the defendant and the public is slight when compared to injury suffered by the 

complainant. See id. “Public convenience or necessity, economic burden to the 

defendant, and the adequacy of a legal remedy may affect this balance.” McAfee MX v. 

Foster, No. 02-07-00080-CV, 2008 Tex. App. LEXIS 968, at *8 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 

Feb. 7, 2008, pet. denied), petition for cert. filed, No. 08-639 (U.S. Nov. 12, 2008). We 

review a trial court’s decision to grant a permanent injunction for abuse of discretion.

See Operation Rescue-Nat'l v. Planned Parenthood of Houston & Se. Tex., Inc., 975 S.W.2d 

546, 560 (Tex. 1998).

Factual Background

In 1999, Brown began building Hot Rod Hill, a sole proprietorship, working 

twelve to sixteen hours a day for three years to complete it. He sold rental properties 

and racing equipment to fund construction. He purchased other equipment that he had 

to repair to build the track. 

The track is affiliated with the International Motor Contest Association. The 

racing season begins in March and ends in October. Races are held on nineteen or 

twenty dates out of thirty-two potential dates, approximately 160 hours of racing per 

year. Sixty to eighty cars usually participate, but there can be up to one hundred.
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 5

Triolo’s current home is about one-half to three-quarters of a mile from the track. 

When suit was filed, he resided in a home located half a mile from the track. He 

testified that races run as late as 1:30 a.m. and resume around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday. 

Triolo complained that the noise is loud, excessive, irritating, annoying, constant, 

sounds like it is in his backyard, prevents him from sleeping or enjoying dinner with his 

family, and requires him to increase the volume of the television. He hears motors 

revving and cars backfiring. He cannot escape the noise and can hear it any day of the 

week. On weekends, he and his family leave home to avoid the noise. He has 

measured the noise with a decibel meter and took readings in excess of eighty decibels. 

Triolo purchased nine lots in the area for $69,000. He sold eight lots at $20,000 

each and built his new home on lot nine. He said that he could have made more money 

if not for the track, losing approximately $3,000 to $5,000 per lot. He cannot remain in 

his home if the track remains open. If forced to sell, the track will limit the potential 

market. He would have no reason to sell if the track is closed.

Several homeowners in the area testified that the noise from the track is 

excessive.1 They described the noise as constant, nerve-racking, unbelievable,

intolerable, and inconvenient. It echoes, sounds like a “locomotive coming through the

house,” and causes windows and light fixtures to shake. Residents have difficulty 

 

1 Brown argues that the trial court could not consider this evidence because: (1) this is a suit for 

private nuisance, for which an injunction is intended to eliminate harm to Triolo, not the public at large; 

and (2) the harm to non-parties, were the injunction denied, is not a proper consideration. However, the 

testimony of non-parties has been considered in injunction suits. See McAfee MX v. Foster, No. 02-07-

00080-CV, 2008 Tex. App. LEXIS 968, at *4-5 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth Feb. 7, 2008, pet. denied) (testimony 

from plaintiffs and two other neighbors not parties to the suit); see also Estancias Dallas Corp. v. Schultz, 500 

S.W.2d 217, 221-22 (Tex. Civ. App.—Beaumont 1973, writ ref’d n.r.e.) (several neighbors provided 

testimony similar to that of the plaintiffs who alleged that an air conditioning unit constituted a nuisance 

and should be enjoined). Nor did Brown object to this evidence. See TEX. R. APP. P. 33.1.
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 6

sleeping, having a conversation at home or over the telephone, watching television, and 

spending time outdoors. The noise has even driven some residents from their homes on 

Saturday nights. Joyce Watkins testified that her family no longer visits because her 

grandchildren cannot sleep at night. Felicia Boegner built a privacy fence to block out 

the noise and lights, but can still hear the noise. Darrell Luedke can hear the noise even 

though his home consists of walls with twelve inches of insulation and is separated 

from the track by a forest of trees. 

The Sheriff’s Department has received numerous complaints and issued several 

warnings or citations regarding the noise and lateness of the races. Deputies described 

the noise as “somewhat deafening,” loud, excessive, disturbing, and irritating. It made 

conversing with complainants difficult. On one occasion, Brown was issued a citation 

after receiving a warning approximately one hour earlier. On another occasion, he

received a citation approximately one hour before races ended around 12:30 a.m. The 

deputies’ noise measurements often revealed levels exceeding eighty or ninety decibels. 

The Department has received numerous complaints in a single night.

