Monticello Motor Club (MMC) Opening Day
Sunday July 27 was an historic day for sports car enthusiasts and motor sports as a whole. Monticello Motor Club (MMC), a private country club / race track and resort with a massive 4.2 mile track exclusive to member opened in Thompson, New York. Mario Andretti and Brian Redman lead a procession of member cars on a 2 lap innaugural racetrack tour. Andretti drove his John Player Special sponsored Formula 1 Lotus and Brian Redman commanded the Blue and Orange Gulf Livery Porsche 908 . A helicopter took footage of the entire event.
Drinks and hors d’ouvres were served in the temporary clubhouse overlooking the parking lot which was PACKED with the most impressive track-ready automobiles. Rain threatened the ribbon cutting, but held out until a couple of laps were completed.
The Monticello Motor Club is an amazing place. Honestly, it’s unreal. It is truly one of a kind. You’ll not find a better track to take your car out on, not to mention 5 star amenities ranging from dining to spa – a true resort for the sports car enthusiast. As Bob Varsha described it during his opening comments at the track, “you will not find a place like this anywhere in the world!”
Following are some pictures from the afternoon as well as some video of members driving off the start/finish line and Mario Andretti coming back into the pits/paddock to park the Lotus F1 car – enjoy!
Mario Andretti (yes, that’s him on the left) and Brian Redman convene:
The Lotus F1 (brought in and tended to by Highcroft Racing) ready to roll:
Ferrari F40:
Bugatti Veyron :
McLaren SLR :
Ferrari 250 GT :
The Track at Monticello (a Model):
The Four Ball Rally Winners (really) visit the Monticello Motor Club:
Mario Andretti’s Covette Z06:
Mario Andretti’s Z06 – hmm Mario, you had to do the vanity plate? Okay, your allowed this one :
Yes, SCA showed up too!:
Ultima GTR :
Moticello Motor Club Members follow Andretti and Redman on innaugural lap:
Mario Andretti drives his Lotus at Monticello Motor Club Race Track :
Sports Car Advisors would like to thank the MMC founding members (who will remain anonymous for the purpose of this post) for the invitation to come and visit at the track and enjoy the day. What an outstanding club!
Tags: Brian Redman, Lotus F1, Mario Andretti, MMC, Monticello Motor Club, New York Private Race Track, Porsche 908, Race Track Monticello
July 31st, 2008 at 9:31 am
Very nice. I’ll take the Bugatti.
July 31st, 2008 at 9:08 pm
The Bugatti is sick – For some reason, I like the F40 better though – I guess it’s just the racing heritage of that car.
July 31st, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Jake,
many thanks for your fine diligence in recording some of the exciting Grand Opening Ceremonies just prior to the big down pour.
We wish the founders of MMC the best of luck and hope they can pull it off. It could become the finest venue for motor sports on the planet.
Regards
August 2nd, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Dirk – great to see you and thanks for coming out with that highly decorated SC. Lot’s of fun seeing you guys motoring along. Monticello Motor club is really an amazing place.
August 3rd, 2008 at 7:31 pm
‘Jake:
Sorry I could not make the festivities.
The track looks quite nice!
Hope to see you at the Lime Rock Fall Festival!
Regards,
Doug
April 30th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
were is this race track? I rent a house very closse to Monticello Casino and Raceway is it near there?
May 5th, 2009 at 9:25 am
Hi,
Can you give me the best direction from Long Islan New York?
Is there any covered enclosed area for visitors to be used in rainy days? Should I bring seats?
I am supposed to be there this Thursday and Friday and I will appreciate if you provide me the information today.
Respectfully,
Azadi