Motor Club Magazine Spring 2013

S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 | I N A U G U R A L I S S U E

M A G A Z I N E

MOTOR CLUB

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2 M O T O R C L U B M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 | I N A U G U R A L I S S U E

MOTORCLUBM A G A Z I N E

T h e M a g a z i n e E x c l u s i v e l y

F o r M o n t i c e l l o M o t o r C l u b

Executive Publishers

Ari Straus

Josh Sommers

Vice President of Marketing

Matt Gottlieb

Editor-In-Chief

Shannon McSweeney-LeMay

Creative Director Kathryn Houghtaling

Design Squad

Kathryn Houghtaling

Emily Garozzo

Kevin Green

Contributors

Michael Bloom

Debra Conway

John Conway

Josh Coen

Adam Cultraro

Matt Gottlieb

Elliott Landy

Ashley Novack

Justin Piscitell

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MONTICELLO MOTOR CLUB67 Cantre l l Road, Mont ice l lo | NY 12701

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Table of Contents

The Driver’s Seat ..........................................................5

Save the Dates .............................................................6

Through the Rear-View Mirror ........................................7

A Little Taste .............................................................. 11

Spied at Monticello ..................................................... 12

Hidden Gems ............................................................. 15

Hallowed Ground ........................................................ 18

Radical: A Love Story ................................................. 20

MMC Pro Shop ........................................................... 24

Race Programs ........................................................... 26

Pro Tips ..................................................................... 28

Driven to Help ............................................................ 30

Relative Success ........................................................ 32

Life in the Country ...................................................... 34

Member Profile ........................................................... 35

Radical Cup ............................................................... 36

Social Circuit .............................................................. 38

M O T O R C L U B M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 | I N A U G U R A L I S S U E 5

TheDriver'sSeat

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the MMC magazine. As

we enter MMC's fifth full season, some historical perspective

seems in order. My partners and I had a vision dating back

to 2004, when we purchased the land that our beautiful

club now rests upon. That vision was to bring a world class

motorsports experience to the lower Catskills region that

would enable automotive enthusiasts of all sorts to live

their dream. As with all "visions" and "dreams," obstacles

and naysayers lay in waiting. In 2004, I was told that no

one cared about Monticello and was asked, "Why would

you buy land there?" In 2005, I was told, "Your motorsports

idea is crazy," and "That will never be approved." After we

gained our approvals in 2006 and presented our plans for

an exclusive club model for auto enthusiasts looking to live

a dream and perfect long-hidden talents and skills, I was

asked, "Who would join a club like that 90 miles away?" In

2007, I was told, "You'll never get this project off the ground;

it's too expensive, too hard to execute, and too few people

would support it." In 2008, I was told, "Well, you found great

partners and built it, but who will ever join this club? And,

by the way, Lehman just collapsed and so may the world."

After we opened and started delivering service to a small

but growing list of member/believers, we were told, "This

model won't work because there aren't enough people out

there who want to do this," and at the same time, "You'll

never get a clubhouse built; it's way too expensive for the

member base that exists." After we opened a stunning glass

and aluminum clubhouse in 2010, we were told, "You know

that to pay for this, you're going to have to break the model

and allow public access through car 'clubs' to use the facility

- your private member model can't support it." In 2011,

as we crossed over 150 members who had near-exclusive

property use, we were told, "You’ll never attract real racers,

instructors, sponsors, and partners because you have

no history."

By now, you get my point. Somewhere out there today, there

are those who are saying, "You'll never see residences built

there, it's unlikely the grand plan for pro-pits, expanded

member car storage, corporate offices, bridges, and a karting

track will get done and really unlikely that professional

racing will ever come to Monticello - they just don't have

the 'History'." In our opinion, "History," with time and

persistence, follows a well-executed "Vision." For the nearly

300 of you, now counted as our members and friends, that

have been along for the ride, I'm sure you'll agree that we are

nothing if not persistent.

As we race off into this wonderful future today, I would like

to thank you - our members - for you are the true believers.

Also, I would like to thank my partners - Paul Queally, Bill

McMichael, Ari Straus, Paul Orwicz, Dan Rosenblatt, Tony

Borcich, and Chris Hooper - and our employees who have

dedicated themselves to our members. Finally, I would like

to thank the visionaries and believers in Sullivan County

whose support made all of this possible.

John J Barker

Co-Founder and Chairman of Jefferson Development

Partners, parent of the Monticello Motor Club

and Persistence

Member Race Series Schedule

Round #1 – Sat May 18

Round #2 – Sat June 22

Round #3 – Sat July 20

Round #4 – Sat September 21

Round #5 – Sat October 5 – Awards Ceremony and End of Season Dinner

Stuttguart and Coventry Classic Dates

Round #1 – Wed June 12

Round #2 – Wed July 10

Round #3 – Wed August 14

Round #4 – Wed September 25

Radical Driving Experience

Wed-Thurs June 5-6

Wed-Thurs June 26-27

Wed-Thurs July 17-18

Wed-Thurs August 7-8

Tues-Wed September 3-4

Father's Day Time Trial and Kart Race

Sun June 16

Teen Driving Challenge

Sun June 23

Sun October 6

Porsche World Road Show

Thurs-Sun July 25-28

Radical Cup and NARRA Viper Cup Race

Fri-Sun September 6-8

International Motor Press Association

Wed-Thurs September 18-19

4th Annual Cops for Kids Charity Event

Sun September 22

S A V ET H E D A T E S

Monticello Motor Club

Continued on page 10

onticello Motor Club is a fairly new

addition to the Sullivan County scene,

but in many ways, it is simply carrying on a

long standing tradition linking the region

to the automobile.

That tradition dates back to at least 1908,

before cars were regularly seen on Sullivan

County roads. By then, autos were being

manufactured in nearby Goshen, Kingston,

Newburgh and Walden, and Martin Hermann

was building wooden bodies for Buicks in

Callicoon. By 1909, what were then known

as “automobile parties” had become

commonplace at Sullivan County’s many

hotels, and places like Monticello’s Palatine

and Liberty’s Mansion House served as

temporary headquarters for groups from

Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Jersey City, who

were touring the scenic county by day, and

spending money in local shops, taverns, and

eateries by night.

And in 1918, at a time when 1 in every

14 Sullivan County residents owned an

automobile, the region acquired its most

famous link to the industry. The White Motor

Car Company of Cleveland began a nationwide

promotional campaign for what it had

christened the Liberty Highway. The roadway

passed right through the village of the same

name in the heart of Sullivan County, and was

touted as “the most picturesque motor route

between New York City and the Midwest.”

Soon, thousands of motorists per year were

using the Liberty Highway, and by 1928, it had

become the most popular route from the New

York metropolitan area to Niagara Falls.

Still, when Monticello Motor Club opened its

4.1 mile race-grade road course in 2008, the

county’s only real experience with automobile

racing was the June, 1953 Sullivan County

Sports Car Race in Callicoon. This exciting

race along a road course, which one

Automobiles are still rare on Sullivan County roads, but are being manufactured in neighboring

Orange County. “Automobile Parties” become commonplace at many Sullivan County hotels,

such as Liberty’s Mansion House.

The White Motor Car Company promotes Liberty Highway, named after Liberty, N.Y., as the ‘most picturesque motor route between NYC and the Midwest.’ Today, it is known as Old Route 17.

Sullivan County Sports Car Race, a road race in Callicoon, is the first automobile race to be held in the county.

N37, later to be known as Monticello Airport is established as a 700-acre, public-use airport featuring two asphalt-paved runways 1,545 ft above sea level: 1/19 measuring 2,595 ft x 40 ft and 15/33 measuring 2,072 ft x 24 ft.


Drive and Race Club site plan approved in May.Groundbreaking and construction begin.

TML Aircraft begins a thriving flight school,

including Piper Warriors and a Comanche. It

also hosted twin engine Navajo’s, offered

sightseeing rides on weekends, served as a UPS hub, and included

a fuel station.