Brown recalled one occasion where races ran until 1:30 or 1:45 a.m., claming that 

an ambulance, which he requires to be present during races, left the scene and did not 

return until late. He also admitted running past 12:00 a.m. on about five occasions. 

Since the temporary injunction, he has implemented procedures for completing races by 

11:00 p.m. He procured an ambulance that will be available during the races. Each race 

ends within a certain time period, regardless of whether all laps are completed. Racers 

must control their cars to avoid delaying the races and must be on time. Brown no 
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 7

longer holds the show for racers who have been rained out at other tracks or are 

running late. Cars are lined up waiting to begin the next race. Racers Michael Pitts and 

James Spear testified that Brown has not exceeded the time limit and races have been 

cut short due to time constraints.

Brown has also taken measures to reduce the noise. He requires all racers to use 

a muffler on their cars. Mufflers may be packed or equipped with a turn-down, which 

directs sound towards the ground, to reduce noise. Failure to adhere to muffler 

requirements results in penalties or disqualification. Spear has observed Brown enforce 

the muffler requirement and has noticed a significant reduction in the noise level at the 

track. Dawn Pitts testified that the mini-sprint racers all use mufflers and pack the 

mufflers if the cars are still too loud. Michael testified that the track has more 

restrictions than any other track where he races. 

Brown has also brought in trailer houses, enlarged the ponds on his property,

planted foliage, installed various barriers around the track, prohibited the use of parts 

that create excessive noise, changed the body styles on some cars, and limited the types 

of cars that may be raced, all in an effort to reduce the noise. Chris Kehl, an employee 

with O’Reilly Auto Parts, testified that Brown has declined to race certain classes of cars 

because of the noise they make. Brown also plans to install fountains, require racers to 

purchase a stall for their cars, and add more bleachers. He has already begun building 

a carport cover along the edge of the property. 

David Cooper, Triolo’s sound expert, conducted two tests at the Luedke home. 

The first test revealed readings of 88 and 89 decibels. The second test revealed a 
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 8

reading of 90 decibels three different times during the same race. These tests were 

conducted after the temporary injunction became effective. Cooper provided the jury 

with a recording of various decibel levels.

Cooper also provided opinions regarding Brown’s noise-reduction measures. He 

testified that bodies of water on the ground will not prevent the noise from traveling. 

Fountains will affect higher frequencies, but not the lower frequencies that travel 

farther. Some of Brown’s barriers, specifically a wooden catch fence and billboards, 

vibrate easily and would not have much impact. Depending on its depth, foliage could 

affect lower frequencies; yet, Cooper was surprised at the noise levels he received at the 

Luedke home, given the forest of trees located between the home and the track. Turndowns on the mufflers would probably reduce the sound. Brown had reduced some 

sound, but not that of the race cars. Cooper testified that a football stadium berm 

would reduce the sound a “pretty good bit.”

Several witnesses testified that the noise has been reduced since the temporary 

injunction. Ricky Denman can barely hear the noise unless the wind blows in a certain 

direction. Tim Dockery testified that the noise has been reduced and is not 

unreasonable. Christie Bomnskie testified that the track is quieter now and races no 

longer run past 11:00 p.m. Her three children, who did not reside in the home before 

suit, are able to sleep and the noise has never forced her to leave home. She cannot hear 

the noise over the television. Clifford Crenshaw had signed a petition alleging that the 

track is a nuisance. He now believes the problems have been corrected. He has noticed 

a substantial reduction in noise and barely notices the noise.
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 9

Brown testified that the track is surrounded by industrial buildings, an industrial 

park, electric building, oil field with pump jacks that run twenty-four hours a day, 

airport, livestock barn, auction barn, highway, and club. Spear testified that about ten 

oil-field businesses operate in the area 24/7. Denman testified that the highway is 

louder than the track. Dockery testified that an oil well located two properties to the 

east of his property is louder than the track and runs 24/7. He identified other noises 

originating from highway traffic and oil-field trucks. Boegner testified that she is not 

bothered by the oil-well noise. Luedke testified that he can occasionally hear cows from 

the livestock barn, but not at 1:00 a.m.

Michael testified that he has raced at other tracks that are similarly situated to 

Hot Rod Hill. Kehl testified that the track is essentially the same as the other ten or 

fifteen tracks he has visited, i.e., a dirt oval track, and for the most part is similarly 

situated to these other tracks. Michael, Kehl, Spear, Denman, and Bomnskie all testified 

that the track is in an appropriate location. Spear believed that people would still 

complain even if Brown moved the track elsewhere.

