The Catskill Chronicle

MONTICELLO, NY – Monticello Motor Club, an automotive country club a located in the Town of Thompson, recently hosted a unique event to help police officers raise money for local charities on the four-mile road racing circuit.

In the first annual “Cops For Kids” race, officers representing three Police Benevolent Associations put their driving skills on the line for the benefit of three very worthy charities and raised over $37,000.

The Cops for Kids race was conceived by Monticello Motor Club as an exciting way to recognize the hard work and dedication of local and state police officers, while allowing the PBAs to support their chosen charities.

Five officers each from the New York State Troopers PBA, Sullivan County Sherriff’s Department PBA and Monticello Police Department PBA competed on the club’s challenging road course for fastest lap. After practice sessions working with MMC’s professional racers in the morning, the officers each got three hot laps in the club’s Pontiac Solstice racecars. Each officer’s single fastest lap time was counted and averaged together with the other team members to determine the winners.

During breaks in the racing action, there was fun for all with an exotic car show, face painting, racing simulators and a barbecue.

Monticello Motor Club Chairman Bill McMichael was surprised with the speed shown by the officers. “The police officers did really well on the track. Our instructors were quite impressed with their skill and how quickly they picked up the line of the course. We also invited the kids from the charities and those in attendance were able to go for hot laps with the instructors. Ultimately, this day was about helping the kids. Our members showed their generosity by adding to the prize money from the club and we were able to donate a significant amount. Everyone had a great day and we were able to help some very worthy causes. We’re already looking forward to the next one.”

At the end of the competition, the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department took first place with their prize money benefiting Monticello Gymnastics.

The other two charities also received donations: The Monticello Police Department helped MAFCO – Monticello Area Football & Cheerleading Organization MAFCO (www.monticello-afco.org/), while the NY State Troopers donated their winnings to the Signal 30 Benefit Fund, which supports the members of the New York State Police in extraordinary circumstances such as illness, injury and loss of residences to fires or floods (www.signal30.org).

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About Monticello Motor Club:

Opened in 2008, Monticello Motor Club, the closest motorsports venue to Manhattan, is a private automotive resort for its members. With a limited number of coveted memberships still available, MMC caters to driving enthusiasts, from beginners with no track experience to professional racers. Between laps, members relax in an exceptional new clubhouse that features classrooms, dining area, bar, kitchen, members-only lounge, private locker rooms, pro-shop and attached temperature-controlled garages. To learn more, please visit www.monticellomotorclub.com, e-mail info@monticellomotorclub.com, or call 877-578-RACE (7223).