Bridgehampton Auto Racing: From the Streets to The Bridge. Part 2
Oct 24, 2022
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Explore the heyday of The Bridge with Can-Am races and Nascar events in the late 1950s, despite economic challenges and rezoning issues. Discover the unlikely alliance between The Bridge and environmental groups, championed by Newsday and Robert Rubin. Uncover the heartbreaking conclusion of The Bridge's story.
Racing events at The Bridge showcased world-class auto racers in the late 1950s.
Economic challenges and rezoning led to the downfall of The Bridge despite preservation efforts.
Deep dives
History and Evolution of Bridge Hampton Racing
The podcast delves into the history and preservation of Bridge Hampton, focusing on the significance of the sports car races in the late 1950s. It highlights notable events like the National Championships and NASCAR's presence in 1958, emphasizing the unique confluence of people and elements that made these races exceptional. The discussion extends to the influence of farm families, fishermen, and the art community, including abstract expressionists, indicating the diverse cultural backdrop of the area.
Challenges Faced by Bridge Hampton Raceway
The episode explores the financial struggles and logistical issues encountered by the Bridge Hampton Raceway in its later years, including difficulties with loan repayments and spectator management. It discusses how noise complaints and zoning revisions affected the track's operations, leading to a shift in the town's economic focus towards land development. The narrative contrasts the decline of the raceway with the rise of residential projects and the impact on the local environment.
Transformation of Bridge Hampton into a Golf Course
The podcast concludes with the transition of the raceway into a golf course under new ownership, symbolizing the end of an era in racing history. It touches upon the efforts to preserve parts of the track and artworks related to motor sports, highlighting the evolving cultural significance of the site. The discussion reflects on the environmental concerns raised by community groups, showcasing the ongoing debate between historical preservation and modern development in the region.
Esperanza and Irwin pick up in the late 1950's heyday of The Bridge. Can-Am races, The Vanderbilt Cup, Nascar races all were happening in this era, with the world's greatest auto racers. But unfortunately, economic challenges, Southampton Town rezoning, development pressures and changing demographics created problems for The Bridge. An unlikely alliance between The Bridge and environmental groups, particularly The Group for the South Fork (now East End) occurred. The Bridge was championed by Newsday, and found a guardian angel in Robert Rubin. But none of that was enough to save The Bridge. We're excited to bring this compelling story to what is for us, a heartbreaking conclusion.
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