140 mph and not a police officer in sight

Members include James Glickenhaus, an investment manager who made a splash a couple of years ago for spending an estimated $4 million on a custom Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina, and New York City businessman Harry Schessel. Both are fans of the squiggling turns and long straightaways.

"It's probably the most unique driving experience in the world right now,'' Schessel said.

There are other tracks in the nation that cater to people who want to drive fast, though often at cheaper rates. MotorSport Ranch near Dallas, for instance, was established in 1996 and advertises initiation fees of $3,400 and $12,000, depending on membership level.

A big selling point for Monticello is that it's 90 minutes from the stop-and-go streets of Manhattan. And it's for members only (except for corporate events on the southern section). That's a different business model from Lime Rock Park in neighboring Connecticut, which hosts racing events and rents out to car clubs.

McMichael said Monticello members are really buying access. Monticello plans to offer members up to 200 track days a year.

McMichael would not reveal how close Monticello is to the goal of 125 "founding'' members, but club officials say demand has been steady and they expect to hit the goal within a few months. Monticello also keeps membership rolls private expect for a few exceptions, like Gordon and comedian Jerry Seinfeld.

It may sound like a recipe for disaster: middle-aged alpha males racing each other at 100 mph-plus. Not so, says McMichael. He said no one gets on the track until their ability is assessed and there are professional drivers ready to help. Club members are not going to act like 18 year olds, he said.

"Our members are pretty successful guys,'' he said, "they don't want to come out here and just tear it up.''

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