AROUND MONTIC ELLO MOTOR CLUB’S MEMBER NEWSLETTER 2014 - FALL
8 5 5 .M M C .C L U B ( 8 5 5 .6 6 2 .2 5 8 2 ) • m o n t i c e l l o m o t o r c l u b .c o m
NEW
AVAILABLE ONLY TO MMC MEMBERS We invite you to explore our new Fleet Access Plans, which offer members the opportunity to enjoy access to MMC’s ever-expanding fleet of high-performance vehicles, all without the commitment or expense of owning a track car or kart. USE THE CLUB FLEET FOR A FRACTION OF NORMAL DAILY RENTAL RATES. No maintenance costs. No fuel costs. No transportation/storage costs. No downtime. Invite friends, family, and guests more often, and always have a fleet car or kart available for them!*
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Ariel Atom Birel Karts Ferrari 430 Challenge Race Car Jaguar F-TYPE R Coupe Jaguar XFR Jaguar XKR Lotus 2-Eleven Race Car Lotus Supercharged Elise Mazda Miata Spec Race Car
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Porsche Boxster Race Car Porsche Cayman PDK Race Car Praga R1 & Turbo Radical SR-3 Radical SR-8 Range Rover Sport Scion FR-S Race Car Sodi Karts
The fleet continues to expand! To learn more, contact concierge@monticellomotorclub.com or visit your members-only site. *Non-members limited to certain vehicles and karts.
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IN THIS ISSUE: 4
KARTING: GRAND OPENING WAS JUST THE BEGINNING
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MIKE WATKINS: DEEPENING HIS ROOTS
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GAM DONATION, MMC MEMBERS SUPPORT LOCAL CHILDREN
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2014 PERFORMANCE FLIGHT CHALLENGE
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TRACY QUINN: AN UNEXPECTED LOVE
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A COURSE BEYOND THE ASPHALT
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QUEALLY MIATA RACE CHALLENGE 2014
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JEFF HOROWITZ: SPREADING THE AWE
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ON A RACE TRACK, ALL INSURANCE BETS ARE OFF by MMC Member Morgan Duffy
REFERRAL PROGRAM: We encourage members to bring guests to MMC to experience firsthand all that your Club has to offer. If your guest signs up for a membership within 60 days of their visit, five percent of the net membership initiation fee will be credited to your MMC account. The referral bonus can be applied against annual dues, instruction, vehicle rentals, and food. Restrictions may apply. 3
KARTING
GRAND OPENING WAS JUST THE BEGINNING… Thanks to the tireless efforts of our staff and endless support from MMC members, the all new MMC Karting Facility celebrated its official grand opening earlier this season! To kick off the karting season, members and their families enjoyed both lead-follow instruction and oneon-one instruction, followed by the inaugural Fathers’ Day Karting Challenge. Teams of children and adults competed, and the four fastest laps were combined into an overall time to determine a winner. At the end of MMC’s first Karting Challenge, PJ and Mike reigned supreme. Max and Leslie finished a solid second, and Bill and Tracy in third. The track itself is inside the main course along the North Straight, and features a 1-kilometer (0.6-mile) asphalt ribbon, nine turns, and 75 feet of elevation changes. MMC has a whole fleet of Sodi rental karts on site for members, guests, families, and for private outings. Birel karts are also available for members with karting experience who are looking for race performance. There’s plenty of room for wheel-to-wheel racing action, with timing and barrier systems in place. Since the grand opening, the track has seen a steady stream of racers, some as young as five, others as old as 75. A few of our karting fans include: • 13-year-old Mira L., who tried out her new kart before the track was even completed. She has since honed her skills through private lessons with her own MMC pro karting instructor. • Claudia S., who had a blast with her four kids – ranging in age from 12 to 21 – on the karting track while her husband, Glenn, hit the main track. The whole family has their own mini-fleet of CRG DD2 class karts now, all purchased through MMC. • Jeff H., who brought his whole corporate team to the karting track as part of a teambuilding program. It was such a success that he came back again, this time with a group of his best clients and prospects. Karting requires no special license, and youth karts are available for early racers who are at least 40” tall and possess the appropriate level of maturity to safely participate.
