During the 1950s, the Put-in-Bay Road Races stood out in the racing world for their unique circumstances. Notably, these races, apart from the SCCA sanctioned 1963 event, lacked SCCA points and were limited to cars under 2 liters, creating an environment that attracted a diverse array of small bore cars.

One of the distinctive features of the Put-in-Bay Road Races was their accessibility to newcomers. The setup gave many individuals the opportunity to dip their toes into the world of racing, resulting in a notable presence of first-time drivers, including those who participated only once. This inclusive approach contributed to a total of 292 different race drivers, forming what became known as "The Big List" of drivers associated with the event.

The variety of cars at the Put-in-Bay races was as diverse as the drivers themselves. The lineup consisted of SCCA small bore race cars, featuring a significant number of H mod specials, alongside small bore sporty road cars and even micro cars. In total, an impressive 120 different Marque/Model of cars, including a Morris Minor Truck, took part in these races, showcasing the eclectic mix of automotive enthusiasts drawn to the event.

To document the extensive participation, we have put together a comprehensive table listing all the Driver/Cars that graced the Put-in-Bay races. This table is accompanied by a gallery of photos documenting this time period. While obvious duplicates, such as brothers who shared a car, were removed, the table still represents a significant undertaking. It's worth noting that the exact number of cars that changed owners throughout the event's history remains unknown. Nevertheless, the table accounts for a total of 424 Car/Driver combinations that left their mark on the Put-in-Bay Road Races.

RECREATING VINTAGE RACING

Reviving Racing Heritage: The Put-in-Bay Road Races

The tiny island town of Put-in-Bay holds a special place in the history of sports car racing. From 1952 to 1959, it played host to races organized by the Cleveland Sport Car Club and the Northeast Ohio Region of the Sports Car Club of America. Although there was an additional race in 1963 coordinated by the Detroit Region of SCCA / Waterford Hills Road Racing Club, it marked the abrupt end of road racing on the island following a serious crash.

Jack Woehrle, the original race director and co-founder of the Put-in-Bay Road Races, had a vision for the event rooted in a deep appreciation for vintage racing and the rich motorsports history of Put-in-Bay. The event is a tribute to the ambiance of vintage racing at Put-in-Bay, reminiscent of its beginnings in the 1980s. Additionally, it serves as a homage to the important motorsports legacy of Put-in-Bay, where small bore sports cars raced from 1952 to 1959 and in 1963 on public roads that still retain their original charm.

The event is not just about racing; it's also about having low-key, sports car-oriented fun. From two days of small-bore sports car racing at the island’s airport to parade laps of the original course, an entertaining rally around the island, storytelling sessions by original participants, a captivating car show, and various social events set in an ultra-nostalgic environment, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

"Put-in-Bay is so little changed from the 1950s that it is a perfect setting for our event," says Woehrle. Having attended the last race in 1963, he reminisces about the vintage race cars roaring past the old start-finish line on Delaware Street, a sight that resonates with many others. Each year, the event attracts an increasing number of sports car enthusiasts from all walks of life, reflecting a growing understanding and appreciation for its unique charm.

The cars that competed in these races were small sports cars with under 2,000cc of displacement and sports racers under 1,500ccs. Marques included production cars from renowned makers such as MG, Triumph, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Lotus, and others, alongside race-bred cars like Elva and Cooper, as well as various homemade varieties. Despite the challenging roads and difficult spectator control, there are no records of any major injuries resulting from these races.

Join us as we continue to revive the racing heritage of Put-in-Bay, celebrating its illustrious past and embracing the spirit of sports car racing in a nostalgic and thrilling setting.