Bridgehampton Race Circuit aftermath

**lowmileage** · #1 (**permalink**) 04-09-2007, 11:59 AM

Received this e-mail today. Still a very sad course of events from what it was

September 30, 2007 will mark the 50th Anniversary

of opening day at the Bridgehampton Race Circuit.

To help commemorate this occasion, Bob Rubin is installing a permanent three-screen video artwork in the new golf clubhouse on the track property that will evoke the evolution of “The Bridge” as a human endeavor worthy of world renown.

The golf course retains much of the original race track and its accoutrements like flag stands and the distinctive vehicle bridge. The dramatic hilltop clubhouse seems destined to become a memorial to The Bridge that we’ve all hoped for since the demise of Austie Clark’s museum.

Film artist Shimon Attee has been commissioned to create images of everyone who made it happen - from drivers to crew, flaggers and officials, ticket takers and fans alike. Not a run of the mill filmmaker, Shimon likes to work with a moving montage as background and his subjects as still-life statues, in costume with interpretative props (anything Bridgehampton).

This will be a series of quick tableaux of people who were connected with the track in any way, including the kids who roller-skated around the circuit after the races. Filming will be done throughout May on an indoor stage constructed at the golf course. Participation will require about half a day of your time.

Bob is also searching for old film or video of Bridgehampton racing, pit and paddock activities or garage preparation which will be restored and edited for a continuous loop video of racing activity on a large screen TV as lounge entertainment.

Please contact me if you’re interested in participating in the filming or if you have any crispy old film or tape you’d like restored and put in DVD format.

Guy Frost 516-621-2745 guylfrost@optonline.net

pbraun · #2 (**permalink**) 11-17-2007, 12:52 PM

I just drove the track, what remains, from Millstone to corner 13, last week when I was out to see some of my family, and found this thread. Thanks for the nice pictures. Do you have any more.

Thanks for the memories, too. Odd, I parked on the track on the way out, and walked around a bit, to the corner stations. Found a little car model on the track. Was a Can-Am car, with pull-back action, lights and sounds. Still working. Brought a tear to my eye as I carefully put it under the cover of the workers' station.

cstlhn · #3 (**permalink**) 11-18-2007, 10:18 AM

Bob wanted very badly for the track to remain as a track. The town fought him every step of the way. They had a crazy noise ordinance. Now they (the town) wishes it were left a track since they don't like the added traffic and municipal problems that came along with developing the land.
The old Irish proverb about the Devil you know.

I have attached a photo of a prewar Alfa at a very early vintage race held at Bridgehampton in the 1960s.

**papajam** · #4 (**permalink**) 11-18-2007, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbraun

Brought a tear to my eye as I carefully put it under the cover of the workers' station.

**lowmileage** · #5 (**permalink**) 11-19-2007, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cstlhn

Bob wanted very badly for the track to remain as a track. The town fought him every step of the way. They had a crazy noise ordinance. Now they (the town) wishes it were left a track since they don't like the added traffic and municipal problems that came along with developing the land.

**Bill Shields** · #6 (**permalink**) 11-19-2007, 07:04 PM

Great photos, keep them coming!

Especially like the one of whats-his-name...used to race Datsuns back then.

Bill

cstlhn · #7 (**permalink**) 11-19-2007, 08:33 PM

Please credit the David Castelhano collection

wolfchen75 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-20-2007, 06:32 AM

I take issue with the statement that BR wanted to keep it race track, the very sad story of the Bridge from enthusiast owned track to private golf course has not been told and while there were issues with noise and management ( as all tracks face today) greed is the primary reason that there are golfer's at the bridge today

**lowmileage** · #9 (**permalink**) 11-20-2007, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Shields

Great photos, keep them coming!

Especially like the one of whats-his-name...used to race Datsuns back then.

Bill

**lowmileage** · #10 (**permalink**) 11-20-2007, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfchen75

I take issue with the statement that BR wanted to keep it race track, the very sad story of the Bridge from enthusiast owned track to private golf course has not been told and while there were issues with noise and management ( as all tracks face today) greed is the primary reason that there are golfer's at the bridge today

**lowmileage** · #11 (**permalink**) 11-20-2007, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cstlhn

Please credit the David Castelhano collection

cstlhn · #12 (**permalink**) 11-20-2007, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfchen75

I take issue with the statement that BR wanted to keep it race track, the very sad story of the Bridge from enthusiast owned track to private golf course has not been told and while there were issues with noise and management ( as all tracks face today) greed is the primary reason that there are golfer's at the bridge today