Bridgehampton - The Bridgehampton Historical Society's annual Vintage Automobile Poker Rally is scheduled for Saturday, October 1, 2011 in celebration of Bridgehampton's rich racing heritage. As many 'autophiles' know, the Bridgehampton area is steeped in racing history. Beginning in 1915, the Firemen sponsored street races as part of their summer carnival. Those races ran laps over a circular course that went east on Main Street, south on Halsey Lane, east on Paul's Lane, and back up Ocean Avenue to the monument. Homemade and modified cars piloted by local note-worthies like John Ambrose, Moosie Thompson, Court Rodgers and Norris Hopping put pressure on visiting racers as they reached speeds of up to 50 mph.

This year cars built in 1959 and earlier - and later years by approval - are welcome to participate with an entry fee of $75. Bring your convertible Bentley or your 1971 convertible Mercedes and enjoy a day filled with racing and exhibit activities. This year's route is roughly 70 miles long and will be preceded with a traditional parade around the 1949 four-mile race loop. There will be a judged show in the morning, and in addition to the poker element, the tour will include stops at a number of historic Hamptons sites as part of a trivia element. Many opportunities exist to win prizes. And of course the BHHS Engine Barn will house an expected display of the Bridgehampton Race Circuit for those who treasure memories of the old Bridgehampton Track. Sponsored in part by The Sag Harbor Express and the East Hampton UPS Store, this year's participants are guaranteed to be thoroughly entertained.

For more details and information, contact the Bridgehampton Historical Society at 631-537-1088 or bhhs@optonline.net.