Bridgehampton Auto Racing: From the Streets to The Bridge. Part 1
Oct 10, 2022
auto_awesome
From street racing to a prestigious racetrack, the podcast delves into Bridgehampton's evolution as a mecca for auto racing. Discover the Italian immigrant racer who transformed the racetrack design and the fundraising efforts at Henri Austin Clark's museum. Explore the rich history and impact of Bridgehampton's racing legacy, featuring challenging corners and renowned racers.
Bridgehampton had street auto racing from 1915-1921 and 1949-1953 before transitioning to a purpose-built racetrack.
Layout of The Bridge racetrack was inspired by European circuits, attracting global attention and hosting renowned drivers.
Deep dives
History and Racing on the Streets of Bridgehampton
In the early 20th century, racing occurred on the streets of Bridgehampton, with a three-mile circuit that encompassed various roads. This street racing era transitioned into road racing from 1949 to 1953, showcasing faster and somewhat safer cars. However, tragedy struck when a driver was killed during a practice run, leading to the end of road racing after spectators were injured. New York state later prohibited racing on public streets due to safety concerns.
Formation of Bridgehampton Road Races Corporation
In response to the ban on road racing, local enthusiasts formed the Bridgehampton Road Races Corporation in 1953 to finance the construction of a permanent racetrack. They acquired 550 acres of land in Bridgehampton, investing in creating a world-class racetrack. The track design was meticulously planned, incorporating challenging corners, elevations, and breathtaking views that rivaled renowned European race courses.
Inaugural Races at Bridgehampton Racetrack
The inaugural races at the Bridgehampton racetrack took place on September 28th and 29th, 1957, attracting a significant crowd of 30,000 attendees. Celebrities like Rocky Graziano and other prominent figures marked the event, emphasizing the track's significance as a top racing facility globally. The event signified a shift from street racing to a more controlled and sanctioned form of auto racing that drew widespread attention and recognition.
Esperanza and Irwin discuss Bridgehampton's prominence as a mecca for auto racing in the early to mid 20th century. Hard as it is to fathom, auto racing took place on the streets of Bridgehampton from 1915-1921 and again from 1949 to 1953. After the NYS legislature banned racing in the streets, a group purchased almost 600 acres to the north, off Millstone Road. There, a challenging, European inspired racetrack aptly named The Bridge became one of the most important venues in the sport. We are enamored by this incredible story, and excited to share it with you.
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