First annual Fall Classic Members' Race held on October 4.

South Pavillion opens in June.

9

Renamed Monticello Motor Club, the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting

are held on July 27.

1 0 M O T O R C L U B M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 | I N A U G U R A L I S S U E

participant later said “could have become the

finest in the country,” featured some of the top

sports car racing drivers in the country. But

despite the fact that nearly everyone involved

called it a huge success, it did not become an

annual event.

The world-class Monticello Motor Club circuit

was designed by the team of Brian Redman, a

former British Formula One racing driver, and

Bruce Hawkins, noted racecourse designer.

The track takes full advantage of the area’s

undulating topography to produce what the New

York Times called “a challenging combination of

rising corners, blind crests, and swerving dips.”

Redman has described the layout as “among the

best in the world.”

The Motor Club evolved from an effort begun in

2006 to create a private fly-in “drive and race”

country club for upscale clientele on the former

site of the Monticello Airport. The once-busy

air strip had been struggling for years, and the

buildings and runway were deteriorating when

rescued by developers with a vision of using the

facilities as the linchpin of a private racecourse

where club members could fly in, drive their

super-fast cars stored at the site, and enjoy

amenities such as a luxury clubhouse, private

storage garages, and service facilities.

The present-day operation began to take shape

in 2007 when current operating partner Ari

Straus, already a member, joined the team

of owners: Bill McMichael, Paul Queally, and

the club’s co-founder, John Barker. Straus,

an entrepreneur who launched and sold a

few technology companies in the retail and

healthcare industries, was a hard-core exotic

car enthusiast who had vacationed in the

Catskills in his youth and had fond memories

of the area.

Straus says that like most teenage American

boys, he grew up loving fast cars and became

a devoted fan of motorsports. “Teenagers

always have dream cars, and mine was a Lotus

Esprit,” he explains. “After some early business

ventures, I was lucky enough to purchase one.”

He notes that most people know the Esprit as

“the Bond car,” since it was featured in both

The Spy Who Loved Me and For Your Eyes Only,

or as the car from the Julia Roberts movie,

Pretty Woman.

Straus was living on the West Coast at

that point, and he joined a high-performance car

club that rented time at various tracks. It was

while he was attending a High-Performance

Driving Education Event, or “DE,” at one of those

tracks, that he had what Straus terms “a life

changing experience.”

“An instructor takes you out and gives you a

lesson in your own car, demonstrating things

you had no idea the car was capable of doing,”

Straus explains. “Now, you’re hooked and

obsessed with mastering the same skills so

you can push your own car – and yourself – to

new limits.”

That’s the kind of passion Straus and his

partners have fashioned the Monticello Motor

Club to stir in its members, and the driving

experience at the Club includes plenty of

opportunities to learn from professionals.

Straus says that like most drivers who undergo

that kind of training, he’s a better driver on the

street now, especially when rain, sleet, ice or

snow diminishes control. His everyday vehicles

these days are a Toyota Prius and a Honda Pilot,

and with a wife and three kids—aged 8, 10 and

14—he jokes that all it takes to make him happy

with a highway car is “a satellite radio and a

bunch of cup holders.” As for his collection of

fast cars, these are mostly performance exotics

modified for the track. “Performance cars

should be experienced in their natural habitat,

on a private racetrack. Safety is essential, and

with proper equipment in the car and on the

driver, members can push cars to the limit in a

controlled environment with less risk than we

accept on everyday roads.”

Monticello Motor Club has reached an incredible

250 members within five years. Many of those

members visit MMC in their own helicopters

– landing at the on-site heliport - or land fixed-

wing aircraft on the racetrack’s long straight,

with advance notice so the racecars can clear

the track first.

The Club recently announced plans for a

$40-60 million expansion to be phased in over

the next several years. The expansion, including

redesigned pit and paddock areas, a second

clubhouse, and additional storage garages for

members’ automobiles, would help the Motor

Club track qualify for professional races.

“We’re following the Augusta model,” Straus

says, referring to the home of professional golf’s

Masters Tournament. “A few times each year, we

will host a professional race open to the public,

the press, and various VIPs to accelerate the

club’s notoriety and to bring more people to the

area. But other than these few events, MMC will

remain an exclusive country club automotive

resort with access limited to its private

members and their guests.”

Monticello Motor Club

Continued from page 7

1 1

MMC Bar & Grill Chef John Perruna shares one of his favorite recipes, Avocado on the Half Shell. Equally beautiful and delectable, this light summer hors d’oeuvre can also be prepared at home as a healthy and delicious salad.

A resident of Spring Valley, N.Y., and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, John joined MMC last year. His previous successes include a decade as general manager and executive chef for Otterkill Country Club, and his own restaurant, Villa Fratelli.

Chef

Tastea little

Ingredients

• 2largeHassavocados,ripebutfirm • 1smalllemon • 8largeshrimp(peeledanddeveined) • Handfuloffreshcilantro(chopped)(Saveafewleavesforgarnish) • 1tspofseasalt • Freshgroundpepper • 2limes • 2clovesoffreshgarlic(crushedandminced) • 10grapetomatoes • 1headofradicchio • ¼cupofalmonds(toastedandcoarselychopped) • ½cupextravirginoliveoil

Preparation

• Inastainlesssteelbowl,combinecilantro,seasalt,pepper, lime juice, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. • Reservehalfofthemarinadefordressing. • Tossshrimpintheremainingmarinade.Placeinziplockbag andrefrigeratefor2-4hours. • Carefullycutavocadoinhalf,withoutremovingthepeel. • Gentlytwisttoseparatethehalves. • Insertasharpknifeintothepitandpopitout. • Immediatelysqueezelemonjuiceovertheexposedavocadoflesh. • Placeavocadohalvesonaplateofradicchioleaves. • Garnishwithgrapetomatoandtoastedalmonds. • Grillshrimpfor6-8minutesuntilorangeincolor. • Arrangeshrimpinavocadocavities,drizzlewithremaining marinade and serve.

*Every Day Adaptation: Slice avocado, tomatoes, radicchio leaves and shrimpinto½inchpiecesandtossinasaladbowl.Drizzleextramarinade over salad as dressing.

•10gfat•1gpolyunsaturated•7gmonounsaturated•1gsaturated

•212calories•9gprotein•3gdietaryfiber

Dietary information, per serving

Avocado On The Half ShellMakes 4 servings

Spiedat Monticello

Beautiful cars are meant to be taken out, not hidden away from the world.

M O T O R C L U B M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 | I N A U G U R A L I S S U E 1 3


he rumors racing through the Club are enough to leave

even the most seasoned drivers shaken, if not stirred. The

story goes something like this: you’re out on the track,

perhaps on some crisp Sunday morning, taking corners

like never before. You punch it when you hit the straightaway,

and settle in to enjoy the adrenaline that comes with hitting the

day’s top speed, when a bluish glint appears in your rear-view

mirror. It's fast and is upon you in just a blink. Except you don’t

dare blink as it passes, because the sight of the most famous

car in the world — right here at Monticello Motor Club — is

nothing short of thrilling.

Though the paint job may differ, there’s no mistaking that this car is the

same model Aston Martin DB5 that debuted in the first 007 film, Goldfinger,

in 1964. And while the Hollywood version featured a bullet-proof shield, a

radar screen, revolving number plates, and a gun tray under the seat, this

Sierra Blue beauty blazes past without so much as an oil sprayer or tire

slasher in sight.

At rally's end, the dashing driver who steps out from the driver's seat

doesn’t introduce himself as Bond, but rather Arscott — Simon Arscott —

British expat, Manhattan automobile enthusiast, collector, entrepreneur,

racer, and new Monticello Motor Club member.