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The MMC Karting Facility is proud to offer: • • • • • • • • • • • •
Family-friendly Clubhouse Repair shop Multi-class races Private & semi-private instruction Endurance events Family camps Youth programs Speed performance karting events Private track rental Kart rentals Sodi & Birel kart sales (adult & youth) Arrive & Drive storage & maintenance program, and much more…
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Mike Watkins:
DEEPENING HIS
ROOTS
to finish construction soon on our 17,000-square-foot clubhouse, which includes a gym, spa, indoor pool and hot tub, large locker rooms, golf simulator, game room, movie room, conference areas, full kitchen and entertainment areas, tennis courts, volleyball He sees the bond that has been forged there. court, and outdoor patios. It’s what he is always trying to achieve as a Sullivan County developer who focuses on I am so pleased to be a part of bringing this creating great neighborhoods. And it was that project to life. Serenity Gardens helps connect bond that inspired his latest project, Serenity MMC’s members more tightly with the Sullivan Gardens. County community that I love so much. Members are building second homes here with all the Immediately next to MMC’s main entrance, the motorsports bells and whistles, and more closenew luxury housing development was planned ly connecting their families and friends with specifically with MMC members and their their personal passion and this beautiful region. families in mind. Mike’s goal is to extend the roots that members have put down at MMC to MMC: What about you personally? You didn’t the whole family. have any track experience before becoming a member. How have you connected to the track? And so far, it’s working. MMC Partner & CEO Ari Straus and his family recently moved into their Mike: I’ve owned sports cars my whole life, but new Serenity Gardens home. Four additional like most car enthusiasts, I’ve never driven them homes are currently under construction. to their true potential. Until you experience the thrill of high performance driving, you don’t MMC: What was your first impression of MMC? know how much you’ve been missing. Once I tried it, I was eager to get involved with MMC, Mike: I felt the camaraderie instantly. I was im- and I was comfortable knowing that most mediately impressed with how well MMC was other members also started with no prior track run organizationally, from pro instructors and experience. mechanics to every member of the service staff inside the Clubhouse. So much thought I’m taking my time. Right now, I’m working goes into safety, comfort, and privacy. More with instructors and learning about the variety than that, I found kindred spirits here. People of vehicles MMC has on site. I want to know enjoy hanging out together, sitting down and every turn with my eyes closed, and eventually having lunch every day. It was a community I I hope to be advanced enough to participate could relate to on a personal level. in member races. That looks like a lot of fun; MMC offers lots of competitive events for its MMC: Is that where the idea for Serenity Gardens members, and everyone really gets into it. came from?
M E M B E R
S P O T L I G H T
When Mike Watkins looks around the Monticello Motor Club, he sees a community. He sees his fellow members talking and laughing together off the track, while helping each other grow as racers on the track.
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Mike: The project – based on the idea of, “Pamper your car. Indulge your family,” – was dreamed up last year over dinner with Ari Straus. It’s been just a little over a year since we received final approval from the Town of Thompson, and we’ve come so far already. We’ve put in a mile of infrastructure and expect
GAM DONATION, MMC MEMBERS SUPPORT LOCAL CHILDREN Earlier this year, MMC members Bruce and Linda Ledoux and Guardian Angel Motorsports made a $10,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sullivan & Western Orange Counties. Check out the incredible outcomes below, along with a few personal insights from the Clubs’ executive director, Alexis Eggleton.
• Scholarships for five children to go to summer camp Alexis: “Camp provided two brothers with developmental delays some much-needed structure and a real opportunity to socialize with other children. For three other siblings, the camp experience provided a fun place to go while their single mom recovered from serious emergency surgery.”
• Bus trip for campers to see the New York Mets Alexis: “These are not children who would ever have seen a live, professional sporting event, and the joy and wonderment of the trip will stay with them for a lifetime.” • Funds to host the upcoming “BIG FREE CARNIVAL” Alexis: “Every activity, game, prize, and snack is completely free, making it accessible for the 500 children who will participate.” • Five new cafeteria-style tables Alexis: “These tables are where a whole new generation of Club kids will learn the alphabet, practice their multiplication tables, paint their first watercolor, explode their first baking soda volcano, and talk openly about bullying and peer pressure, learning how to rise above them both.”
