A private race track club gives members their own circuit, or private time on one. There are two models: clubs that own a circuit and sell memberships, and clubs that hire Grand Prix circuits for their members. Figures as of October 2026, from the sources linked.
In short: US country clubs built around their own circuit give members one track, a clubhouse and often homes, with membership by the year. Stratos hires a whole Grand Prix circuit for up to 15 drivers, one event at a time, with the car, coach, hotel and meals included.
What is a private race track?
A circuit you can't simply book to drive by the day. Some are owned by a members' club. Others are public circuits, such as Formula 1 venues, hired in full by one group.
Clubs that own their circuit
United States. US clubs combine a circuit with a clubhouse, garages and often homes. The Thermal Club (California) and Monticello Motor Club (New York) are the best known. Membership is by the year, and often comes with property.
| Club | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Thermal Club | California | Villas on site |
| Monticello Motor Club | New York | Junior membership for 35 and under |
| Autobahn Country Club | Illinois | |
| The Concours Club | Florida | Application by member referral |
Terms change often, so check with each club before joining.
Europe. Most famous circuits are public venues. Two exceptions:
- Ascari (Spain). A members' circuit near Ronda. Membership has been sold in long and short terms.
- Bilster Berg (Germany). Access was tied to shareholding rather than membership.
What you get from an own-track club
- Frequent access. If you live nearby, you can drive most weeks.
- Facilities. Garages, storage, a clubhouse, sometimes a hotel or homes.
- Community. The same members, every weekend.
The trade-offs
- One circuit. You learn it well, but you drive the same corners every time.
- Your own cars. Most clubs expect members to bring, store and maintain their own.
- Commitment. Membership runs all year whether you drive or not, and property is often part of the deal.
- Location. You need to live within reach.
Clubs that hire Grand Prix circuits
Stratos hires whole Grand Prix circuits in Europe for up to 15 drivers at a time. You join one event at a time, and the car, coach, hotel and meals are included.
The circuit changes through the season, from the Red Bull Ring and the Hungaroring to Portimão, Misano, Paul Ricard and Imola. See upcoming events.
Private race track options compared
| Own-track club (US) | Public track day | Stratos | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to the circuit | Members only | Shared, often dozens of cars | Whole circuit for 15 drivers |
| Commitment | Year-round membership | One day at a time | One event at a time, two days and three nights |
| Car | Your own | Your own | Supplied |
| Circuits | One | Many | Several Grand Prix circuits each season |
| Coaching | Available, usually extra | Usually extra | Included |
Which suits you
- Own-track club: you live near it, own cars, and want frequent track time.
- Public track day: you own a track-ready car and want seat time in it.
- Stratos: you want famous circuits, a car supplied, and a few events a year with good company.
How often you drive
It is not like for like. A club member drives often, on one circuit, in their own cars. A Stratos driver drives less often, on Grand Prix circuits, in cars run for them.
What a day feels like at each
At an own-track club you take your car out of your garage when you like. At a public track day you queue in the pit lane with dozens of cars of very different speeds. At Stratos the circuit holds only the group, the car is ready and your coach is waiting.
Is a private circuit worth it?
If you live near a club and drive most weekends, it gives you the most time at the wheel. If you want to travel and leave the cars to someone else, a club and a garage of your own are a lot to take on. Many people do both. It comes down to how often you will drive, and where you live.
Questions to ask any private club
- Is property part of membership?
- How many track days are members actually able to book?
- Are cars supplied, or must I bring and store my own?
- Is coaching included?
- What are the rules for guests?
- How many members share the circuit on a typical day?
FAQ
What is the Thermal Club?
A members' club in California built around its own circuit, with villas on site. Owning a villa or lot also requires membership.
Can I hire a whole circuit for a day?
Yes. Most Grand Prix circuits in Europe hire out to groups. Stratos does this for up to 15 drivers, with cars and coaching included.
Do I need my own car?
At most own-track clubs, yes. At Stratos, no: you choose a Porsche, Ferrari or Lamborghini and it is waiting at the circuit, prepared and fuelled.
Can guests come to a private circuit?
Most clubs allow guests under their own rules. At Stratos a non-driving guest can join you: three nights sharing your room, meals, circuit hospitality, hot laps with a professional coach, pit lane access, transfers, photo and film. Driving is not included.
Are there members' circuit clubs in Europe?
A few. Ascari in Spain is a members' circuit, and Bilster Berg in Germany was built on a shareholder model. Most famous European circuits are public venues. Stratos gives members private use of Grand Prix circuits, one event at a time.
Is Stratos a membership club?
Stratos is by invitation, and you join one event at a time. How to request an invitation