The Bridgehampton Historical Society is honoring the Village’s rich racing heritage with the annual Vintage Automobile Poker Rally on the grounds of The William Corwith House on Saturday, October 5.
The Hamptons area is full of racing history. Starting in 1915, Firemen sponsored street races as part of their summer carnival. Homemade and modified cars driven by Hamptons locals like Moosie Thompson, John Ambrose, Norris Hopping, and Court Rodgers, challenged visiting drivers. During the races, they reached up to 50 mph while driving laps over a circular course which went east on Main Street, south on Halsey Lane, east on Paul’s Lane, and then back up Ocean Avenue to the monument.
The Rally is accepting cars built in 1959 and earlier, with later years by approval. The entry fee is $75. This year’s route is approximately 65 miles long and will be introduced with a customary parade around the 1949 4-mile race loop.
Other activities include a judged show in the morning, a traditional display of the Bridgehampton Race Circuit cars from the Bridgehampton Racing Heritage Group, memorabilia from the old Bridgehampton Track and stops at secret Hamptons sites as part of a trivia contest during the tour.
The William Corwith House is located at 2368 Montauk Highway. For more information call 631-537-1088 or visit www.bridgehamptonrally.org.