THE HISTORY OF THE BRIDGE

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Born in 1957, the Bridgehampton Road Races Circuit was the vision of Grumman engineers, carved across 500 acres of rolling dunes and sandy hills overlooking Peconic Bay. What began as a bold solution to New York State’s ban on public road racing quickly became one of America’s most iconic circuits. Drivers who conquered its winding turns recall it as a track of rare character, fast, unforgiving, and demanding of absolute skill. Legends of the era etched their names into its lore: Mario Andretti sparred with Paul Newman, Bruce McLaren and Denis Hulme thundered through “Echo Valley,” and NASCAR greats like Richard Petty raced their way into the winner’s circle. 

For more than two decades, Bridgehampton captured the imagination of motorsport fans. Yet, by the early 1970s, the track was under siege as declining attendance, encroaching development, and shifting cultural tides threatened its future. The final professional race, a rain-soaked Trans-Am in 1970, marked the end of its golden age, though amateur races carried on as enthusiasts fought to preserve its legacy. 

As the future of the track grew uncertain, hope emerged from within the community. In 1981, summer resident, collector, and racing devotee Bob Rubin stepped in, investing heavily to maintain the track and keep its spirit alive. By 1992, Rubin had acquired the entirety of the Bridgehampton Road Races Corporation, ultimately transforming the circuit into the striking golf club known today as The Bridge. 

Though racing no longer roars across the dunes, the soul of the track endures. The Millstone Turn remains as a living monument. The Chevron Bridge has been lovingly restored to its original red and blue livery. Inside the clubhouse, motorsport history is woven into the design, transforming the interiors into a curated museum of speed and style. Even the fairways pay homage, with each of the 18 holes marked by a checkered flag, a subtle nod to the site’s extraordinary past. 

What was once a proving ground for the world’s bravest drivers now stands as a stage for artistry, design, and rare automobiles. The Bridge continues to honor its heritage, an enduring reminder that while the track may have evolved, its spirit remains timeless.