The Prospect Motorsports Group (PMG) team made the trip from Wisconsin to Joliet, Illinois, to attend Oktoberfast at Autobahn Country Club—a weekend that perfectly captured the blend of performance, people, and purpose that define grassroots motorsport. The day was more than a showcase of speed; it was a reminder of why PMG exists: to connect with the communities, innovators, and individuals who make racing more than just a sport—it’s a shared experience.
The Road to Autobahn
Before the sun had fully risen over Lodi, Wisconsin, PMG Founder Nick Stuhr and driver Tycen Stuhr were already on the road, heading toward Madison to pick up Jonathon Jordan, Owner of Stone Pillars Wealth Management and investor in ARSYNL Rx, one of PMG’s core sponsors. Their destination: Autobahn Country Club, a motorsport oasis renowned for its blend of world-class performance and down-to-earth hospitality. By 9:30 a.m., they rolled up to the entrance gate, where they were greeted by friendly staff and Gary Longo, a founding member of Autobahn and longtime friend of PMG.
The professionalism of the security and registration process hinted at what makes Autobahn special. Everything ran smoothly, and the team was quickly welcomed inside. The moment they crossed through the gate, the familiar sound of engines echoed across the property. The GT class practice session was already underway, the rhythmic growl of high-performance machines reverberating off the track barriers. Excitement built instantly—the day had officially begun.
A Living Motorsport Community
After parking at Gary’s newly acquired duplex overlooking turn eight of the south track, the group piled into his four-seat golf cart—a practical and fitting way to explore a motorsport campus spanning over 300 acres. As they approached the clubhouse, the sounds of engines gave way to the hum of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the energy of hundreds of enthusiasts coming together.
Autobahn was alive. Every corner of the property seemed to pulse with activity: car owners chatting beside their track-prepped machines, guests snapping photos of exotic supercars, and staff moving efficiently to keep the event seamless. Inside the clubhouse, lunch service was underway—a buffet that was both elegant and approachable, served by a team whose warmth and professionalism reflected the club’s culture.
Out on the deck, overlooking the intersecting track layouts, Autobahn’s founder Mark Basso mingled casually with guests. His easy smile and approachable nature made it clear that Autobahn was more than a racetrack—it was a home for people who share a passion for performance and camaraderie. Members greeted him not as a distant executive but as a friend, proof that the club’s leadership leads by connection rather than hierarchy.
The Spirit of Oktoberfast
As engines roared in the background, Ben Hasbrouck, Sales Executive at Autobahn and affectionately known as “The Mayor,” stopped by to check in. Ben’s enthusiasm was infectious. Known for being everywhere at once—whether assisting members, coaching drivers, or just adding a dose of good humor—he embodies the spirit of Autobahn’s inclusivity. On this day, his signature hospitality took the form of an unforgettable offer: he arranged for Jonathon and Tycen to ride along in the pace car for the GT feature race.
That afternoon, anticipation built as spectators gathered near pit lane. The National Anthem played, followed by a helicopter flyover courtesy of the local sheriff’s department and a full color guard presentation. As the pace car rolled onto the track, the moment was electric. Jonathon and Tycen climbed in, ready for two adrenaline-filled laps before the GT field was unleashed. Watching from the viewing deck, Nick and Gary saw the Lexus pace car sweep past, the grandstands cheering as the engines crescendoed toward the green flag. Multiple live-feed monitors around the deck displayed the action from different corners of the track, giving everyone a panoramic view of the unfolding race.
In that moment, PMG wasn’t just attending an event—they were living the essence of motorsport: participation, inclusion, and connection. The experience underscored why PMG invests so deeply in storytelling—it’s not about the horsepower, but the human power behind it.
Touring the Inner Workings
After the GT race, Gary led the team on a guided tour of the expansive Autobahn property. As the golf cart zipped between track sections, garages, and viewing areas, Gary shared stories from the club’s early days. His knowledge of the club’s history and fellow members was encyclopedic. He discussed how Autobahn was the first establishment of its type in the United States and, since its inception in 2004, has developed into one of the best motorsport
communities globally.