The rumors may have

embellished a bit on that chase

scene on the straight, but Simon

and his Bondmobile do have

three first-place wins under

their belts in the last year alone:

the Bahamas Speed Race, the

Aston Martin Owner's Club

Fastest Lap, and the Brian

Redman International Challenge

at MMC. It was here at the

Club that the 46-year-old from

Plymouth, just steps from where

the Mayflower launched, also

chalked up his personal speed

record in the car at 142 mph. Of

course, that also happens to be

the car's maximum speed, he

admits with frustration.

It's just one reason the DB5 isn't a "proper race car" — yet it is one that

Arscott and thousands of other kids have grown up dreaming about since

the Bond film franchise debuted. And the franchise has kept that dream

alive by featuring the DB5, or versions of it, in numerous installations of the

spy franchise ever since. It appeared again in Thunderball in 1965, followed

by The Spy Who Loved Me, GoldenEye, Never Say Never Again, Tomorrow

Never Dies, Casino Royale, and most recently, in Skyfall.

So when Arscott got the rare chance to snag this car, he did so, sight

unseen. You might say the purchase has opened some doors. In one fell

swoop, Arscott fulfilled his childhood dream, got a vehicle that launched

him into the world of racing, and acquired the key that unlocked personal

introductions to no fewer than three James Bonds. Daniel Craig and

Timothy Dalton were followed by Sean Connery, whom Arscott met during

the recent Bahamas Speed Week. Arscott says he narrowly missed a fourth

Bond meetup when Roger Moore visited New York not long ago. Not bad

for having owned "Hot Lips" — the car’s unofficial fan-given nickname,

due to its front-end paint — for just two and a half years. Arscott first hit

the race track with his DB5 about a year ago, and since has competed in

some 20 races. Is he making up for lost time? The car may be. Prior to this

purchase, it had been race-modified, then promptly garaged by a collector

for nine years in Japan.

Though he already owned several other Aston Martins, Arscott snapped

up the car and brought it to the U.S. for some outdoor fun, because

"beautiful cars are meant to be taken out, not hidden away from the

world," he declares.

The car turned out to be pristine. In 1990, prior to its transformation into a

race car, it was restored to its original factory state. So after enlisting the

team that makes Honda Formula Ones to rebuild the DB5‘s engine, Arscott

needed only upgrade the brakes, seatbelts, and fuel cell to run his first

race. He says it drives so well now, that the only thing he's had to do over

the past year was change the oil.

Before you run out looking for your very own DB5 racer, you should know

that while they are prized for their engines and horsepower, DB5s tend to

be heavy and slow because

of their aluminum bodies.

(DB4s are actually quicker

due to a shorter wheel base.)

Oh yeah, there's also the fact

that there are only three or

four race-modified DB5s in

the world, out of 886 original

street models that rolled off

the production line.

On the plus side, the DB5

still packs enough power to

be a formidable competitor,

especially since it is often

classed 1953-1965, putting it

at the forefront of technology

for the time.

What really makes Arscott's car unique — aside from the "hot lips" — is

that while most typical racing modifications permanently alter the cars,

preventing them from ever returning to their factory condition, Arscott’s

racer is still mostly original.

"It has all its original doors and windows," he explains. "The interior has

been stripped out and the engine and brakes upgraded. But structurally,

it’s the same as it was originally, so it’s possible to restore it one day.”

And actually, that is the plan. With his recent purchase of a Lotus 26R,

labeled "the giant killer" because of its 1,594cc twin cam engine, Arscott

aims to retire the DB5 soon from racing and use it for less death-defying

excursions that don't begin with his short prayer, "Don’t crash it." He said

Continued on page 16


Planning to spend

a weekend at MMC,

but not sure where

to eat, sleep and

have some fun

when you’re not

at the track?

MMC’s VP of Marketing and local Sullivan County resident, Matt Gottlieb

shares a few local secrets.

If it is a nice summer night and I feel like being outside, I'll head over

to White Lake, about 20 minutes from MMC on Rte. 17B past the horse

racing track. There’s a little place called Benji and Jakes, with a great

deck overlooking the lake, where many locals drive their boats right

to the dock. The highlight of the menu is creating your own custom

specialty brick oven pizza.

visit: benjiandjakes.com

A great spot to meet up with friends for a cocktail or a delicious meal

and some great live music is The Dancing Cat Saloon, across the

street from Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Their Catskill Distillery’s

award-winning Peace Vodka is made with pure Catskill Mountain

water and the finest locally grown whole wheat, and they’ve also won

acclaim for their Most Righteous Bourbon and Wicked White Whiskey.

Tempted?

visit: catskilldistillingcompany.com

If it's date night with my wife, or if I’m in the mood for something

more upscale, I’ll head down to Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant in

Rock Hill, right next door to The Sullivan. They have great sushi, a

“killer” meatloaf, and their famous “Dodge Inn Steak” and source

their ingredients locally whenever possible.

visit: berniesholidayrestaurant.com

When a friend of mine is in town and needs a place to stay, I always

recommend The Sullivan in Rock Hill. Our newly renovated version

of a chic boutique hotel is close to some great restaurants and

bars and just 15 minutes from the track.

visit: the-sullivan.com

hidden


Connery, Sean Connery introduces

himself to Simon Arscott at Bahamas Speed Week.

Production Dates: July 1963 - September 1965

DB Series Namesake: David Brown, head of Aston Martin from 1947 to 1972

Price New: $6,330

Engine: DOHC Straight six, 3995 cc, 282 bhp @ 5500 rpm 280 lbs-ft @ 4500 rpm

Transmission: 5-speed ZF box or optional Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic

Suspension: Front: Telescopic shock absorbers Rear: Double acting lever arm shock absorbers

Brakes: Girling Twin servo assisted brakes with front and rear solid discs

DIMENSIONS

(LxW): 15'0" x 5'6" Weight: 1468 kgTop Speed: 142 mph0 – 60 mph: 7.1 sec

he will also add it to his lineup of vintage Aston Martins, Ferraris, Jaguars, Land

Rovers, and Cobras, which he makes available for photo shoots through his

company, Churchill Classic Cars.

While Bond creator Ian Fleming never drove an Aston Martin, it was the

only choice for an international spy in 1959, when the first 007 novel hit

the bookstores. At the time, the DB series was simply the fastest, highest-

performing sports car in England. Sure, other sportsters eventually overtook it

in performance, as Arscott has discovered first-hand. But the car's style and

mystique has endured even 50 years later, demonstrated by its dramatic role

in the 2012 release, Skyfall.

THE STOCK DB5

Continued from page 14


Monticello Motor Club, North America’s Premier Private Race

Track, offers a private 2-day Radical Driving Experience.

Learn to pilot the Radical SR3, a lightweight racecar built for

performance and to meet stringent FIA safety standards.

Driving a Radical is like nothing you’ve ever experienced:

immediate, powerful acceleration, coupled with cornering

like it’s on rails and brakes that stop on a dime. Whether a

complete novice or a seasoned track enthusiast, our program

will show you how to extract every bit of performance out of

this purpose built racecar.

At Monticello Motor Club, you’ll enjoy the privileged access

to luxury typically reserved for our private club members.

You’ll be challenged and entertained as you test the limits

around our course featuring 450 feet of elevation changes,

fast straights and unique turns.

Our 2-Day All-Inclusive Program includes hours of private

and semi-private instruction for $4,900. Availability for

non-members is extremely limited with space for just

eight participants.

The best two days of my life!

A adica l Exper ience

For more information:

visit: monticellomotorclub.com call: 888.409.1145email: [email protected]


The music plays on at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

t was just another Friday morning as

the August sun rose high above the farms

that dot the Sullivan County countryside.

But as the first rays of light crept across the

landscape from the once-sleepy hamlets to

the traffic backing up on the New York State

Thruway, it was clear that this would be

unlike any weekend before or since.

Half-a-million strong, they made their way

to White Lake, New York, by car, by foot, or

by thumb. Some had read about it or heard

on the radio, rumors passed from one to

another, but all were drawn by the promise

of Three Days of Peace and Music.