Guardian Angel Motorsports is a charitable organization that includes a group of like-minded racers who raise money and awareness for several children’s charities and individual kids in need. Most recently, Guardian Angel Motorsports hosted its third annual fundraising event at Monticello Motor Club, and provided a 13-year-old girl with a neurodevelopmental disorder the ability – through technology – to communicate with friends and family again. 7
SEASON CHAMPIONS OVERALL CHAMPIONS FIRST PLACE
Cristian S. (pictured right)
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SECOND PLACE
THIRD PLACE
Joseph B.
Phil B.
GT RACE
LITES RACE
FIRST PLACE Phil B. SECOND PLACE Justin R. THIRD PLACE Roland K.
FIRST PLACE Cristian S. SECOND PLACE Joseph B. THIRD PLACE Carlos C.
SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2014
GT RACE Name Pos Total Time Justin R. 1 31:35.1 Phil B. 2 33:08.9 Glenn S. 3 33:59.7 LITES RACE Name Pos Total Time Dennis O. 1 29:59.2 Carlos C. 2 30:01.3 Joe B. 3 30:02.0 SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2014 GT RACE Name Pos Total Time Dan F. 1 32:58.4 Richard P. 2 33:07.2 Phil B. 3 33:25.2 LITES RACE Name Pos Joe B. 1 Carlos C. 2 Ari S. 3
Total Time 18:01.8 18:25.1 18:25.4
GT & LITES RACE (SOUTH COURSE) Name Pos Total Time Leslie S. 1 24:42.2 Roland K. 2 25:45.0 Jed D. 3 25:57.2 GT & LITES RACE (FULL COURSE) Name Pos Total Time Ari S. 1 21:11.9 Cristian S. 2 31:25.1 Roland K. 3 31:38.7 SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2014
GT RACE Name Pos Total Time J G. 1 19:28.2 Lucas C. 2 19:39.5 Richard P. 3 19:56.3 LITES RACE Name Joe B. Carlos C. Bruce L.
Pos 1 2 3
Total Time 18:03.8 18:32.4 18:59.2
BRACKETS RACE Name Pos Nigel F. 1 Morgan D. 2 Matt F. 3
Total Time 20:35.0 20:40.5 20:44.9
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2014
GT RACE Name Pos Total Time J G. 1 19:32.7 Justin R. 2 19:54.0 Richard P. 3 19:55.0 LITES RACE Name Pos Joe B. 1 Adam M. 2 Carlos C. 3
Total Time 20:19.3 20.45.5 20.58.1
AUSTRALIAN GRID RACE Name Pos Total Time Mario V. 1 21:25.4 Tracy Q. 2 21:49.7 Leslie S. 3 22:16.9 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2014
GT RACE Name Pos Total Time Lucas C. 1 19:03.2 Carlos C. 2 19:08.2 Jonathan G. 3 19:37.9 LITES RACE Name Pos Scott D. 1 Adam M. 2 Denis O. 3 CLOSED-WHEEL Name Justin R. Jacob A. Rob J.
Total Time 19:47.4 20:42.3 20:55.3
BRACKET RACE Pos Total Time 1 20:22.9 2 20:23.0 3 20:28.6 9
Tracy Quinn:
AN UNEXPECTED
M E M B E R
S P O T L I G H T
LOVE
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Tracy Quinn was hooked on the thrill of racing her very first day on a track. She isn’t a gearhead or a motorsports fanatic. But something about the experience connected as much with her as it did with MMC: What’s the learning curve like her husband, Bill. for a novice? They were introduced to Monticello Motor Club two years ago, and their connection to Tracy: Especially for a hobby you’re taking racing has only grown over time. Starting up relatively late, there is a huge amount as Silver members, Tracy and Bill Quinn of immediate gratification to driving. Of upgraded to a Gold membership almost course, you already know how to drive; immediately. Since then, they’ve enjoyed you’re just learning to do it much more lots of private instruction, participated artfully. It’s humbling to be able to learn in MMC’s advanced racing school, and from people like MMC’s pro instructors. recently started to explore MMC’s member They can be instructing me one week, and I can watch them winning a professional race race series. on TV the next week. You can’t get that The challenge of the track never wanes anywhere else. for these two; it only evolves as each new MMC: What does 16-year-old Kate think of technique is mastered. the track? For the Quinns, MMC is all about connections – between them and their cars; between one Tracy: We originally brought Kate so that another; and now between the couple and she could learn to drive. She’d never been behind the wheel of a car before, and it Kate, Bill’s 16-year-old daughter. was important to us that she learn what Kate is learning her driving skills from MMC’s everyone should know but so few actually best, and the more she learns, the more she learn: the physics of what’s happening with wants to know. Who knows; she could be your car and the skills to handle it properly. challenging her parents for best lap times Since then, Kate has progressed to actually around the track sooner than they expect. going out onto the track in a touring session MMC: You’ve really embraced racing as a with other drivers. We rented her a Jaguar hobby over the last few years. How has the F-TYPE from MMC’s fleet, and she did great. She was so proud of what she had progression been for you? accomplished (as were we). Obviously that Tracy: It never would have occurred to me makes a great story for her to tell her school that I would come off the track that first time friends, and she may actually think that her and turn into a junkie. I don’t know anything parents aren’t so bad. about the mechanics of cars; I barely know one model from another. But there’s a place We’ll all check out the karting track soon. here for me, as someone who simply loves It’s one more thing for us to enjoy together to drive and loves to learn about driving, at MMC as a family. So we’re really looking forward to it. and I always have so much fun.
