Science-fiction writers have predicted this time and time again: one day mankind would discover Heaven somewhere in the vastness of Space. Nobody ever figured it would be in upstate New York, though. But so be it: the Monticello Motor Club, a seemingly heavenly combination of country club and racing track entered the bid as a potential New York Grand Prix venue after the Liberty State Park having Manhattan's skyscapers in its backdrop, faced local community's widespread disapproval.
Ari Strauss, the boss of the Monticello Motor Club, situated in the upstate New York, claimed that his 4.1-mile track is the leading venue to host a United States Grand Prix after his positive talks with Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone in an exclusive 10-year deal. The main advantages of the facility is the fact the venue is the closest motor sport venue to New York City, with Manhattan just 90 minutes away by road, and is also located within 10 minutes of the nearest international airport.
Moreover, Hermann Tilke, the German architect behind nearly all of the modern F1 venues, has reportedly approved the facility in order to stage F1 events, albeit with "some expansion and minor track modifications" executed by his construction company.
Strauss added that a "letter of understanding" had already been received from Ecclestone's Formula One Management company, in which the organisation expressed its hope that F1 could be taken to the venue at the foot of the Catskill Mountains.
Details of the discussions with Ecclestone were announced in a letter from Strauss to members of the MCC, which was leaked to American magazine Autoweek.
The full text of the letter is as follows:
Dear member,
Within the next day, you may read that Formula One is planning a return to the United States and has their sights on a special location in New York: Monticello Motor Club.
A few months ago, [MMC chairman] Bill McMichael and I met with Bernie Ecclestone, President/CEO of Formula One Management (FOM), and discussed the terms for an exclusive 10-year United States Grand Prix to be hosted at MMC. Shortly thereafter, Hermann Tilke, the chief engineer and circuit designer for F1, spent time at MMC and confirmed that our track and surrounding properties, with some expansion and minor track modifications, is an excellent location for a Grand Prix. Since receiving a letter of understanding from FOM confirming their hope to bring the U.S. Grand Prix to Monticello, Bill and I have continued to secure the backing and support of local, state, and federal politicians and organizations.
If F1 comes to Monticello, our intent is to preserve MMC as, first and foremost, a private country club. Obviously, demand will accelerate as well as the initiation fee for new members. But securing F1 is like winning the Olympics, competition is fierce, and this is not a done deal. While the prospect of F1 at MMC is exciting, we remain focused on our core business: the club and its members.
At this juncture, we are simply honored that F1 is considering our venue as the future, exclusive home for the U.S. Grand Prix. It would transform the region into one of the motorsports capitals of the world, bring thousands of jobs to Sullivan County, inject over $100M each year into the local economy, and place your private club in the company of famous racing circuits like Monza and Spa.
Warmest regards,
Ari
The 4.1-mile track was co-designed by Brian Redman in the rural setting of Monticello at the foot of the Catskill Mountains ans was opened in the summer of 2008 with a display by Mario Andretti in a Lotus 79. The wealthy club members pay $125,000 to join, plus an annual fee and the membership list includes Nascar 4 times Champion Jeff Gordon, Jerry Seinfield and some of NYC's wealthiest inhabitants.