Brown and other witnesses testified that the track benefits the community. 

Families visit the track for entertainment and recreation. They barbecue, visit, and 

camp-out. The track does not charge for camping. Patrons must adhere to certain 

behavioral standards and alcohol is not sold at the track. School-age drivers must 

maintain passing grades at school and proper conduct at home. When a racer damages 

another racer’s car, the racers handle the situation without fighting. Brown holds a 

driving school on Sunday afternoons. Spear testified that the track provides 
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 10

opportunities for children to ride in and drive the race cars. Michael testified that 

racing has changed the lives of a couple of young men whom he knows.

The track has also assisted with charitable events. Without the track, Spear did 

not believe that racers would be able to participate in charitable works and programs. 

Michael and his wife Dawn are members of the Brazos Mini-Sprint Association, which 

donates money and participates in benefits and other community events.

Brown testified that racers come from all over Texas and even out of state. He 

testified that the track attracts new businesses, such as chassis, fabrication, machine, 

graphics, lettering, manufacture, design, molds, and fiberglass shops. Local parts and 

fuel businesses sell their products at the track. A local performance shop provides 

pieces, gauges, seats, etc. Michael testified that out-of-town patrons conduct business 

with the locals. Dockery attends races at the track and testified that out-of-town 

patrons spend money at local convenience stores, eat at restaurants, buy gas, and buy 

food. Kehl testified that O’Reilly sponsors events at the track and will continue to be 

involved even if it is not actually a sponsor. He testified that several national series are 

interested in racing at the track and O’Reilly would not sponsor an event that is 

detrimental either to its business or to the community.

Michael testified that he is unsure of whether the Mini-Sprint Association could 

exist without the track. Although the mini-sprint racers race at both Hot Rod Hill and 

other tracks, Dawn testified that closing the track could take away the hobby for some 

members. Michael testified that some racers do not want to travel because of the fuel 

and traveling more often would increase expenses.
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 11

On a good night, the track grosses $18,000 to $25,000, but Brown does not make a 

profit because of expenses for employees, fuel, fire crews, emergency crews, lighting, 

power, insurance, purse money, insurance, prizes, gifts, office supplies, and a website. 

The track is a business, not a hobby, and he hopes to eventually make a profit. It is his 

“lifetime dream” and he enjoys working. He does not race or own a race car. He is not 

certain of what he will do financially if the track is closed.

Analysis

We first address the harm to Brown. Triolo argues that the only harm to Brown 

is the “loss of uncertain potential income.” We disagree. The injunction will not only 

interfere with Brown’s own use and enjoyment of his property, but will also deprive 

him of his investment and business. See Lee, 397 S.W.2d at 925 (suit to enjoin planned 

race track involved the “conflicting rights of two lawful owners”). Brown would 

certainly suffer some harm as a result of the injunction.

As for harm to the public, Brown presents three primary reasons explaining why

the public benefits from the track’s existence. First, he suggests that the track provides a 

family atmosphere and influences young racers. Triolo points to Brown’s testimony at a 

hearing on his motion for new trial, wherein he expressed his intent to acquire a beer 

license. However, Brown testified at trial that patrons may bring alcohol to the track in 

a certain size cooler. That alcohol may be served, as opposed to being brought in by 

patrons, does not automatically convert the track into a non-family atmosphere. Nor 

does it negate other benefits provided by the track. Second, racers have participated in 

raising money for charitable causes. Triolo argues that individual racers, not Brown, 
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 12

raise money for charitable causes. Yet, the record contains testimony that the track 

aided, to some extent, the racers’ participation in charitable events. 

Third, the track promotes businesses and attracts racers from both the 

community and out of town.

2 Triolo maintains that the track is not a public necessity

and Brown’s evidence of economic value is not comparable to that in Lee, neither 

providing an estimate of economic impact nor testimony from business owners 

“attributing an economic impact to the track.”

Lee sued to enjoin a planned race track and drag strip on Bowles’s property. See

Lee, 397 S.W.2d at 924. An interstate highway, an air force base, and a few residences 

were located in the area. Id. at 924-25. Experts testified that noise from the track would 

“double the average noise level created by the highway traffic.” Id. at 925. Sounds from 

airplane jets might be louder at times, but were “infrequent and of short duration.” Id. 

“[O]rdinary conversation could not be accomplished on [Lee’s] patio during the races at 

a greater distance than one to four feet, and [] sleep would be difficult.” Id. “[T]raffic 

conditions would be very congested.” Id. Race cars were not equipped with mufflers. 

