A group of property owners along Highway B southwest of Pendleton remain persistent in their opposition to a nearby motorsports track for mud races and truck pulls.

Half a dozen property owners are challenging a recent ruling in favor of Hickory Ridge Motorsport Park. The ruling by the Warren County Planning and Zoning Commission allows the track to host up to 10 events per year, with 1,500 people allowed at each event.

The planning commission on Nov. 21 expanded a conditional use permit (CUP) for Hickory Ridge, which originally was limited to five events per year with a maximum of 500 spectators and participants. The planning commission also eliminated a two-year renewal requirement, and granted permission to conduct merchandise sales.

Hickory Ridge is located about 7 miles southwest of Pendleton on Highway B.

Attorney Denyse Jones, representing the neighbors opposed to the track, argues that the track has effectively become a commercial operation in an area reserved for agriculture.

In a letter submitted to the county, Jones requested the elected Warren County Commission review and overturn the planning board’s decision on Hickory Ridge.

“The purpose of the county’s agricultural zoning district is ‘to permit forestry and agricultural activities to occur with minimal interference from other incompatible development,’ ” Jones wrote. She contends that the motorsportss events and crowds of spectators disturb livestock, damage agricultural land, and discourage farming in the surrounding area.

Jones said her clients are already prevented from fully enjoying their rural properties, thanks to the loud noise from several events this year. She also alleged numerous and varied public safety and environmental hazards of allowing the track to operate.

Opponents of Hickory Ridge previously have engaged in several unsuccessful appeals and legal challenges against the track. This latest appeal will be argued before the Warren County Commission in early January. A tentative date for the hearing has been set for Jan. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Warren County Administration Building.

In seeking the changes to their permit, Hickory Ridge owners George and Dana Heath told the planning commission that their motorsports events haven’t had any issues since beginning earlier this year. They contend that the track provides a family-friendly venue for the local racing community.

Several public safety officials testified in October that they had no concerns about the facility or the events, outside of two traffic and noise complaints from nearby residents.