I think that's the point. Is the noise expected for the situation. At a NASCAR event, it's expected and people accept it as part of the "ambience". In the middle of a national forest, it's not expected and people don't accept it as part of the "ambience".
Just because it is acceptable to do at one place, doesn't make it acceptable at all places. Knowing the difference will go a long way at preventing problems.
As for leaf blowers, they are rotgut. Their engine noise is far different than a lawn mower and it cuts into your head like an ice pick AND all it does is blow all that dust, mold, and pollen up into the air making it impossible for people to breathe. And when did it ever become acceptable to just blow all your leaves and dirt into the neighbors' yards and street rather than to pick up your "trash".