See id. Bowles testified that the season lasts five months, the track would operate 

primarily on Saturday nights, and races would end by 10:00 p.m. Id. at 926. 

Several witnesses, including three state representatives, the Sheriff, a hotel 

manager, and a professional sports writer, testified that the track would benefit the 

community. Id. The record showed that “automobile racing is the second most popular 

 

2 Brown also notes that, at the temporary injunction hearing, the trial court expressed “no doubt 

that there is some benefit to this track existing.”
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 13

sport in the United States from the standpoint of number of paid spectators, and is 

gaining in popularity; that this track would help the economy of the area and stimulate 

tourist trade; [and] that there were sufficient people in Bexar County interested in this 

sport to support a race track.” Id. Several residents testified that the track would 

“stimulate growth in their area.” Id. 

The jury found that the track would “substantially interfere with the reasonable 

use of [Lee’s] property...” Id. at 924. At a separate hearing, the trial court found that 

the “contemplated use of [Bowles’s] property without a drag strip would be a 

nuisance,” but “the equities were in favor of [Bowles] and the community.” Id. The 

trial court permanently enjoined Bowles from “establishing, operating and maintaining 

a drag strip upon [his] property,” but denied injunctive relief against the proposed 

track. Id. The San Antonio Court affirmed the judgment. See id. at 927.

Although the evidence of economic impact in this case may not be as compelling 

as that in Lee, the record does contain some evidence that the track has economic value. 

Triolo does not point to any place in the record showing otherwise. Additionally, the 

record shows that the track provides recreational benefits to the community, such as the 

driving school, opportunities for children to participate in the racing experience, 

recreation for families, improvement of the lives of young racers, and promotion of 

groups like the Mini-Sprint Association. We cannot say that an injunction closing the 

track would not cause some harm to the public. See id. at 926-27 (rejecting argument 

that balancing test did not apply because Bowles had not shown a public necessity: the 
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 14

evidence supported a finding that the public generally would benefit from the track, 

“both from a standpoint of recreational value and as an economic asset”).

Brown next contends that the harm to Triolo is slight in comparison to the harm 

that he and the public will suffer if the track is closed, arguing that: (1) the track’s 

operation will not destroy Triolo’s home; (2) the noise is not constant, as races take 

place a few months each year, once a week, and last no more than six hours; (3) the 

record contains no evidence that Triolo’s health was affected; (4) Triolo reaped a 

substantial profit from selling property located near the track; and (5) the jury’s award 

of only $3,000 to Triolo for loss and enjoyment that occurred over a two-year period, as 

well as the disparity between the $10,000 supersedeas bond for Triolo and the $100,000 

bond for Brown, demonstrates that the harm to Triolo is insignificant. 

In McAfee, the Fort Worth Court considered the harm stemming from a 

motocross course located on McAfee’s property. See McAfee, 2008 Tex. App. LEXIS 968, 

at *2. The course consisted of two tracks and ran four days a week from 9:00 a.m. or 

noon until dusk. Id. at *1. The noise sounded like “thirty chainsaws” and a “bunch of 

jack hammers,” caused difficulty having a conversation outside, “prohibited 

entertaining and reading outside,” prevented outdoor sports, spooked horses, forced 

one neighbor to tranquilize his horse in order to shoe the horse, prevented “outdoor 

picnic[s] ‘because you couldn’t speak to each other,’” “prevented [one neighbor’s]

grandchildren from fishing and playing outside,” and caused one business owner to 

have difficulty working. Id. at *4-5. The noise was “so loud that on four days each 

week appellees effectively could not use the land outside of their homes.” Id. at *9-10. 
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 15

Engineer Mike Fann testified that the types of engines used at the course would 

“harm the community when the noise systemically exceeded fifty-five decibels.” Id. at 

*5. Fann concluded that “twenty or more motorcycles a day on the tracks would exceed 

the eighty-five decibel benchmark [identified by section 42.01 of the Penal Code] ‘on a 

regular basis,’ and one of the loudest bikes would surpass eighty-five decibels even at a 

distance of 1422 feet.” Id. 

The trial court granted a permanent injunction. See id. at *1. On appeal, McAfee 

raised several issues, including whether the evidence was legally and factually 

sufficient to support the trial court’s balancing of the equities. Id. at *7. After finding 

that appellees presented evidence that the course “substantially interfered with their 

use and enjoyment of their land by causing unreasonable discomfort and annoyance,”

the Fort Worth Court held that “the trial court could have concluded that a permanent 

injunction would cause only slight injury to McAfee and the public or that such injury 

would be disproportionate to appellees’ injuries because of the nuisance.” Id. at *7-8. 