A COURSE BEYOND THE ASPHALT… The Monticello Motor Club Off-Road Course, designed by Land Rover, is complete! Across the road from MMC’s main entrance, the course includes more than 300 acres of trails over extremely varied terrain. It is ideal for those who are new to offroading, as well as the more advanced off-road drivers. We invite you to enjoy this outstanding motorsports experience that will take you into the forest, over boulders, and through gripping mud. Conquer vertical challenges that will test your driving skill, as well as your moxie. Instructors are available for tours and instruction. MMC members who have been pre-approved may explore the course on their own in one of MMC’s Land Rover rental vehicles or in their own off-road-capable vehicle.
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Y L L A E QU A H C E RAC
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1 0 2 E G LLEN
The Queally Miata Race Challenge, hosted by MMC Partner Paul Queally, has been incredibly well-received by our members this season. The light-hearted racing series – open to all members with access to a Spec Miata (including those who’d like to rent one from MMC’s fleet) – provides an ideal starting point for a fun, no-nonsense, closed-wheel racing experience. The Spec Miata is perfect for both beginners and experts, and several MMC members have used the series as a training ground for more competitive driving events. The series has included sprint races and bracket races.
There’s only one race left in the 2014 season. Don’t miss out on the fun, and the chance to win a giant chocolate chip cookie!
Friday, October 24 For more information or to register for any race, email concierge@monticellomotorclub.com or call 845.791.7936.
MAY 2, 2014 FRIDAY, STANDARD GRID Name Pos Total Time Doug H. 1 19:58.7 Matt F. 2 20:21.0 Paul Q. 3 20:39.9 AUSTRALIAN GRID Name Pos Total Time Doug F. 1 21:59.5 Dave S. 2 22:07.1 Matt F. 3 22.19.6
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FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2014 STANDARD GRID Name Pos Total Time Anthony G. 1 20:00.7 Doug H. 2 20:01.7 Justin R. 3 20:24.6 AUSTRALIAN GRID 1 Name Pos Total Time David F. 1 12:39.9 Linda L. 2 12:41.9 Bruce L. 3 12:46.5 AUSTRALIAN GRID 2 Name Pos Total Time David F. 1 12:43.6 Anthony G. 2 12:46.7 Doug H. 3 12:47.2
JUNE 20, 2014 FRIDAY, STANDARD GRID Name Pos Total Time Paul Q. 1 18:22.5 Justin R. 2 18:22.8 Ari S. 3 18:25.9 AUSTRALIAN GRID 1 Name Pos Total Time Ed H. 1 08:37.9 Justin R. 2 08:39.4 Ari S. 3 08:43.9 AUSTRALIAN GRID 2 Name Pos Total Time David S. 1 08:40.0 Alex R. 2 08:40.7 Paul Q. 3 08:41.0
FRIDAY, AUG. 15, 2014
STANDARD GRID Name Pos Total Time Paul Q. 1 19:38.2 Ed H. 2 19:40.2 Tom D. 3 20:15.6 AUSTRALIAN GRID Name Pos Total Time Ari S. 1 15:24.6 Paul Q. 2 15:42.6 Bill S. 3 15:47.7
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Jeff Horowitz:
SPREADING THE AWE
M E M B E R
S P O T L I G H T
Jeff Horowitz joined Monticello Motor Club to test the limits of his high-performance street cars in a safe and legal environment. He quickly progressed to driving trackpurpose race cars and focused on mastering the genuine craft of racing to prepare for the MMC Member Race Series.