It was 1969 and this was the Woodstock

Music and Art Fair. Nixon was in the White

House, war raged in Vietnam, the Stonewall

Riots marked the beginning of the gay rights

movement, and with one small step, Neil

Armstrong took a giant leap for mankind.

At a time when Americans were deeply

divided, young people from across the

country, together with performers including

Arlo Guthrie, Santana, the Grateful Dead,

Creedence Clearwater Revival, Janis Joplin,

The Who, Jefferson Airplane, Joe Cocker,

The Band, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and

Jimi Hendrix created something legendary in

the mud of Max Yasgur’s alfalfa pasture. This

site, considered hallowed ground by millions

and a symbol of an entire generation, is

today Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.

Visitors to Bethel Woods cannot help

but be affected by the history of the lush

800-acre site. Looking out across the

preserved festival field, one can almost hear

Richie Havens’ cries of “Motherless Child”

or see an ocean of tie-dyed humanity

stretched as far as the eye can see. Step

inside the award-winning Museum at Bethel

Woods to be immersed in the sights,

sounds, and feel of the 1960s. The key

ideals of the era and experience of the

Woodstock festival itself come to life. Climb

aboard a faithful reproduction of the Merry

Pranksters' bus and journey down that road

to Woodstock, or lie back on a beanbag and

listen to the music and the thunder as the

lightning flashes overhead. Can’t you almost

feel the rain on your skin?

This season, the museum offers a special

exhibit, On Assignment: Woodstock,

Photographs by Rolling Stone

photographer Baron Wolman. Wolman’s

photos helped to create the idealized myth

of the festival, focusing on the attendees

and behind-the-scenes action, rather than

the performers.

Bethel Woods proudly continues the site’s

storied musical tradition, having become

one of the top outdoor amphitheaters in

the world. A beautifully appointed 15,000-

seat performing arts venue, Bethel Woods

benefits from exceptional natural acoustics

and breathtaking views of the countryside.

Since 2006, legends including Elton John,

Sting, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Dave

Matthews Band, Phish, Bob Dylan, and the

New York Philharmonic have graced the

Pavilion stage. This summer, DMB returns

along with country superstar Tim McGraw,

60s legend Joan Baez, the Eagles, and

many more of yesterday's and today’s

favorite artists.

A pivotal cultural cornerstone for the region,

Bethel Woods also offers more intimate,

culturally-rich Event Gallery performances,

educational, and community programs.

Annual events celebrate the bounty, talent,

and beauty of the region, including Sunday

Harvest Festivals in September, a Wine

Festival, and a Holiday Market. All this can

be found just 20 minutes from Monticello

Motor Club. Visit bethelwoodscenter.org

for more information or to view the full

event schedule.


:

Bethel Woods EVENT CALENDARPAVILION STAGE

June 15:

June 22:

June 29:

July 2:

July 12:

July 19:

July 20:

July 25:

July 26:

July 27:

August 8:

August 11:

August 16:

August 17:

August 20:

August 23:

September 6:

Celtic Woman

Joan Baez and the Indigo Girls

Heart and Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience

Dave Matthews Band with special guest Fitz and the Tantrums

Big Time Rush and Victoria Justice, with special guest Max Schneider

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

Natalie Merchant with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic

Eagles

Tim McGraw with Brantley Gilbert, and Love and Theft

Bad Company and Lynyrd Skynyrd

George Thorogood & the Destroyers and Buddy Guy, with special guest The James Hunter Six

Blake Shelton with Easton Corbin, and Jana Kramer

Goat Rodeo Sessions with Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer, Chris Thile, and guest vocalist Aoife O’Donovan

Zac Brown Band

John Mayer with special guest Phillip Phillips

Luke Bryan with Thompson Square, and Florida Georgia Line

Kid Rock, ZZ Top, and Uncle Kracker


a love storyadical

"It was an instant love affair, like when I met

my wife — you knew it was right for you."


f you think strapping into a 1,500 pound, open cockpit,

fire breathing racecar doesn’t sound like the makings of a family outing,

then you haven’t experienced the Radicals at Monticello Motor Club.

Arguably one of the finest private race tracks and automotive country clubs in

the country, Monticello Motor Club is located in an upstate New York town of

the same name, just ninety minutes north of Manhattan - and it's here that

NYC real estate developer Justin Ehrlich and his wife Nicole had their first

“radical experiences.”

Ehrlich is a soft-spoken New Yorker (yes, it is possible) who is a self-admitted

automotive aficionado, having been raised on high-octane supercars from

his youth. "My father was always into cars. I grew up around Lamborghinis,

Ferraris, and Porsches," he states. His father apparently passed the car gene

onto his son, since it wasn’t long before Ehrlich purchased a Porsche or three

of his own. One of his cars, a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Targa, came with a free

day pass to MMC, a place then unknown to Ehrlich.

As it turns out, Ehrlich left MMC even more thrilled with the facility than with

his new car. "After seeing the quality of the track and the ownership, I was

sold," he explains.

To understand the lure of MMC is to glimpse inside the mind of the supercar

owner — there are some things that money just can’t buy. Buying the machine

is the easy part; storied builders such as Porsche, Lamborghini, and Ferrari

will sell a car to anyone who can pay for one. The crux lies in where to actually

drive a racecar that weighs half of what your average commuter car does, but

packs five times the horsepower. Driving a car like this on the street is cool for

getting looks now and again, but you really can’t use the car to its full potential.

Some car clubs, like the Porsche and Ferrari clubs, will rent racetracks to hold

'track days,' but the rub is that you can't use the track whenever you want,

and since the club doesn’t own the track, they can't necessarily vouch for its

condition or its staff. That isn’t the ideal position to be in for a car owner whose

vehicle may cost as much as the average American home, or more.

Enter Monticello Motor Club – 4.1 gorgeous miles of professionally designed,

race-grade asphalt sitting on 175 of its own impeccably manicured acres.

MMC is far more than just a race track. It's a veritable automotive country club

complete with clubhouse facilities and an array of membership options.

"I'd heard about these kinds of places in the past, but not good things,"

explained Ehrlich. "They always seemed to have financial issues,” he

continues, referring to the capital required to keep a professional-grade track

like MMC staying, well, professional. After spending some time with MMC

Founder and President Ari Straus, however, Ehrlich not only came away quite

comforted, he came away an enthusiastic new member.

"Ari is just so passionate about the track and what he does. They’re all such

professionals and so absolutely dedicated to MMC," Ehrlich adds, plugging the

staff as well.

At first, Ehrlich rented a relatively tame Porsche Boxster to whet his appetite,

taking lessons here and there and building up his comfort level. Soon his wife

Nicole got behind the wheel as well, renting a spec Mazda Miata. No stranger

to auto racing herself, her father long involved in professional motorsports,

Nicole and Justin began spending quite a bit of time at MMC with their twin

6-year-old boys in tow. The family nature of the place was a big draw. "My

kids love it there. They’ve got a lounge where they can watch TV and use the

simulator, and they can also go karting all day if they want," says Ehrlich.

Initially a casual track user, Ehrlich says things changed when he discovered

the Radicals – high horsepower, lightweight, open cockpit race cars that are

very appropriately named. Introduced to the cars via MMC’s two day "Radical

Experience" drive school in July of 2012, husband and wife were immediately

hooked. After some classroom training, the Ehrlichs strapped themselves

into their cars for some lead-follow training laps. "It was an instant love affair,

like when I met my wife - you just knew it was right for you," Ehrlich asserts.

Starting out with the Radical SR3, a 1,254 pound car oozing 210 horsepower,

Ehrlich was blown away. "The first time I hit the gas, my only thought was I had

to buy one," he says. The Radical’s grip, acceleration, and sheer speed was

unlike anything he’d ever experienced before — and Ehrlich is no stranger to

performance cars.