Here, the evidence similarly demonstrates that the track substantially interferes

with Triolo’s use and enjoyment of his property, even if it does not show either physical 

harm to Triolo or destruction of Triolo’s home. Triolo and other witnesses testified that 

the noise has been so loud as to drive them from their homes and cause them to 

contemplate moving in the event the track remains open. See Storey, 226 S.W.2d at 618 

(“the law does not allow one to be driven from his home or compelled to live in 

substantial danger or discomfort even though the danger or discomfort is caused by a 

lawful and useful business”). That the track may not always be in operation does not 
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 16

reduce the harm to Triolo, as witnesses testified that the noise was constant whenever 

the track was operating. See McAfee, 2008 Tex. App. LEXIS 968, at *9-10 (motocross 

course was “so loud that on four days each week appellees effectively could not use the 

land outside of their homes”). Nor does Triolo’s profit from the sale of property located 

near the track negate the interference caused by the noise from the track. Triolo 

testified that he could have charged approximately $3,000 to $5,000 more per lot if not 

for the track. Brown did not present evidence controverting this testimony. 

Nor are we persuaded that the amount of the jury’s damages award 

demonstrates that the harm to Triolo is slight. The record simply does not disclose the 

jury’s rationale for the specific amount awarded and we will not so speculate. 

As for the bond amounts, Brown testified at the bond hearing that eighteen 

months of no racing would cost him $718,810, an amount based on projected income 

from the driving school, renting out the track, attendance, advertisements on t-shirts 

and fliers, beer and concession sales, registration fees, and the sale of billboards. Brown 

testified that the track had begun making a profit on the last three nights before it was 

closed. However, the trial court did not have the benefit of this information at the time 

the permanent injunction was imposed. The only such information available to the trial 

court at that time came from Brown’s trial testimony that he had not yet profited from 

the track, but had lost an unspecified amount of money. 

In summary, the trial court heard evidence that the track seriously interferes with

Triolo’s use and enjoyment of his property. See Storey, 226 S.W.2d at 617 (“a lawful 

business may become a nuisance in fact when it is operated in such a place or manner 
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 17

as seriously to interfere with the enjoyment of life and property”). The trial court could 

have concluded that a permanent injunction would cause only slight injury to Brown 

and the public or that such injury would be disproportionate to Triolo’s injuries because 

of the nuisance. See McAfee, 2008 Tex. App. LEXIS 968, at *8.

Brown next argues that: (1) Triolo was not entitled to injunctive relief merely 

because it is the sole form of relief requested; and (2) damages would have been an 

adequate remedy, but Triolo did not request such damages. However, the trial court 

has discretion to award injunctive relief where the evidence demonstrates that a

nuisance is of a “recurring nature.” Holubec v. Brandenberger, 214 S.W.3d 650, 656 (Tex. 

App.—Austin 2006, no pet.); see Lamb v. Kinslow, 256 S.W.2d 903, 905 (Tex. Civ. App.—

Waco 1953, writ ref’d n.r.e.) (Where a nuisance is of a “recurring nature,” an injunction 

“will lie irrespective of [a] legal remedy at law”). In such circumstances, monetary 

damages are not always adequate because “damages could be recovered only as of the 

time of the bringing of the action, and a multiplicity of suits would be necessary.”

Holubec, 214 S.W.3d at 656 (citing Ellen v. Bryan, 410 S.W.2d 463, 465 (Tex. Civ. App.—

Waco 1966, writ ref’d n.r.e.)).

Although Brown plans to self-impose the time and noise guidelines outlined by

the temporary injunction, he does not intend to stop holding races. He plans to add 

more stands and wants to run the most popular cars, i.e. sprint cars, if the noise can be 

managed. He testified that the car count will increase. Before suit, he had planned to 

conduct some two-day shows and he feels capable of doing so. 
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 18

Triolo and others testified that the noise from the track is constant during its 

times of operation. Watkins testified that, despite the temporary injunction, the track is 

still “quite noisy,” forcing her to leave home. Boegner testified that the noise initially 

seemed under control, but became just as loud. She cannot have a conversation, 

entertain guests, sit on the porch, or allow the children to catch fireflies outside. She 

admitted that the noise is not as loud and has been reduced “somewhat.” Luedke 

testified that he still hears noise from the track on Saturday nights, as well as some 

Sunday and Tuesday nights. Denman, Dockery, Bomnskie, and Crenshaw all testified 

that the noise level has been reduced. 

