High-performance racing experiences puts you in the driver’s seat

By Sue Baldani

For Father’s Day, think outside the box and onto the track. Monticello Motor Club, located in Monticello, NY, offers adrenaline-pumping driving experiences on its premier automotive playground. MMC has 4.1 miles of driving track and a “Full Course” track which is 3.6 miles long with 18 turns and 450 feet of elevation changes.

“People love it,” says Marketing Manager Suzanne Forni Gonzalez. “It’s so unlike anything they’ve ever done. A lot of people haven’t had the experience of driving on track, and many like high-performance vehicles.”

Taste of The Track and the Porsche Taycan Experience are two great packages they offer, and no experience is necessary. “Taste of the Track is a full-day experience and is a perfect glimpse of what it’s like to be a member of MMC because you get to try all different parts of the club,” says Suzanne. “You’re on the track for quite a bit of the day with a private instructor, and then you’ll do some go-karting. You’ll also get a tour and have lunch.”

The Porsche Taycan Experience is a half-day offering where participants get to drive a fully-electric Taycan on track. As drivers, they’ll learn how to handle the car’s potential, which can reach 60 mph in under three seconds. As passengers, they can experience a full-course hot lap with a professional driver at the wheel.

Monticello Motor Club has a variety of vehicles for use, such as a BMW 240i, a BMW M2 Competition, a Porsche 911, a Mini John Cooper, and a  fully-equipped M2 racing car. The Club also allows people to use their own high-performance vehicles.

The on-site clubhouse serves breakfast and lunch, and also has a make-your-own sundae bar. “We have a kitchen staff who work magic and our chef is Culinary Institute of America trained,” says Suzanne.

“We have a full locker room with showers and a members’ garage for storage of private vehicles. We also have concierge services so if our guests need help with where to go or what to do, we can assist with that.

“Most of our clients are very busy people, and when they’re here, they can just let go of everything. All they’re thinking about is the car and what their next move is going to be.”

MMC is typically open from mid-April through mid-November, and shuts down for the winter except for members taking part in snow driving and off-road activities. The Club is popular with people of all ages, and members include a good amount of women and teens.

“We’re like a new-age golf club; we have our own driving range, which is the track.”

To find out more and to give dad a thrill this Father’s Day, go to https://www.monticellomotorclub.com/. He might just end up becoming a full-blown member.

Written for Chatham & Short Hills Lifestyle magazine in New Jersey.