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Another possible venue for a future United States grand prix has emerged.

After talks for a race in Jersey City reportedly collapsed, it is now suggested that Monticello Motor Club, about two hours from New York City, has been earmarked as a possible alternative.

Autoweek published a letter from the club’s president Ari Strauss to members revealing that the club – located in the Town of Thompson in Sullivan County – is in talks with F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.

The letter also said Strauss met with Ecclestone a few months ago, and that F1 track designer Hermann Tilke has already visited the venue.

Strauss said Tilke “confirmed that our track and surrounding properties, with some expansion and minor track modifications, is an excellent location for a grand prix”.

He explained that he is working on securing the “backing and support of local, state, and federal politicians and organisations” and warned that “securing F1 is like winning the Olympics, competition is fierce, and this is not a done deal”.

source: GMM

Monticello Motor Club is making a bid to hold the United States Grand Prix.

According to Autoweek the club’s 6.59km (4.1 mile) track has already been inspected by F1 circuit designer Hermann Tilke. id="more-33170">

A letter from the Monticello Motor Club president Ari Strauss reads:

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.

Earlier this year Ecclestone said he didn’t intend to take the United States Grand Prix back to Indianapolis because “It’s all the wrong crowd and the wrong people.” Is a private motor club a better fit with his view of where F1 should be racing?

This line from the letter seems to suggest fans wishing to attend the race may have to become members of the club:

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.

Or they might just be hoping the increased publicity for their club gains them new members.

Ecclestone has been chasing a Grand Prix in New York for decades but Monticello would not satisfy his desire to have a race within sight of the Manhattan skyline – a dream the aborted Jersey City project would have fulfilled.

Could Monticello be the destination for F1’s return to America? Have your say in the comments.

Monticello Motor Club video lap

Monticello Motor Club location

Location of Monticello Motor Club circuit below. The satellite image appears to have been taken before the track was built in 2008:

United States Grand Prix

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