Shortly before trial, Triolo filed a motion for contempt alleging several violations 

of the temporary injunction: (1) Deputy Banks was dispatched to the Triolo and 

Boegner homes where he measured the noise and received three readings of 87, 92, and 

89 decibels outside the Boegner home, 87 outside the Triolo home, and 65 inside the 

Triolo home; (2) Deputy Emig received a reading of 89 to 90 decibels at the home of a 

complainant who could not hear his television over the noise; (3) Deputy Bachman 

received several complaints, after which he measured the noise levels, which registered 

in the low eighties and low sixties; and (4) Cooper’s two tests revealed readings over 80 

decibels. Brown has received one citation since the temporary injunction, but claimed 

that the citation was issued on the first night of races after the injunction and that the 

problem was corrected. However, Cooper’s testimony shed some doubt as to the ability 

of Brown’s sound-reduction measures to sufficiently reduce the noise. 
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 19

In light of the evidence, the trial court could have concluded that the track would 

continue to constitute a nuisance and that only injunctive relief would afford Triolo 

complete relief and prevent the nuisance from recurring. See Holubec, 214 S.W.3d at 656. 

Conclusion

Because Triolo presented evidence that the track interferes with the use and 

enjoyment of his property and because that harm is not slight in comparison to the 

harm to Brown and the public, the trial court properly balanced the equities and did not

abuse its discretion by granting a permanent injunction. See Storey, 226 S.W.2d at 619; 

see also McAfee, 2008 Tex. App. LEXIS 968, at *7-10. We overrule Brown’s first issue. 

RESTRICTIVENESS OF INJUNCTION

In his second issue, Brown contends that the permanent injunction is more 

restrictive and comprehensive than justified by the evidence and usages of equity. 

Triolo argues that Brown failed to preserve this issue for appeal. We agree.

To preserve a complaint for appellate review, the appellant must show that the 

complaint was made to the trial court by a timely request, objection, or motion. See TEX.

R. APP. P. 33.1. In his motion for new trial, Brown raised issues addressing newly 

discovered evidence and the legal and factual sufficiency of the evidence to support the 

jury’s findings, but he did not challenge the scope of the permanent injunction. See id.;

see also TEX. R. CIV. P. 321 (motion for new trial must “briefly refer to that part of the 

ruling of the court...or other proceedings which are designated to be complained of, in 

such a way that the objection can be clearly identified and understood by the court”). 
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 20

In his motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict and to disregard jury 

findings, Brown argued that the evidence is legally insufficient to establish nuisance, 

the evidence conclusively proves that the benefit of issuing the injunction outweighs the 

harm to Brown and the public, any alleged damages were temporary and/or abated, 

and the jury’s findings are not supported by the evidence. He did not challenge the 

scope of the permanent injunction in this motion either. See Chappell Hill Bank v. Lane 

Bank Equip. Co., 38 S.W.3d 237, 248 (Tex. App.—Texarkana 2001, pet. denied) 

(“[B]ecause the Motion for Judgment N.O.V. did not request the court to grant the 

motion for the reasons advanced in this issue on appeal, it did not preserve for appeal 

this claimed trial court error”). Nor did Brown file a motion to modify the injunction. 

Accordingly, he has failed to preserve his second issue for appellate review. See TEX. R.

APP. P. 33.1.

We affirm the trial court’s judgment.

FELIPE REYNA

Justice

Before Chief Justice Gray,

Justice Vance, and

Justice Reyna

(Chief Justice Gray concurring with a note)*

Affirmed 

Opinion delivered and filed December 3, 2008

[CV06]

* (Note by Chief Justice Gray: “Chief Justice Gray concurs only in the judgment of 

the Court to the extent that it affirms the trial court’s injunction. A separate opinion 

will not issue. He notes, however, that the Court erroneously states that “the trial court 
Hot Rod Hill Motor Park v. Triolo Page 21

properly balanced the equities and did not abuse its discretion by granting a permanent 

injunction.” (Emphasis added). In our review we do not determine whether the trial 

court properly balanced the equities. Our review is limited to whether the trial court 

abused its discretion. Further, I can only hold that the trial court did not abuse its 

discretion by granting the permanent injunction. If the scope of the issue presented on 

appeal could properly include the scope of the injunction, I would conclude that the 

trial court’s injunction was overbroad. The appellant failed to preserve the issue of the 

scope of the injunction and therefore the scope of the injunction is not properly before 

us for resolution.”)