After toying with the SR3 for a while (and buying his and hers models, Ehrlich

fell in love yet again. MMC’s Straus offered to let Ehrlich take his Radical SR8

out for a spin. An order of magnitude more powerful than the SR3, the SR8

is a V8 powered Radical that pumps out an asphalt-melting 460 horsepower,

but doesn’t weigh a whole heck of a lot more than its little brother. To put

it into perspective, consider that the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560 (no slug)

laps the world-famous Nürburgring Nordschleife in a blistering 7 minutes 52

seconds. By contrast, the Radical SR8 does it in 6 minutes 55 seconds, a

world record for a production car. Ehrlich could literally finish his lap and have

time for refreshments before the Lambo even showed at the finish. The SR8 is

a serious, serious car, which prompted Ehrlich and his wife to enroll in another

Radical training session, the one-day Advanced Class, in September 2012.

Justin and Nicole Ehrlich are hooked on amateur car racing, largely due to

the remarkable environment that MMC provides — a family experience like

no other. When asked if he still finds time to avail himself of his golf club

membership, Ehrlich simply answers, "It’s boring. It just doesn’t have the

energy that MMC has."

Could any staid country club hold a candle to a private race track, a stable

of high-performance vehicles, a place to meet and enjoy your passion with

friends, and a truly family-friendly environment? We don’t think so.

"The first time I hit the gas my only thought was I had to have one."

Come see for yourself!Over 120,000 sq ft of entertainment and activities

including go kart racing, bowling gaming, professional racing simulators and our award winning catering & event facility

GPNY is ideal for corporate outings and social engagements.Contact our Event Planner today!

GPNY is Westchester's most excitingcorporate and social event space

333 N Bedford Rd Mount Kisco, NYwww.GPNY.com

www.SpinsBowl.com914.358.3616

[email protected]


One of the most popular new items in MMC’s Pro Shop is the Stilo ST4W race helmet. Stilo’s have also

become a pro favorite, worn by NASCAR’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kyle Busch, World Rally Championship’s

Sebastian Loeb, and many United Sports Car Racing, British Touring Car Championship, and Formula One racers.

The ST4W is designed to satisfy those closed cockpit drivers who yearn for flexibility, style, integration, and comfort. The W stands for "wide" and features an eye port that is taller than the standard Formula version, and has a special visor to accommodate the larger opening.

Available in both a Carbon Fiber and Kevlar Composite shell, the Stilo is available at several price points for everyday or racing use. The slightly heavier composite version is made from a Kevlar Multi-Sandwich Fiber composite formed in an autoclave. It carries the same Snell 2010 certification as the Carbon helmet, but the different material yields a slightly heavier helmet at a

reduced cost. Both the Carbon and Composite versions of the ST4W carry a Snell 2010 certification, which satisfies almost all racing sanctioning bodies’ requirements for helmet certifications.

Also available with integrated communication electronics, air supply, and hydration, or any combination of the three, this helmet offers flexibility while maintaining a clean cabin. There are no wires or hoses hanging below the helmet – everything integrates seamlessly with the shell. The Stilo comes with an M6 nut integrated into the shell that makes using a head and neck restraint, like the Hans Device, a no brainer.

PROSHOP


Hold Your Next Corporate Event At Monticello Motor ClubNORTH AMERICA’S PREMIER AUTOMOTIVE RESORT & PRIVATE RACE TRACK

• Experience the pure exhilaration of driving 556HP Cadillac CTS-V Coupes, Ferrari Challenge Racecars, or Mazda Miata Racecars on a professional race track.

• No experience necessary. Professional instruction provided in a structured and safer environment.

• Five-star amenities and services include our luxurious clubhouse with event space for 5 to 150 guests, catering, vehicles, safety equipment, fuel, and instruction.

• Dates now available for April - October.

Let’s face it. Relationships matter. In today’s hectic world, it's difficult to get quality face-to-face time with colleagues and clients. What better way to strengthen those bonds than with a shared experience that will be remembered for a lifetime?

Plan your next corporate event at Monticello Motor Club and put those business relationships into high gear.

PROSHOP


visit: monticellomotorclub.com call: 888.409.1145

email: [email protected]


Mark your calendar for the return of the popular

Members' Race Series, which returns to Monticello on

Saturday, May 18th

Join your fellow members and their families for some fun

and friendly competition. This gentlemen's series consists of

five rounds throughout the season, each complete with an awards

ceremony. To participate you’ll need to have successfully completed

MMC’s 2-Day Race School or have approval from our Track Director

and hold a valid competition license.

In 2012, the Stuttgart Classic resulted in some of the most exciting

races in MMC history, so we’re bringing back this Porsche-only

race, open to all race-prepared Porsches classified under PCA

regulations. The first of four rounds will take place on

Wednesday, June 12.

The Coventry Classic races will follow the Stuttgart Classic

schedule, with the first of four rounds starting on Wednesday,

June 12.

If you’ve never driven a Radical, it’s hard to describe the

feeling you get when you first climb behind the wheel of this

purpose-built track car. It stops on a dime, corners like it's on

rails, and acceleration is immediate and oh, so powerful.

If you are curious to find out what all the fuss is about, the

2-day Radical Driving Experience simply has to be on your

bucket list. For those who’ve already completed the 2-day

school and are considering competing in the Radical Cup

Series or the MMC Member Race Series, MMC’s private 1-day

advanced instruction is just what you need to prepare.

No experience is required to enroll in the 2-day Radical Driving

Experience, which is designed to accommodate the seasoned

track enthusiast or a complete novice. You’ll learn how to pilot

the Radical SR3 racecar at speeds you previously thought

impossible, while extracting every bit of performance out of

the car. You’ll be challenged and entertained as you test the

limits around the track in this lightweight racecar built with

both performance and FIA’s stringent safety standards in mind.

For more information visit, www.mmcmember.com, or contact your Member Concierge. For group and class information,

please contact Aaron Weiss at [email protected]

Member Race Series Schedule

Round #1 – Sat May 18

Round #2 – Sat June 22

Round #3 – Sat July 20

Round #4 – Sat September 21

Round #5 – Sat October 5

Stuttguart and Coventry Classic Dates

Round #1 – Wed June 12

Round #2 – Wed July 10

Round #3 – Wed August 14

Round #4 – Wed September 25

2013 Radical Driving Experience

Wed-Thurs June 5-6

Wed-Thurs June 26-27

Wed-Thurs July 17-18

Wed-Thurs August 7-8

Tues-Wed September 3-4

So What Are You Waiting For?There are just eight spots available for each of the five

scheduled programs this year, and they’re sure to go

as fast as the Radical itself. Contact your Member

Concierge at [email protected] or call

888.409.1145 today.

It's time to get


"As the track starts to fal l , you bend the car gently down toward the apex."

MMC's Pro Instructor

Justin Piscitell and

Operations Manager

Ashley Novack

show you how

to tackle the

track like a pro.

We are going to guide you

through about 40 seconds

on Monticello Motor Club’s

3.6 mile full course. Forty

seconds may not seem like

much time, but the intensity

level and situational

awareness required to

attack this short interval

is second to none. We will

start at Hangar Turn, named

after the hangar adjacent

to the corner, that dates

back to when MMC was an

airport. Instead of storing

airplanes, it is now home to

a unique assortment of our

members' cars.

Hangar Turn is a basic 90-degree corner on flat ground. Braking for Hangar Turn is around the two marker for most

cars. The “braking markers” are strategically placed signs with large numbers that indicate how many feet you are

from the “turn in” point of the corner. This gives you a point of reference typically on longer straightaways where

speeds are high and you will need to slow the car substantially to make the next corner. Hanger Turn is a typical

trail braking corner, where the brakes are used beyond the turn-in point and gradually released as you approach the

apex and attempt to get on top of the easily visible two-piece apex curb. A vibrating hum will let you know that you

have used the proper amount of curbing. A key aspect of Hangar Turn is that it leads to one of the longest and most

beautiful straightaways in the country and the longest straightaway at MMC, which means it is the most important

corner to get right on the track. It is imperative to be full throttle at or before the apex. When working towards this

be wary of the exit curbing. It appears that there is a nice amount of curbing at the track out, but since all drivers

get greedy, the curbing always runs out sooner than we would like.

