Maserati Matched with Pete Sampras and Talon Air
Best on the road, on the tennis court, and in the air

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On July 26th, some of the New York area’s most discerning individuals came together at Republic Airport in Farmingdale, Long Island, to experience excellence at a special event.  Pete Sampras and Jim Courier headlined the day, but Maserati was the highlight for many as Runway 5 was transformed into a temporary circuit where enthusiasts were treated to full-on demonstrations of the 2007 Maserati Quattroporte, and the opportunity to drive the cars hard on the temporary road course.  Every variant of the superb Quattroporte – DuoSelect and Automatic versions of the three models – was on hand to delight guests invited to enjoy “Match of Modern Masters” hosted by Talon Air, the leader in on-demand luxury air charter services.

For many of these enthusiasts, the on-track experience was the day’s highlight.  Given that the other activities included a chance to see Talon’s superb facilities and luxury aircraft, enjoy gourmet food, and to witness an indoor tennis match between Pete Sampras – cited by many as the greatest tennis player ever - and Jim Courier, the Maseratis were in great company with other modern masters.

Entering Talon Air’s taxiway at Long Island’s Executive Airport, guests were welcomed by representatives of Maserati North America and shown over the Trident’s three most recent road cars.  A number of Quattroportes were available for static inspection and demonstration by Maserati product specialists.  The dramatic MC12 that has taken European road racing by storm stood with executive airplanes whose aerodynamic forms seemed to mimic the super car’s.  The enticing new GranTurismo attracted enormous interest and a number of orders.  One popular lot at the event’s silent auction for the benefit of the Cradle of Aviation Museum was a cast aluminum model of the sizzling new coupe, also available through Maserati’s showroom at 410 Park Avenue in New York.

MC12

Taken to the temporary track on luxury coaches, guests were met by professional drivers including 24 Hours of Daytona Champion Anthony Lazzaro and a special Master Maserati instruction team.  As the air buzzed with helicopters and personal jets, the ground thundered to the rhythm of twelve Quattroportes demonstrating their exceptional acceleration, unparalleled braking , and handling rivaled by few super cars, while keeping their occupants cosseted in Italian style on a sweltering summer’s day.  After hot laps with instructors at the wheel, guests were given the opportunity to try it themselves, reveling in the unique blend of performance and luxury that sets the Quattroporte apart.  With Automatic and DuoSelect versions of each model on hand, attendees had the rare opportunity to sample every variant of Quattroporte. The many who wanted more had only to leave their names with Maserati or speak with representatives of Maserati of Long Island, Miller Motor Cars, Maserati of Central New Jersey and Wide World of Cars who were on hand.

While nothing could top the raw excitement of refined high performance out on the track, upon their return to the hangar guests enjoyed a feast of genuine Long Island summer barbecue prepared under the expert eye of executive chef David Burke, and the opportunity to further examine the cars and Talon’s airplanes. Many enjoyed a chat with executives of Maserati North America, including President and CEO Jim Selwa, prior to watching a hard-fought but good-humored tennis match between Courier and Sampras.  Guests also enjoyed the superb offerings of The Wall Street Journal, Automobile Magazine and Peroni Beer, each the leader in their respective fields.  Some fortunate guests and one winning bidder in the charity auction enjoyed the services of Heliflite Helicopters, which also supported the event.