Club At the Monticello Motor Club, premier service comes standard.

By Cristina Ordoqui

Imagine the great outdoors-fields of green grass, mountains of evergreens, and blue cloudless skies stretching as far as the eye can see. The only sound is the hum of the car speeding along the asphalt, and the only feeling is a simultaneous mix of exhilaration and peace. But what is the destination? The Monticello Motor Club, of course.

Situated among 650 beautiful acres, yet only 90 minutes from Manhattan by car and 10 minutes from the Sullivan County International Airport, a unique and exclusive motor club is opening this summer on the site of the old Monticello Airport off Cantrell Road.

On July 27, 2008, the Monticello Motor Club will officially open its doors to 500 resident members, who will each pay an initiation fee of $125,000, as well as yearly dues of $7,500 for their coveted memberships. A limited number of national and international memberships will also be made available on a limited basis. But for anyone who is truly passionate about racing, all that money will surely not go to waste-not at this club.

The MMC contains a 4.1-mile racetrack with 22 turns, dramatic elevation changes, and a dozen configurations. “We have incorporated exciting elements from some of the world’s most famous tracks while delivering a circuit unique in design and character,” says Monticello Motor Club President Bill McMichael. “The goal of MMC is to provide a completely new way for enthusiasts to conveniently experience the very best in automotive luxury and performance driving.”

Designed by preeminent track architect of next generation racetracks Bruce Hawkins and Motorsports Hall of Famer Brian Redman, the club will cater to drivers of all skill levels-from the enthusiast to the pro-via its on-staff driving instructors lead by Nick Longhi, a regular competitor and race winner in sports cars. Since the course can be divided into three separate circuits, drivers of all skill levels can occupy the track at the same time without interfering with each other.

Additionally, MMC is offering its members and their guests full concierge services, dining, a lounge, massage services, and a technical briefing room-all in a climate-controlled environment. Also available will be a secure, climate-controlled storage facility, general automobile maintenance services, and a fleet of rental vehicles.

In the coming driving seasons, members will be offered a 20,000-square-foot Member’s Pavilion complete with hot-pit garages, locker rooms, a full-service kitchen, conference rooms, and a four-story glass tower with sweeping views of the track. Plans also include the construction of a world-class, 30,000-square-foot clubhouse, where luxury amenities will be delivered for members and their guests. Overnight accommodations and expanded fitness and spa facilities will also be available.

MMC is a haven for like-minded individuals who are passionate about exotic cars and crave high-speed thrills. The racetrack is just the first in a series of projects for MMC. MMC is considering development options for 400 additional acres, including The Club Lodge, a five-star hotel and conference center; The Shops at the MMC, an MMC automotive center; and its biggest project: The Autominiums-luxury two-bedroom, two-bath condominiums with a two-car garage and trackside access.

“We’re offering the very best in service and amenities to our members as we develop what will become a well-known luxury brand,” says Jason Bannerman, MMC’s director of business development. “We’re all passionate automotive enthusiasts who want to make sure each and every level of customer interaction is done to convey excellence.”

MMC will be open April through November, offering resident members up to 200 track days per year-unprecedented track access. And with such amenities as these, its no wonder the Monticello Motor Club is earning a reputation of being the premier country club automotive resort.
www.monticellomotorclub.com