The fifth annual Put-in-Bay Road Races Reunion (PIBRRR) was held August 27-29 at historic Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Launched in 2009 by vintage racing veterans Jack Woehrle and Bob Williams, the annual event celebrates sports car races that were held on the streets of the town of Put-in-Bay on Lake Erie’s South Bass Island from 1952 to 1959 and again in 1963 by re-creating the atmosphere of sports car racing from that bygone era.
Because of the island’s isolated nature, the public roads that were used for racing half a century ago remain virtually unchanged today, and even though the racing now takes place at Put-in-Bay Airport, participants were able to tour the original circuit. Also on the schedule were historic presentations, panel discussions, a rally, a car show and various social encounters.
The event’s top honor, The Paul Henry Award, recognizing the entrant who best represents the spirit of the Reunion, this year went to Marvin Primack and his 1947 Lester MG, a car that was a frequent contestant in the original races. The reunion featured four primary race groups, as well as special one-marque races for Morgan Three-Wheelers and MGs. The weekend’s feature race, for the Put-in-Bay Cup, was won by John Higgins in his 1959 Porsche 718 RSK.
