Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Porsches aren't usually mentioned in the same sentence as "Sullivan County", but a project is taking shape at the old Monticello Airport off of Route 42 south of Monticello that may make Sullivan County one of the hottest destinations for wealthy fast-car buffs. The Drive and Race Club (www.driveandrace.com) is being developed by Michael Kaplan as an exclusive 'country club' for car buffs, with a 3 1/2 mile track, a luxury clubhouse, garages and other appointments that will appeal to amateur racers with deep pockets. "Resident" memberships (for those in the NY area) have a $100,000 buy-in plus $7,500 in annual dues, with only 500 available. According to the project developers, this will be the only facility of its kind in the northeast.
This is a really interesting project, and is the 4th major project that could really change the face - and appeal - of the central part of the county. Bethel Woods is already up and running, and plans are well along for both a casino at the Monticello Raceway and the redevelopment of the Concord Hotel which is likely to include a luxury hotel along the lines of a Ritz Carlton (all those Ferrari owners aren't going to overnight at the Best Western now, are they?) If all of these projects come to pass, it could put Sullivan County on the radar of Robb Report readers.
Actually, they are going to have their own helipad, so they will be leaving out fair county as quickly as they came into it, without spending any $$$.
Posted by: Chris | February 01, 2007 at 10:54 PM
I highly doubt many of the members will be utilizing the heli-pad.
Posted by: Dan | February 02, 2007 at 08:11 AM
I imagine this project has limited appeal. How many deep-pocketed exotic car owners are out there?I suspect they need plenty to break-even. In order to make it a successful track they would need to broaden the venue to include SCCA racing, Karting etc...
Posted by: John | February 05, 2007 at 09:10 AM