Alpine Motorsports Club - New Roadcourse/Country Club near Lehigh Valley

[Jimbeau]

Just heard that after winning a protracted legal battle, the new Alpine Motorsports Club will begin construction early in 2012 and is projected to open ~ 12 months after construction  begins.

I drove up there today.  About 9 miles from my house across the mountain = 25 minute drive. 

The centerpiece will be a 4.2 mile road course with multiple configurations.  It will be a members only club with limited "club membership" opportunities for the likes of PCA, BMW CCA, etc.  More than 180 days a year dedicated to member driving.

It looks really cool. Check it out.

http://www.alpinesignature.com/

 

 

[emayer]

I can confirm this project is moving ahead.

I had signed on as a charter member previously.  The project got stonewalled due to legal hurdles.  They ultimately prevailed, just in time for the market crash and were unable to secure financing.  The development has since changed ownership and my understanding is that they now have working capital.

As Jim points out the circuit has multiple lengthy configurations, what I also like are the elevation changes....

[StoogeMoe203]

Wow, I wrote that off as never going to happen.  I still won't believe it until I see it.

It's only 4 miles from my house.  That could be bad.  Now I'll never get any work done.

[CarreraS]

I loved the virtual lap of the track!

But, for the sake of reality, a couple of missed apexes and some missed heal/toe shifts, etc. would have been nice. 

[cjbcpa]

That's good news. I think now its a race between these guys and Liberty Bell to open first. I have my doubts as to whether there is room for two of these within two hours of one another. This may be a case where being first to market is key.

 

CB

[ccm911]

cjbcpa wrote:

That's good news. I think now its a race between these guys and Liberty Bell to open first. I have my doubts as to whether there is room for two of these within two hours of one another. This may be a case where being first to market is key.



CB

A very astute observation. Look at the shape NJMP is in. It all sounds like fun and glamour, but the ugly truth is that this is a very limited hobby. I'll be shocked if all three ultimately survive.

[betegh9]

The market may be saturated with tracks close by, but looks like we will have choices rather than driving the same track over and over again.

[Jimbeau]

Timing will definitely be important but so will location.   The Pocono area is already a travel/vacation destination for people from the NYC area which is the target market.  Not sure Liberty Bell is going to pull from NYC but I could be wrong.

[Brian Minkin]

Monticello draws on the same NY City demographics. I doubt if there are enough enthusiasts to fill the membership needs of both tracks.

[ccm911]

I would bet that there will not be folks lining up to join, based on the prices I saw.  At the highest level, one would spend $70,000 over a ten year period.  Sure you may be able to "re-sell" your share for the $35,000 you put down, but I would think it would be highly unlikely.

Wouldn't it be a better business model to get some race series to visit in order to provide a revenue stream?