Once on this straightaway you can’t actually see the next corner because in the distance the track starts to rise.

Beyond the rise, one cannot help but notice the beautiful scenery, from mountain ranges and multicolored trees, to

cloud-filled skylines and the setting sun. It can be intoxicating. And then it hits you: you are approaching speeds in

excess of 140 mph, cresting a hill and realizing that there is a big kink bending toward the right that needs your full

attention. As the track starts to fall, you bend the car gently down toward the apex. When the kink is taken correctly,

you should be overwhelmed with a feeling of satisfaction and pumping adrenaline, as you realize the next corner

is still quite a distance away and you get to keep your foot on the accelerator even longer. The kink is flat out in

(almost) anything.

As you bend through this kink, you can now see the entrance of the Switchback. It may look a long way away, but

the corner comes up fast - considering the outrageous speed you are carrying at this point. There are six braking

markers (we mentioned before how they work), and when in a car with exceptional braking capability, it is always fun

to see your passenger’s face as you stay full throttle until deep in the braking zone. When approaching the braking

zone, it is very clear that there is significant elevation change in the Switchback. At the end of the braking markers,

the track begins to rise up and to the right. What isn’t visible is the extremely technical chicane at the crest of the hill.

The track comes back to the left as the hill flattens out and then again to the right, falling downhill and off camber as

you leave the chicane. A well-disciplined driver will be able to maximize braking capability by using the compression

of the hill and steering input to bleed off the last bit of speed, while also attempting to late apex the right hander, as

it is crucial to set up properly for the left part of the chicane. A second touch of the brake is necessary at the top

of the hill to put some weight on the nose of the car, then a relatively quick turn in to the left, aiming for the second

half of the apex curbing. Using the loaded springs, flick the car back to the right, again aiming for the second half

of the apex curbing and then some, trying to keep the car tight to the right. If the car starts going wide it will pick

up an understeer, which is only compounded as the track falls off camber. This understeer can become extremely

exciting if you try to maintain the steering input while making throttle adjustments as the nose of the car hits the

compression at the bottom of the hill. This can send the car into an overly exciting loose condition. Anything but a

clean exit from the Switchback will be detrimental to your lap time, as the right hand turn entering Kryptos is close

to flat or flat if almost anything, thus extending the straightaway.

1

2


Even after thousands of laps, MMC's track remains a satisfying challenge. It is ideal for a members’ track, because there is no one trick to mastering it.

The full course challenges both novice and experienced drivers, whether they have 50 laps on the course or 500.

3

TURN 16

TURN 17 KRYPTOS

4

TURN 18 HAIRPIN

2

TURN 13-14-15 SWITCH BACK

1

TURN 12 HANGER

Kryptos is considered by many to be the most exhilarating, intimidating and challenging part of the track. As such, many drivers have been

bested by this section. Be sure to use caution and take your time, gradually increasing your speed as you master it. When approaching turn

16, before Kryptos, a slightly earlier than expected turn into the right with precise and slow hands is key. This is mainly due to the compression

just after the apex. Attempt to bind the car as little as possible while aiming at the apex curb and opening your hands up as you hit the

compression, maintaining as close to full throttle as possible. This is an extremely satisfying corner when done right, especially if you are a

g-force junkie. As the compression softens, your breath starts to come back and then instantly is lost again. As you exit the right hander, you

are now pointed uphill on the left side of the track with no sense of direction and reminding yourself to stay full throttle.

As you blindly fly up the hill towards Kryptos, work your way back to the right side of the track, getting as close to the edge of the road as

possible. Just as you crest the hill it will immediately start to fall back down, getting steeper and steeper all while falling further off-camber

and sharply bending to the left. It is imperative to turn in earlier, rather than later, due to the off camber nature of this corner. Again, listen

for the hum that confidently lets you know you’re using all of the curbing. There is a lot of throttle commitment in this corner. Once power is

added it cannot be taken away, especially when approaching the bottom of the hill. At the bottom of the hill, not only does the car have to

deal with the compression due to the track flattening and becoming level again, all while the track narrows. If you lift at this point it is almost

a guaranteed spin, even with the best stability control system. Turn in early, commit to throttle, and look as far ahead as you can — which

unfortunately isn’t as far as you want. By the time you get the car gathered up again, it is hard on the brakes for the hairpin, slowing the car

from approximately 120 mph down to about 35 mph.

4

3


Last year, 27 children from Sullivan County gathered at the Sheriff’s Office in Monticello to say goodbye to their parents. No, they weren’t in trouble. They were on their way to the New York State Sheriff’s Institute Camp Iroquois on Lake Keuka. Each year the Sheriff’s Office sends deserving children from Sullivan County to summer camp in the Finger Lakes, and MMC is proud to be a part of supporting that initiative.

The week-long summer camp hosts underprivileged boys and girls between the ages of nine and twelve who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend camp or enjoy a summer vacation. The counselors, as well as a half dozen or so deputy sheriffs, serve as mentors dedicated to helping these young people find the right path to a meaningful and productive life. Other deputy sheriffs visit the camp daily, demonstrating law enforcement techniques and equipment, such as K-9 or scuba diving. Each week a deputy sheriff also makes a presentation regarding illicit drugs and alcohol use.

For three years, proceeds from MMC’s Cops for Kids fundraiser have supported the Sheriffs' Summer Camp, among other charities selected by local law enforcement. Mark your calendar for this year’s event on Sunday, September 22.

In 2012, the event raised over $40,000, with the Sullivan County Sheriff’s PBA team earning first place honors. Three

teams competed in time trials in Spec Miatas on behalf of their selected not-for-profit groups. The money raised by MMC members was donated on behalf of the Police Benevolent Associations of the NY State Troopers, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, and the Monticello Police Department. Their chosen not-for-profit groups included the NYS Troopers Signal 30 Fund, Sheriff’s Institute Summer Camp, and Monticello Boy Scouts Troop 101.

Another important, member-driven event is the Guardian Angel Motorsports (GAM)/MMC Charity Gala and Performance Driving Experience, which raised over $100,000 last year to support GAM’s Kids In Need, Saving Teens Collaborative, and Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. This year’s event will be held Saturday and Sunday, May 11 and 12.

In 2012, MMC and its members donated more than $279,000 to local charitable organizations in Sullivan County. These organizations included those dedicated to children, healthcare, and the arts, including the Boys and Girls Club, Center for Discovery, Hospice of Orange and Sullivan, Forestburgh Playhouse, and the Monticello High School Academy of Finance, among many others. Thanks to the commitment and generosity of its members, Monticello Motor Club is helping to improve the lives of those less fortunate in the local community.

M O T O R C L U B M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 | I N A U G U R A L I S S U E

About HWI MotorsportsHWI Motorsports is the Motorsports & Collector Auto Division of the Hayden Wood Insurance Agency – a family owned and operated agency. Morgan Duffy, third-generation owner and president of Hayden Wood Insurance, created HWI to introduce more comprehensive insurance solutions to the motorsports community. In particular, he wanted fellow MMC members to have access to coverage for on-track physical damage for Member Days, High Performance Driving Events (HPDE) and Club Racing.

