The Legacy

The Bridgehampton Racing Heritage Group (BRHG) is honored to have the opportunity to help honor the history and tell the many stories of these races, racers, and countless people that were involved by joining the Bridgehampton Museum in celebrating this rich legacy.

Bridgehampton Racing: The Legacy is an ongoing revolving (and evolving) exhibition covering the years 1915-1997 and is undertaken in collaboration with the Bridgehampton Museum, the Bridgehampton Racing Heritage Group (BRHG), and their members, families, and friends. Together we aim to capture and distill the energy and exhilaration of racing while preserving its rich tradition and impact on Bridgehampton’s heritage and cultural landscape.

Our Roots

Racing in Bridgehampton can trace its roots back to the turn of the 19th century. Over 100 years of racing history course through the community, championed by the Bridgehampton Racing Heritage Group (BRHG). The members of the BRHG have supported automobile racing in the community, helping to establish Bridgehampton not only as one of the top national locations for the sport but also as a major contender on an international level.

The
"Mecox Flyer"

Herb Cooper in the “Mecox Flyer”, a modified Model-T Ford, with Howard Halsey, Francis McCaslin. They helped build the Mecox Flyer and went on to found Bridgehampton’s first Ford Agency.

The Course

A three-mile course, laid out mostly on dirt roads, started and finished on Bridgehampton's Main Street, heading west. It turned left, heading south on Halsey Lane at what was known as Shanahan's Corner. This, the longest straight on the course, ended with a left turn onto Paul's Lane, heading east through farm fields. At Ocean Road, the circuit turned left, heading north back to Main Street where another left turn led to the Start/Finish line.

The course began and ended in front of the Bridgehampton Museum's Historic Nathaniel Rogers House Property.

1915-1921 Bridgehamton Race Circuit

Bridgehampton Racing Group

However, as in most professional sports, the economics of racing, with bigger purses, television, and major sponsorships, were beyond Bridgehampton's capabilities. The last Trans-Am race was staged in 1970, while the Can-Am for that year was canceled as unaffordable by the BRRC, the developers and owners of the track. But Bridgehampton's role in racing didn't end with the 1970 Trans-Am. The following year, the BRRC leased the track to a group of young enthusiasts, the Bridgehampton Racing Heritage Group (BRHG), who vowed to bring it back to prominence. They would not allow the circuit and its legacy to be lost to history.

imagery of official program for 1970 Marlboro Trans-Am. Image courtesy of the BRHG website

Visit the Exhibit

To visit the "Racing at Bridgehampton" exhibit at the Bridgehampton Museum, head to the museum located in the heart of Bridgehampton. The exhibit showcases the rich history of racing in the area, featuring vintage cars, memorabilia, and multimedia displays. Plan your visit by checking the museum's website for current hours and special events. Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum entrance. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the thrilling legacy of Bridgehampton's racing heritage.