Gary possesses a captivating personality that truly represents the essence of a motorsport enthusiast. As one of the fifty founding members, Gary will remain a crucial element in contributing to the development of Autobahn Country Club and its community.
Their next stop was HAVOC Motorsport, one of several professional race shops located inside Autobahn’s industrial park. Gary was eager to introduce the group to John Harkenrider, HAVOC’s General Manager. Walking into the garage was like stepping into the beating heart of competition. Formula Mazda and RushSR cars sat poised under the fluorescent lights,
mechanics buzzing between toolboxes and laptops, fine-tuning every detail.
Despite managing a busy team preparing multiple customer cars, Harkenrider paused to greet the group and share insights into HAVOC’s operations. His professionalism and generosity with his time stood out immediately. The shop’s atmosphere reflected what makes motorsport unique—it’s not just about machinery, it’s about people working in harmony toward
perfection. As Nick later reflected, motorsport is rarely about figuring out how to build a faster car; it’s about finding the right who. Winning teams aren’t defined by one individual—they’re built
on collective excellence, just like HAVOC.
The Lighter Side of Competition
As the afternoon turned to evening, the group returned to the clubhouse just as the open-wheel feature race—aptly named “Wings and Things”—was about to start. The sleek silhouettes of formula-style cars sliced through the late-day light, each lap a dance of precision and aerodynamic artistry. The sound was intoxicating, the competition fierce yet respectful. When the checkered flag waved, Gary suggested one more stop before dinner: the Kart Circuit Autobahn track. The idea needed no persuasion. The group traded the observation deck for helmets and race suits, eager to get behind the wheel themselves. For Jonathon Jordan, it was a return to the thrill of driving after decades away from karting. The track staff ensured everyone
was set up and safe, and soon, laughter and friendly rivalry filled the air. The karts may have been smaller, but the joy was massive.
Dinner that evening carried the same tone—stories, laughter, and reflection. Conversations drifted from cars to family to business, the way they often do when genuine connections are formed. What stood out wasn’t the exclusivity of the venue, but its inclusivity. Autobahn felt less like a private club and more like a community—a place where anyone with passion and respect for the sport was welcomed with open arms.
Why It Matters
As the PMG team packed up to leave, headlights cutting through the cool October night, the day’s experiences played back like scenes in a film. The roar of GT cars. The wave of camaraderie in the clubhouse. The hum of teamwork inside HAVOC Motorsport. The laughter on the karting track. Each moment reaffirmed something PMG already knew: the true value of
motorsport lies in its people.
PMG’s mission has always been about more than racing. It’s about connection—linking businesses, communities, and individuals through shared experiences. Oktoberfast was a living example of that philosophy in action. The team left Autobahn not only with new relationships but with a renewed sense of purpose: to continue telling the stories that celebrate the human side of
performance.
Founder Mark Basso’s vision for Autobahn—creating a space where enthusiasts, professionals, and families can all feel at home—was evident in every detail. That vision is amplified by the efforts of people like Ben Hasbrouck, whose enthusiasm binds the community; Gary Longo, whose generosity opens doors for others; and John Harkenrider, whose leadership reflects the spirit of teamwork that fuels every great racing program.
As PMG looks ahead to upcoming events—including the HOOAH WI Charity Event in Green Bay this November—the sense of purpose continues to build. Arron Glysch, Founder of ARSYNL Rx, shared his excitement for the collaboration, saying, “We’re proud to stand beside HOOAH WI and Prospect Motorsports to support veterans and bring awareness to mental health. ARSYNL RX was built on the idea that healing starts with community—and partnerships like this remind us what it means to show up for one another.”
Autobahn Country Club has achieved what many private racing venues aspire to be: not just a facility, but a family. For PMG, Oktoberfast wasn’t just another motorsport event—it was a reminder of what can happen when passion, purpose, and people come together on common ground.
About Prospect Motorsports Group
Prospect Motorsports Group (PMG) is a Wisconsin-based organization dedicated to connecting businesses and communities through motorsport storytelling. By combining on-track performance with off-track content, PMG helps partners activate their brand stories across media, events, and business networks. With a long-term vision that extends from grassroots racing to international endurance competition, PMG continues to build connections that drive opportunity and inspire excellence both on and off the track.