Coverage we provideClub Racing and HPDE physical damage• Available for vehicles scheduled on a collector auto policy• Agreed value up to $1 million per car• Broad list of approved clubs and events• Written on an annual basis• Unlimited number of events• Member Day coverage available

Call Morgan today at (508) 229-8700 or Email: [email protected] | www.aigprivateclient.com/hwi

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Private Client Group offers complete solutions for successful individuals and families providing the coverage necessary to preserve high-value assets and personal liability. Protection is augmented with services to minimize property damage and bolster safety –and all of this comes in one custom-tailored package. Here is a sampling of insureds:

• 11 out of the last 16 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Best in Show winners

• Multiple owners of $200 million+ collector car collections

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• 45% of the “Top 200 American Collectors” as identified by ARTNews

Collector automobile • Unlimited capacity • Agreed value up to 150% • Newly acquired vehicle

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A father & son discover racing is in their blood

s his son’s 16th birthday approached, physician Joe Catania knew the lure of his extensive car collection

would eventually prove too much for a teenage boy to resist. Like a scene out of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, a joy ride

would surely be too tempting for young Lucas. To keep his son — and his racecars – safe, Joe preemptively took Lucas for a

ride to get the novelty out of the way, but instead ignited a shared passion that has brought the two closer than ever.

Soon, with a freshly printed driver’s license in hand, Lucas and his father enrolled at Skip Barber Racing School, which only

served to fuel their hunger for speed and appetite for the excitement of being behind the wheel. Joe explained, “We couldn’t

let that be the end of so much fun, so we quickly found a home at Monticello Motor Club. The Club offers so many options

geared toward enthusiasts.”

What began as a hobby has grown into a promising racing career for the Catanias — not to mention a lifetime of memories for

father and son. This year, CR Motorsport, the Catania’s Porsche and Mazda road racing team, will advance beyond national

club-level racing to compete in the Pirelli World Challenge Professional Racing Series.

“Racing together is the ultimate ride. If you like structure, but enjoy high-speed adventure, this is like Disneyland,” said Joe.

“Nothing can replace the fun and excitement, or the thrill and nerve, in determining how deep to go into a corner at 137 MPH.”

As they began their first season, the Catanias worked with MMC instructors in a shared Lotus Exige. But as the hobby

developed into a passion, they quickly realized sharing a car wasn’t enough and ordered two identically prepared Porsche

Boxters from Deman Motorsports. Now the two could really enjoy all that MMC had to offer as a private race track, and Joe

never again had to ask Lucas twice to get up in the morning. On days they headed out to MMC, Lucas would be ready and

waiting in the kitchen by 5:30 a.m.

Learning from MMC Pros Sam Schultz and Jason Holehouse, as well as each other, they entered the racing circuit, finding

their first podium in the Citation Air Challenge when Lucas was just 17. “The support we’ve received from MMC has been absolutely

critical to our love of the sport and our success,” explained Joe. “A lot of effort and hard work has gone into our education,

growth and development,” continued Lucas, “from Rick Deman, DSA Motorsport, Spencer

Cox, Speedsport Tuning and of course, our MMC instructors.”

In Joe’s second racing season, he took an interest in the technical aspects of driving,

improving on his already consistent and aggressive-when-necessary style. Lucas, a former

championship hockey and lacrosse player, has always been a top-notch competitor and

is developing into a serious contender on the asphalt. He applies the same drive and

determination equally to his racing and his studies in pre-med at Hobart College.

In the past year, they have gotten heavily involved with spec Miatas, SCCA, and PCA Club

Racing, and even moved the cars to Florida for the winter. Their shared dedication to the

sport has led them to form CR Motorsport. The pair has found success, taking first and

second in the 2012 Sprint Race G Class at Watkins Glen, and the GT1 Class at MMC, with

Joe taking third place overall for the 2012 season G Class PCA Zone 1. In 2013, Joe has also

already placed fifth in GTB1 class at PCA 48 Hours of Sebring.

Lucas takes great pride in what he and his father have accomplished together, but has not

lost sight of those who helped along the way. “Look what we’ve accomplished together,”

he says. “We’re going to the 2013 Pirelli World Challenge this year, which couldn’t have

happened without all of the track time, experience and support we’ve enjoyed at MMC.”

Joe not only takes pride in their racing results, but cherishes the time with his son. “As a father, the opportunity and privilege

to work this closely with my son is priceless. Racing has given us the opportunity to spend time together and do battle in the

trenches, working together to formulate a plan, work on the cars, and on the track. Every bit of it is so fulfilling and fun from a

father’s perspective.”

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The company, based in Bethel, N.Y., builds each of its homes from scratch. Its team leverages CAD software to create customized designs, working closely with each family to create a truly unique dream property. In some cases, it all starts with a hand sketch, which is fine-tuned before the true design process begins.

“We deliver uniquely handcrafted custom homes that are above and beyond the traditional-built home,” said Mike Watkins, owner of Woodstone Development. “We create homes for families that are custom-designed for their individual needs and dreams, and then custom-built by hand with our talented in-house craftsmen.”

Woodstone Development’s design and purchasing team works closely with soon-to-be homeowners, guiding the selection process for cabinetry, flooring, plumbing fixtures, and various other aspects of the home. Once a home is under construction, the company welcomes its clients to make regular site visits to watch their project come to life.

The Woodstone Development team includes stonemasons, carpenters, artisans, and other skilled professionals who work to create homes

with great levels of detail. Throughout its process, the company carefully addresses and inspects every aspect of the home it’s building, leaving nothing overlooked. This has led Woodstone Development to become one of the most trusted firms in the region for families looking to build second homes, something in which its team takes a great deal of pride.

“The quality of the materials we use is of the highest degree,” Watkins says. “We over-engineer our homes and use only the best materials available, from the backfill to the lumber, granite, and concrete. We’ve also been known to warranty homes that are many years out of warranty, and really go beyond the norm in that regard.”

Always aiming to add value to its white glove-services for its discerning clientele, Woodstone Development can even arrange for private helicopter service. Leaving no detail to chance, the company will fly customers via helicopter to hand-pick woods and other materials to be used in their homes.

Woodstone Development has received a number of awards over the years, and was recently published in Rustic Living by Ralph Kylloe, a leading authority on rustic design, and a respected author and photographer with numerous books on the style. However, it’s the response from clients that really counts.

“Every home that we build becomes a retreat for family and friends,” Watkins says. “We take pride in delivering these homes, and watching them become a central part of the fabric of people’s lives.”

A century ago, when the automobile was in its

infancy, few would have envisioned the sheer

passion that this machine would impart to its

owners. Initially invented as a more efficient

horse, the automobile ate less, required less

care, and took its owner and his cargo farther.

Yet somewhere along the way, this instrument,

this machine became an inseparable part

of America.

in 1907 Steven Kwiat’s ancestors founded

Kwiat, now a leading diamond jeweler based

in Manhattan’s diamond district. Today Steven,

a third-generation jeweler, manages the family

business, which happens to share a similar

birthdate with the modern automobile.

Kwiat’s interest in all things automotive began in

his youth. While his father wasn’t an automobile

aficionado (alas, cars were mere transportation

for the elder Kwiat), Steven spent many youthful

hours at a neighbor’s house, where the jewels of

a magnificent 20-odd car collection captured his

imagination. “It started with Matchbox cars, then

radio-controlled cars, and finally the real thing,”

Kwiat begins. “As a kid I could identify all the

different makes and models of cars.” And so, his

journey as a “car guy” began. For the uninitiated,

it is a lifelong affliction.

Kwiat’s automotive adventure began with a humble,

but still respectable, Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX. The

car he really wanted was a Firebird with the WS6

package, but that dream was quickly crushed

when his parents extolled the safety virtues of the

all-wheel-drive Eclipse. When the Mitsubishi began

to fall apart in college, Kwiat eased himself into a

BMW M3, the E36 iteration. “It was the first time

I was really in love with a car,” he reminisces. But

soon he found his true passion.

AUTOCROSSERS ANONYMOUS

If he was smitten with his E36, then he was

absolutely head-over-heels with autocross, that

ubiquitous parking lot adventure put on by car

clubs throughout the United States. In the absence

of a track, racing aficionados set up short, but

extremely challenging, tracks. They simply arrange

to use a vacant piece of asphalt, throw out some

cones, and the race is on.

