The captivating realm of Formula 1 extends beyond just racing; it embodies a lifestyle where the elite converge, with celebrities capturing moments with notable drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. The Concours Club in Miami stands out as a premier destination within this dynamic world.
At The Concours Club, members immerse themselves in experiences that many envy. Arriving by private jet at Opa-Locka Municipal Airport, members can find their supercars or vintage classics prepped for an extraordinary day on the track—a country-club-style racetrack designed with 11 corners over 2.0 miles. Culinary delights await afterward, crafted by the celebrated Bradley Kilgore.
The Concours Club Membership Privileges
The Concours Club is part of an emerging trend of exclusive racetracks across the US, Europe, and Asia, catering to a clientele that values luxury residences and high-end amenities. Opened in 2020, the club provides a sanctuary for car enthusiasts amid Miami’s notorious traffic congestion.
According to Aaron Weiss, the club’s president, half of its members are from Florida, with others arriving from various states and countries. Membership often falls into three distinct categories: collectors seeking optimal car storage and maintenance, socialites eager to connect with fellow enthusiasts and enjoy curated dinners crafted by Kilgore, and dedicated drivers pursuing professional training and competition. The Concours Cup, a competitive series featuring BMW M2 CSR race cars, draws both seasoned drivers and newcomers alike, including notable members like Helio Castroneves and Felipe Massa.
Members like Custodio Toledo illustrate the club’s capacity to transform aspirations into achievements. Having watched F1 legends including Ayrton Senna, Toledo, a Miami businessman, transitioned from novice to competitor, now racing for the Richard Mille AF Corse Ferrari team in the European Le Mans Series. With 700 laps under his belt in just six months, Toledo’s determination culminates this summer at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“Custodio went from never having been on track in his life to one of our fastest guys,” Weiss mentions with pride.
The Concours Club Review
The Concours Club Lounge hosted a vibrant trackside watch party for the Miami Grand Prix. As members don racing suits and dive into the adrenaline of F1 qualifying, they experience the excitement firsthand. After their race, members can return their vehicles for detailed care and preparation, all while awaiting their next jet departure.
Looming storms led organizers to adjust the race schedule, yet as the clouds cleared, festivities thrived. The two-story Concours Lounge, reinvented each year, featured elements such as previous years’ swimming pools for post-victory celebrations. Guests paid hefty sums to enjoy views from yachts situated in a faux marina, creating a small slice of Monaco in Florida.
With Formula 1 amassing a global audience of 800 million, its newfound popularity in the United States has been marked by races in Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas, spurred on by the Netflix series Drive to Survive and the recent blockbuster film featuring Brad Pitt. The sport’s evolution from obscurity to mainstream fascination is evident, with the Miami race now a cultural highlight to close out the high season.
Amid all the distractions, the real battle on the track unfolds as the latest generation of F1 cars zoom past the Lounge’s prime location at Turn 3, balancing power and innovation.
Delving into a hidden space within the Lounge, patrons can find an omakase speakeasy. Designed by Chef Kilgore, this intimate setting offers a unique dining experience that pairs exquisite dishes with limited-edition champagnes, underscoring the club’s distinctiveness at the Grand Prix.
What Cars You’ll Find at The Concours Club
The club hosts more than 40 trackside “Autolofts,” allowing members to showcase and store cars while enjoying social spaces above. The concept evokes the ambiance of a car museum, displaying rare and valuable vehicles that define automotive excellence.
In the paddock garage, enthusiasts find a curated selection of dream cars. Models such as the Pagani Huayra, Aston Martin Valkyrie, and various race-focused Porsches dominate this space, making it a haven for automotive design aficionados.
The Concours Club Membership Cost
Details regarding membership costs remain discreet, common among high-end clubs. Early members reportedly paid $350,000 to join, with fees increasing since then. Potential members typically secure referrals from existing members and undergo rigorous evaluations before immersing themselves in club life.
