A Home For The Drive: Rally Point East Opens Members Club In Westhampton

Rally Point East, the newest members-based club in the Hamptons, is centered around the automotive experience. The energy of the club is to speak directly to those who call themselves passionate car enthusiasts. From F1 fans, classic and vintage restorers to those who strive to pack their garage full of the latest and greatest hypercars.

The idea came to founders Chris and Kelly DiJorio about a year ago after searching for something similar to enjoy. Providing a destination to drive is one thing, but paring it with a stunning space to both work and play, climate-controlled car storage, and exceptional roster of seasonal programming, Rally Point East has taken a bespoke approach to re-envisioning your typical motoring club.

The first facility of its kind is located within the private Gabreski Airport — chosen for its accessible location to points across long Island. Greeted by a tastefully designed lobby, you enter to a vast, utilitarian warehouse facility all designed with a sense of warmth and purpose in design.

The space is finished with polished concrete floors and white walls that present an almost gallery-like stage splashed with unique automotive memorabilia and curated works throughout.

In partnership with brands like Gallery Momentum, Paul Oz, After the Race, House of Spoils and Maranello Design you will see hand selected pieces from their collections along with curated reading materials from Retromotive artfully gracing the sleek surfaces.

Speaking of surfaces, Lichen, the Brooklyn-based design firm designed and outfitted the space with historically significant pieces representative of automotive club culture. Master and Dynamic fully outfitted the club’s audio system and the team has also curated a signature scented candle by Hamptons Handpoured and a hand-selected Club Roast coffee from Hampton Coffee. The coffee can be enjoyed at the coffee bar, along with a highly tailored selection of other beverages. All non-alcoholic, of course, as this club does involve driving both physically, and even virtually on one of their two racing simulators.

The first group of founding members were invited to join for the launch event rally which took place at the end of March to signify the kickoff. On April 3, Rally Point East teamed up with Manhattan Motorcars to hold its first charitable rally. Along with partners like Abushi, Berkshire Hathaway International Realty, The Baker House 1650, Diane Hendricks Catering and The MJS Groupe, the event aimed at helping raise funding for St. Mary’s Hospital for Children.

With registrants entering both their vehicles’ and a donation into the roster, all participants gathered at the Manhattan Motorcars Porsche Dealership in New York and were greeted by Robert Marchhart, Director of Marketing for the dealership group, along with Rosco Abushi, owner of Abushi Automotive, and Robert Heicklen, advocate for St. Mary’s. Following the welcome breakfast, attendees started their engines and began the 86 mile drive out east.

Over 50 cars participated in the day’s rally event which included a few notable novelties like a 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder, Lamborghini Huracan Performante & Aventador SV, Ferrari Testarossa, Custom Restored Ford Bronco, 2019 GT3 RS, Lamborghini Gallardo signed by Valentino Balboni, and Roll-Royce Wraith along with several other Ferraris, Porsches, and Aston Martins.

A member’s pre-rally also happened in tandem which started from the Rally Point East location and included a local route. Both groups convened back at the same time, and members and guests were invited to view the 65 cars that were on display both inside and out as well as enjoy a brunch selection crafted by Chef Diane Hendricks. Just under 10k was raised for the charity, which will be part of an ongoing mission.

Rally Point East will offer experiences for members such as new car launches, fashion week events, art installations, and brand activations. Some of these events will include an exclusive Ferrari F8 Tributo and Ferrari Roma test drive event by Ferrari Long Island, Brunch & F1 Screening and the much-anticipated reveal and drive event of the Bugatti Chiron Sport and Chiron Pur Sport.

For more info, visit www.rallypointeast.com.