Bridgehampton Race Circuit
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Bridgehampton Race Circuit, nicknamed "The Bridge," was a 2.85 mile road course comprised of left- and right-hand turns located near Sag Harbor on Long Island in New York State. This internationally-celebrated racing circuit saw its first race in 1915, but the modern sports car circuit was revived in 1949. The post World War II Bridgehampton races drew in 40,000 spectators for the dangerous racing on narrow country roads. The last race at Bridgehampton was in 1997. Today the Bridgehampton is home to a luxury gold course, however, key portions of the track have been preserved.
Images
Bridgehampton Track Layout
Bridgehampton Racing Curcuit
Racers at The Bridge
Racers at The Bridge
Canadian-American Challenge Cup
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
The Bridgehampton Race Circuit featured 13 turns throughout the course and a 180-degee view of Long Island's North Fork, Shelter Island, Sag Harbor and the sailboats on Peconic Bay.1 The course also had four elevation changes, eight distinct corners, and a straightway nearly 3/4 of a mile long into a downhill curve known as Millstone Turn.2 This course has proved to be exhilarating and dangerous for drivers and spectators alike. Referred to as the "most challenging course in America" by Stirling Moss, a British former Formula One racing driver, this course is difficult even for experienced drivers.3 The course did not have the safety features as seen with today's modern racing. The only obstacle keeping drivers going up to 170 miles per hour on the track were tire barriers located at a few strategic points.4 Approximately 20 drivers lost their lives at The Bridge.5
As motor racing began to develop, Bridgehampton was host to several up and coming racing series including the World Sportscar Championship, Can-Am, and Nascar Grand National. The first Nascar Grand National race at The Bridge took place on August 2, 1958.6 Drivers competed for 35 laps at a total of 99.75 miles.7 Jack Smith won the race and $800 in a 1957 Chevrolet.8 However, the most successful races were those sponsored by Canadian-American Challenge Cup.9 This international professional series came to The Bridge from 1966 until 1968.10 The winner of the race received $40,000.11
Although the circuit started off strong, it had trouble keeping up with modern racing. The Bridgehampton could not accommodate the large crowds or the loud cars. Due to noise restraints, not meeting safety requirements or capacity needs, The Bridge was dropped from racing itineraries.12 The Bridgehampton Race Circuit struggled to bring in larger events and relied heavily on races and gatherings sponsored by national and regional sports car clubs.13 Unfortunately, the expense grew to be too much and the course was sold in order to create a golf course despite the wishes of protesting groups such as Friends of Bridgehampton.14 This group was later renamed the Bridgehampton Racing Heritage Group (BRHG).15 BRHG continues to keep the memory of The Bridge alive by working with local historians and hosting the Bridgehampton Road Rallye each year.16 Today, spectators can return to the sight to awe at the history of The Bridge and see what is left of the preserved track.
As motor racing began to develop, Bridgehampton was host to several up and coming racing series including the World Sportscar Championship, Can-Am, and Nascar Grand National. The first Nascar Grand National race at The Bridge took place on August 2, 1958.6 Drivers competed for 35 laps at a total of 99.75 miles.7 Jack Smith won the race and $800 in a 1957 Chevrolet.8 However, the most successful races were those sponsored by Canadian-American Challenge Cup.9 This international professional series came to The Bridge from 1966 until 1968.10 The winner of the race received $40,000.11
Although the circuit started off strong, it had trouble keeping up with modern racing. The Bridgehampton could not accommodate the large crowds or the loud cars. Due to noise restraints, not meeting safety requirements or capacity needs, The Bridge was dropped from racing itineraries.12 The Bridgehampton Race Circuit struggled to bring in larger events and relied heavily on races and gatherings sponsored by national and regional sports car clubs.13 Unfortunately, the expense grew to be too much and the course was sold in order to create a golf course despite the wishes of protesting groups such as Friends of Bridgehampton.14 This group was later renamed the Bridgehampton Racing Heritage Group (BRHG).15 BRHG continues to keep the memory of The Bridge alive by working with local historians and hosting the Bridgehampton Road Rallye each year.16 Today, spectators can return to the sight to awe at the history of The Bridge and see what is left of the preserved track.
Sources
1- Bridgehampton Memories: The Official Website of the Bridgehampton Racing Heritage Group. N.p., Aug. 2012. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. .
2- Bridgehampton Memories: The Official Website of the Bridgehampton Racing Heritage Group. N.p., Aug. 2012. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. .
3-Bridgehampton Memories: The Official Website of the Bridgehampton Racing Heritage Group. N.p., Aug. 2012. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. .
4- Miller, Elizabeth K. "Last Lap for Bridgehampton Race Circuit." New York Times 2 May 1999. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. .
5- Miller, Elizabeth K. "Last Lap for Bridgehampton Race Circuit." New York Times 2 May 1999. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. .
6-Ultimate Racing History. N.p., 27 May 2008. Web. 31 Mar. 2015. .
7-Ultimate Racing History. N.p., 27 May 2008. Web. 31 Mar. 2015. .
8-Ultimate Racing History. N.p., 27 May 2008. Web. 31 Mar. 2015. .
9- Miller, Elizabeth K. "Last Lap for Bridgehampton Race Circuit." New York Times 2 May 1999. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. .
10- Miller, Elizabeth K. "Last Lap for Bridgehampton Race Circuit." New York Times 2 May 1999. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. .
11- Miller, Elizabeth K. "Last Lap for Bridgehampton Race Circuit." New York Times 2 May 1999. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. .
12- Miller, Elizabeth K. "Last Lap for Bridgehampton Race Circuit." New York Times 2 May 1999. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. .
13- Miller, Elizabeth K. "Last Lap for Bridgehampton Race Circuit." New York Times 2 May 1999. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. .
14-Bridgehampton Memories: The Official Website of the Bridgehampton Racing Heritage Group. N.p., Aug. 2012. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. .
15-Bridgehampton Memories: The Official Website of the Bridgehampton Racing Heritage Group. N.p., Aug. 2012. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. .
16- Bridgehampton Memories: The Official Website of the Bridgehampton Racing Heritage Group. N.p., Aug. 2012. Web. 30 Mar. 2015. .