America's private track clubs sell access to one circuit, for a six-figure joining fee and yearly dues. In Europe there is another way to get a private circuit: one event at a time, with no car to own.
In short: The Thermal Club asks a $400,000 initiation fee on top of buying a villa. Monticello Motor Club's Gold membership is $125,000 to join and $18,500 a year. Both expect you to bring your own cars. Stratos has no joining fee and no dues: you pay per event, from €32,500, and the supercar, the Grand Prix circuit, the coaching and the hotel are included.
Key facts
- The Thermal Club: a $400,000 initiation fee for a standard family membership, on top of the cost of a villa.
- Monticello Motor Club: $92,500 (Silver), $125,000 (Gold) or $175,000 (Family) to join, with annual dues of $8,600 to $27,000.
- US track clubs expect members to bring their own cars.
- Stratos has no joining fee and no annual dues. Each experience is booked separately.
- Stratos supplies the car: a Porsche, Ferrari or Lamborghini, with private coaching, on Grand Prix circuits in Europe.
- Stratos totals run from €32,500 to €60,000 per event, VAT included.
What the US clubs cost
| Club | To join | Each year | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Thermal Club, California | $400,000 initiation, plus the cost of a villa | Dues on top | Its own circuits, clubhouse and villas on site |
| Monticello Motor Club, New York: Silver | $92,500 | $8,600 | 15 days a season |
| Monticello: Gold | $125,000 | $18,500 | Unlimited days |
| Monticello: Junior (35 and under) | $45,000 | $5,000 | 8 days a season |
| Monticello: Family | $175,000 | $27,000 | Up to five family members |
On top of this come your own track car, its storage, upkeep, tires and insurance.
What you are buying
A club gives you one circuit, close to home, as often as you like. It suits people who own track cars, live within a drive of the club, and want a place to spend most weekends. Many clubs also sell property and family amenities.
The European alternative
Stratos works differently.
| US track club | Stratos | |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit | One, owned by the club | Grand Prix circuits across Europe: Red Bull Ring, Hungaroring, Portimão and more |
| Commitment | Initiation fee and yearly dues | One event at a time |
| Car | Your own | Supplied: Porsche, Ferrari or Lamborghini |
| On track with you | Other members | 15 drivers max, circuit privately hired |
| Coaching | Often an extra | Private coaching with professional race drivers, included |
| Stay | Your own home or villa | 3 nights luxury accommodation, meals and group dinners included |
| Who it is for | Members and their families | Founders and leaders, by invitation |
| Published price | From $45,000 to $400,000 to join | From €32,500 per event, VAT included |
The math over five years
A Monticello Gold member pays $125,000 to join and $92,500 in dues over five years: $217,500 before buying or running a single car. At current prices, five Stratos events, one a year, would total €162,500 to €300,000 depending on the car, before future price changes, with nothing to own, store or insure.
A club wins if you drive twenty or more days a year. Stratos wins if you drive a few times a year and want each one to be a complete trip.
When a US club is the better choice
You live nearby. You own track cars and want to use them most weekends. You want a place for your family.
When Stratos is the better choice
You do not want to own or maintain a track car. You want to drive Europe's Grand Prix circuits, not one track. You want everything handled, and a curated group of peers at dinner.
Private race track clubs in the US and Europe · See upcoming events
FAQ
How much does The Thermal Club cost?
A standard family membership carries a $400,000 initiation fee, on top of the cost of a villa, with dues after that.
How much does Monticello Motor Club cost?
From $45,000 to join for the Junior tier up to $175,000 for a Family membership, with annual dues of $5,000 to $27,000.
Is there a Thermal Club alternative in Europe?
Yes. Stratos privately hires Grand Prix circuits in Europe for 15 drivers at a time, with the car, coaching and hotel included, and no membership fee.
Do I need to own a car to join a private track club?
At most US clubs, yes. At Stratos, no.
Is Stratos a membership club?
It is invitation-only, with no joining fee or dues. Each experience is booked separately.
What is Monticello Motor Club?
A private members' track club in New York State with its own circuit. Membership costs $45,000 to $175,000 to join, plus annual dues.
Are there private track clubs in Europe?
A few own their circuit. Stratos takes a different route: it privately hires Grand Prix circuits, one event at a time.
How does the cost of Stratos compare with a US track club?
A club costs $45,000 to $400,000 to join plus dues and your own cars. Stratos costs €32,500 to €60,000 per event, all included, with nothing to own.
Can Americans join Stratos?
Yes. Stratos is invitation-only and open to requests from the US. You need a driver's license and an International Driving Permit.
About Stratos
Stratos runs exclusive driving experiences at Europe's greatest Grand Prix circuits, for founders and leaders. Each event privately hires the entire circuit for 15 drivers max, with a supercar fleet, private coaching with professional race drivers, 3 nights of luxury accommodation and 2 full track days. Stratos is invitation-only.