There are hardcore autocrossers, and then there

is Kwiat. “I autocrossed my M3 for over five years,

every weekend, twice per week,” he says. “I

always had to be behind the wheel.” Seized by an

insatiable urge to run his street car to the limit —

the whole point of autocross — Kwiat was soon

overtaken by the ultimate automotive bug, racing.

The next logical progression for autocrossers is

the racetrack, but it’s a leap that few make, since

racetracks are clearly less plentiful than parking

lots. Once Kwiat learned he could take his street

car out on racetracks, there was no looking back.

“I didn’t know the average guy could do that,” he

recalls. But once his wheels hit the track, “it was

the ultimate experience, ever.”

Kwiat first visited Monticello Motor Club for a

National Auto Sport Association event, which

proved to be an eye opener for the diamond

retailer. “Monticello had so much variation, such

amazing elevation changes,” starts Kwiat. “Other

tracks I’ve been to, like Pocono, are flat and that’s

boring to me.”

Kwiat finds MMC to be anything but boring. Today,

he is no stranger to professional racetracks, an

avid user of his MMC membership and the four

miles of pristine, race-grade asphalt that await him

at MMC. “I’ve been going to Monticello since they

opened, racing in various club events,” says Kwiat.

“But the most fun I’ve ever had behind the wheel

was at MMC’s Winter Driving Series. It's a race

on a snowy track that consists of lots of sideways

sliding and drifting.”

Even in-season when there isn’t a snowflake to be

found, Kwiat is captivated by the majesty of the

course, and the challenge it gives him every time he

drives it. “There’s a huge level of self-satisfaction

when I do a really good lap time at Monticello,

because it’s so challenging,” adds Kwiat, a veteran

of every major race track within 200 miles of NYC.

This man clearly knows his way around a track.

CONTROLLED RELEASE

Since his halcyon days of autocross overdose,

Kwiat has slowed down some, thanks to the

demands of a century-old business, a wife, and

a set of 3-year-old twins to deal with. Not having

the free time he did in his youth, Kwiat now uses

MMC as a convenient form of release, one that isn’t

easily found elsewhere. “If I can’t drive something

at ten-tenths, I go crazy,” says Kwiat, who often

breaks away from work to lap at MMC and blow off

some steam. Almost any time during the season,

members can simply pop in when it’s a nice day,

and hit the asphalt. This flexibility is one of the

things Kwiat loves most about his membership at

MMC. “I use it as a release. It’s always ready and

waiting when I need it,” he says.

Besides his ’97 Porsche Boxster with a 3.4 liter

Carrera motor under the hood, Kwiat likes to

drive his C5 Corvette Z06 at MMC. “It’s a street

car. I can drive it to the track, drive it around the

track, and then drive it home,” he explains. As a

self-professed gearhead, Kwiat adjusts his own

suspension settings, and is constantly fiddling

with his ‘Vette, to squeeze every last drop of

performance out of it. MMC holds a special place

in Kwiat’s heart, because it’s always there for him

when the road calls. He anticipates his usage will

continue to change over the years. “I can see my

relationship with Monticello morphing as my kids

grow up. I look forward to spending time with them

there. I’d like to introduce them to karting, then

racing,” he states.

It’s unlikely that a hundred years ago, Kwiat’s great-

grandfather would have imagined his progeny,

lapping Monticello Motor Club in a horseless

carriage at triple-digit speeds, but when the day is

just right, that’s where you’ll find Steven Kwiat.

MEMBER PROFILE


Cup Finale


This September, Monticello Motor Club will host the 2013 Radical Cup Series Finale, which will be televised. The conclusion of the

12-round championship, with stops at Miller Motorsports Park, Road Atlanta, Laguna Seca, VIR, and Autobahn Country Club, will roar

into Monticello September 6 through 8.

Aimed at the serious gentleman driver, as well as up-and-coming talent looking to prove themselves on the world stage, the 2013

Radical Cup USA, sanctioned by NARRA, is open to all SR3 and SR8 drivers with prior race experience and a current racing license.

The series prepares drivers for the multi-class racing of Le Mans and the Rolex 24 of Daytona.

Both SR3 and SR8 race simultaneously in separate classes. Unique to the Radical Cup, however, the overall champion is determined

by the highest point score from either class.

The overall 2013 Radical Cup USA champion will receive an LMP2 test with a top European Le Mans team, while each of the class

champions will be entered into a race in the FIA-sanctioned Radical Masters Euroseries.

The three-day weekend will begin with a Friday test day, followed by practice, qualifying, and races on both Saturday and Sunday.

September 6-8, 2013

Comes to MMC

For more information or

to register, please visit

www.narraonline.com,

and for series inquiries

and ‘arrive and drive’

reservations, contact

[email protected].

3 8 M O T O R C L U B M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 | I N A U G U R A L I S S U EBrian Redman, Bobby Rahal, Bill McMichael, Jerry Seinfeld, and Mario Andretti

Mario Andretti

Ralph Gilles, CEO of SRT and VP of Dodge

Orange County Choppers' Paul Teutul, Sr.

Rick Deman

Shannon Sharp, Boomer Esiason, Bill McMichael, James Brown, Dan Marino, and Bill Cowher

Father & Son, John and Jason

Matt and Bill

Anthony

Brian

Brian and Doug

Rick

Brothers, Nicholas and Peter at race meeting

Bob and John

Lewis

Carlos

Ralph Gilles, CEO of SRT and VP of Dodge

Orange County Choppers' Paul Teutul, Sr.

Shannon Sharp, Boomer Esiason, Bill McMichael, James Brown, Dan Marino, and Bill Cowher

Kenneth and Jack

Ron

John

Rob and Doug discuss strategy before the race

Justin completes Race School

Graduating Class of the 5th Radical Experience, held in August '12Lisa and Instructor Kyle Connery

Wife and Husband, Lisa and Adam

Amy

Ari Straus, Denis, and Rob after the Radical Cup Race in August

Located in the heart of New Canaan, CT, elm

restaurant has become a beloved destination

for its world-class cuisine and local Connecticut

charm. Chef Brian Lewis and his team present

an innovative and elegant approach to seasonal

American cuisine that is rooted in tradition. The

a-la-carte menu and four-course seasonal tasting

menu takes guests through the flavors of the

region from locally-sourced vegetables and meats

to sustainable seafood and house-made pastas.

Pastry chef Caryn Stabinsky compliments the

savory program with her surprising spin on

quintessential, seasonal desserts. The wine and

cocktail program, also an extension of Chef Brian's

vision, includes award-winning and surprising

wines, as well as classic and handcrafted culinary-

focused cocktails. Elm's nationally acclaimed

menu is complimented by an ambiance that pairs

seasoned, friendly service and a clean, modern

design that is layered with elements of warmth.

ChefBrian Lewis

203.920.499473 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT 06849e l m re s t a u r a n t . c o m

WELCOME TO OURS

Every Great Country Club Has A Driving Range

Welcome to the ultimate country club for people who love to drive. Located only 90 minutes from New York City,Monticello Motor Club offers members nearly unlimited use of our critically acclaimed road course.

• Flexible membership plans • Luxurious new clubhouse• Private garages • Exotic and racecar rental fleet• Professional driver coaching • Karting and teen driving programs• Corporate and private events • Race School• On-site service center and member concierge Road and Track called MMC, “An extraordinary circuit for the discerning driving enthusiast.”

If that describes you, it’s time to experience your car the way it was meant to be driven.

4.1-MILES OF FLAWLESS ASPHALT, 22 CHALLENGING TURNS, 450 FEET OF ELEVATION CHANGE AND NO SPEED LIMIT!


visit: monticellomotorclub.com call: 888.409.1145email: [email protected]

Motor Club Magazine Spring 2013

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Transcript of Motor Club Magazine Spring 2013