The Race of Gentlemen 2019

TROG taps into something primal and emotional. An escape from an impressively mundane world, offering mechanical reprieve from modern life’s constantly-connected-to-the-internet grip. TROG events are real, jarring and built on the strongest, sappiest foundation of all... friendship. A weekend retreat with late nights and early mornings, where you laugh and yell and experience nature in the strangest possible way. A reminder that most admirable aspects of humanity have yet to die off, and neither have the old machines that surround them.

Over 20,000 people made it onto the beach in Wildwood, New Jersey on October 6-7th for this year’s The Race of Gentlemen, making it the largest in the past few years. TROG started as a two day beach race of pre and post war cars and motorcycles, and this year expanded to a five day event through Wildwood. The event was a good kick off to the October off season in Wildwood, and provided a boost to area businesses.

"We are happy to be back in October. One of the most special times of year for us in Wildwood. Racing this year was great and we can't wait to come back next year!" - Mel Stultz

Wednesday the party kicked off with a pre-party at PigDog at the end of Morey’s Piers. Thursday and Friday brought a swap meet and car show down to Fox Park and Atlantic Avenue. The swap meet featured over 50 vendors selling various vintage and antique parts, vehicles and more. Throughout the swap meet visitors enjoyed live music, Warsteiner beers, and food from Mermaid Mutineer and Ribeyes. The Night of Troglodytes Chopper Show once again took place at the Binn’s Motel, where over 70 choppers were on display. 

Saturday and Sunday mornings, racing kicked off early to beat the tides. A wall of fans watched at the fences, more attendees sat in the stands and sand dunes, and even more enjoyed walking around the event for food, more Warsteiner beers, the TROG merch tent, and more attractions. The classic car show just outside of the event space featured over 50 classic cars and was an added bonus to the event festivities.

Winners from this year were: Rail Class- Harry Carlson AKA Crazy Uncle Harry; 4 Banger- Pat Cronin; V8-Jeremy Baye; Big Twin Bike-Nick Hunter; 45 Bike-Traver Stegall.

After some bad crashes in 2018, the organizers at TROG decided full-face safety helmets would be required for motorcycle racing. A decision we wholeheartedly support, of course. We donated a DOT/ECE-certified Gringo helmet to any racer who’d take one and were stoked to see the added level of safety and of course it made us proud to see our humble lids on riders ripping down the beach on amazing old old motorbikes.

The Race of Gentlemen looks forward to returning in 2020, and details will be posted on theraceofgentlemen.com and social media.

Huge thanks to Mel, Amanda and all the volunteers who make this one-of-a-kind event happen. Congratulations to all the racers on bikes and in old cars, you’ve truly made something magical happen.

About The Oilers Club

Founded by Jim Nelson in Southern California over 65 years ago, The Oilers Club, was a small group of thrill-seeking friends that built and raced hot rods and motorcycles using outdated pre-WWII era chassis, bodies, motors and parts. In 2010, the keys to the club were handed to Meldon Van Riper Stultz III, a Jersey Shore native who, with his colorful crew of vintage car and motorcycle revivalists, now stage these rolling exhibitions at historically significant locations across the country.

Photos: Travis Tanay @travis_tanay_photography