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printing industry. For the second half of day one, we took the Jaguars on the track. They were blown away and over-the-top pumped at dinner for day two. MMC: Did the second day measure up?
High performance driving has been a completely unique experience for Jeff, one that he recently felt compelled to share with his very best customers and prospects during a two-day event at the Club. Each aspect of the package was uniquely designed by MMC’s event experts to meet Jeff’s expectations, and he couldn’t have been happier with the response from his high-end guests. These corporate leaders had been wined and dined by the best of them, but not one of them had ever had an experience like the one they enjoyed at MMC.
Jeff: Oh yeah. The activity was constant, and they got to work with real racing pros. MMC had groups rotating between Porsche Cayman PDK Race Cars and Radicals on different track configurations, karting, and the Off-Road Experience. After every group rotated through all driving experiences, we had an informal race with a podium ceremony to crown the fastest drivers. The competition actually got pretty heated. We even wrapped an MMC Porsche Cayman Race Car with the logos of our customers and prospects. My guests couldn’t get over the entire experience and the surprise touches.
MMC: You recently hosted a special corporate event at the track. What was it like?
MMC: So what was the end result? Would you call it a success?
Jeff: I brought up ten of my best customers and four of my strongest prospects. These are all really high-end folks, CEOs, executives; three of them own their own plane. They’re invited to endless golf outings. What could I offer them out of the ordinary? Monticello Motor Club. My guests had never experienced an event like this.
Jeff: My existing customers are raving about it to others. It was a great time and a success from a pure investment standpoint; of the four prospects that came along, one is a new customer and two are in the works. And there were side benefits of connecting these business leaders together. They are technically competitors in different markets, but they found a synergy among themselves.
For the first half of day one, our guests attended seminars led by speakers in our
Insurance
ON A RACE TRACK, ALL BETS ARE OFF By MMC Member Morgan Duffy HWI Motorsports
I know you’re excited to get out there on MMC’s track with your newest showpiece, but take a breath first to consider this: Your average car insurance doesn’t offer enough coverage for track driving. Big-name insurance companies like Nationwide, Allstate, and Geico don’t offer coverage for vehicles involved in race track events. In most cases, high-performance driving lessons and non-competitive events on the track are out too, at least without supplemental coverage. Think you’ve got all of your bases covered? A few modifications to your car, and your coverage may be at risk. Check out these “need to know” tips when considering the most appropriate coverage for your high-performance vehicle. Even in a controlled environment like MMC, you will benefit from the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your showpiece is properly protected. Don’t assume. Check out your street policy. Chances are it won’t cover driving activities on tracks. In fact, most typical street policies now specifically exclude coverage at a race track, even if the event isn’t timed. However, you can still set up specialized coverage specifically for track events. Agreed value. With specialized coverage, having an awareness of your exact reimbursement level provides peace of mind. Specialty insurers will work with policy holders to establish an “agreed value” to cover the car, some up to $1 million per vehicle. Modified. Small adjustments – replacing expired seats or safety harnesses – won’t typically require a review of your policy. Heavy modifications, however, are another story. If you bump your Porsche Cayman from a 3.4-liter engine to a 3.8-liter engine, you definitely need to make a phone call to your insurance agent. On and off. Of course, there is no single policy that will cover everything, both on and off the track. Vehicle transport, for example, can present its own set of issues and often requires a separate policy. Even if the vehicle is a dedicated track car, an off-track and storage policy will cover not only transport but also any other problems that may arise outside of actual track driving.
Morgan Duffy is a member of Monticello Motor Club and president of Hayden Wood Insurance. He created HWI Motorsports (hwimotorsports.com) to answer to the unique needs of motorsports drivers and car collectors. Contact HWI Motorsports at 508.229.8700 or by emailing morgan@ hwimotorsports.com. 15
MONTICELLO MOTOR CLUB CORPORATE OFFICE 548 BROADWAY MONTICELLO, NY 12701
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