For Craig Roberts, a farmer from Lethbridge, Alberta, his passion lies far beyond the fields. Last week, he packed his prized 1947 Harley-Davidson FL Dual Carb Knucklehead into a van and embarked on an epic 2,400-mile journey to Wildwood, New Jersey. His mission? To spend a thrilling weekend drag racing his vintage motorcycle on a specially designated strip of the iconic Jersey Shore.
In Wildwood, Roberts, 49, along with his friend and master mechanic, Thom Jones, sported matching white sweaters. These weren’t just any sweaters; Roberts had personally customized them with intricate felt lettering and embroidered stitching. The front proudly declared ‘Drag Racing Harley-Davidson Knuckleheads,’ while the back bore the name of his beloved bike, ‘The Chinook Wind.’
“It took quite a while,” he admitted with a laugh, “I’m certainly no seamstress!”
Photographs show various personalities and vintage vehicles at the Race of Gentlemen, highlighting the event’s unique atmosphere and attention to period detail.
His meticulous attire and passion for authentic details perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the Race of Gentlemen, or TROG. This isn’t just a race; it’s an immersive experience for classic motorcycles and vintage hot rods, an event that truly defies easy description.
Many describe TROG as a living ‘time capsule,’ a vibrant throwback to an era when roaring bikes with powerful panhead engines and gleaming steel-bodied roadsters ruled the roads. It’s a spectacle of rockabilly cool and greaser slick, complete with pinup girls waving checkered flags. For one glorious weekend, it feels less like a modern event and more like stepping onto a vintage movie set, blending the gritty charm of a bygone era with a touch of stylized flair.
An image captures two men on vintage motorcycles at the starting line, ready to race on the beach, perfectly embodying the bygone era of the event.
“We’ve got some impressive beards gracing the event this year,” announced Nick Foster, TROG’s charismatic M.C., his voice booming over the loudspeakers. He then lightheartedly cautioned the enthusiastic crowd, “Ladies, please, keep your brassieres off the track!”
Foster, 49, a former musical theater major, navigated the marathon weekend in a sharp checkered suit and Stetson Open Road hat, cigar in hand. His vocal stamina, occasionally fueled by sips of whiskey, was crucial for announcing the action. Saturday was dedicated to practice runs, building anticipation for Sunday’s main event: a thrilling bracket-style competition featuring around 200 drivers across various divisions.
“We take this ridiculously seriously,” Roberts confessed with a grin. “Perhaps even a little too seriously, to be honest.”
A video illustrates the lively atmosphere of the weekend, emphasizing that the primary goal for all involved, from participants to spectators, is simply to have a good time.
Off-track, Foster entertained the crowd with numerous fabricated tales about Mel Stultz, the man who founded TROG in 2012 and remains its driving creative force. On Saturday, Stultz, 55, was often seen strolling barefoot across the sand in a well-worn U.S. Marines T-shirt and cuffed trousers. One of Foster’s playful anecdotes involved Stultz “sometimes, at night, chasing stray animals.”
Adding to the distinct atmosphere, Stultz occasionally zoomed across the beach in a vintage 1954 Land Rover, embodying the persona of a Cold War general on patrol.
The town of Wildwood itself perfectly complemented the retro ambiance, with its classic boardwalk attractions and amusement park rides like Rollie’s Coaster, the Doo Wopper, and the Wild Whizzer. But ultimately, the real magnet was the expansive, sun-drenched beach itself.
“Can you imagine being anywhere else?” asked Kim McCullough, 61, from Pompton Plains, N.J., as she sat in the driver’s seat of her meticulously reconstructed 1932 Ford. She proudly highlighted its eight-cylinder engine: “It’s a flathead, as God intended.”
A series of images showcases the meticulous attention to detail at TROG, from vintage attire to period-correct vehicle modifications.
McCullough fondly recalled her childhood, preferring Matchbox cars over Barbie dolls. Today, she manages the marketing for a motorsports company and, when the opportunity arises, loves to get behind the wheel herself. For Saturday’s practice runs, she sported blue Dickies coveralls, white Chuck Taylor All-Stars, and a wide-brimmed hat, which she later exchanged for a helmet and goggles.
When newcomers inquire about her hot rod’s speed on the beach, her answer is always the same: she has no idea.
“I don’t even have a speedometer,” she clarified. “My main concern is just keeping an eye on the oil temperature.”
An image captures a crowd gathered on the beach, with vintage amusement park rides forming an authentic backdrop that enhances the event’s nostalgic feel.
A video and an image together illustrate that the true essence of the Race of Gentlemen lies not in pure speed, but in the experience and the spectacle itself.
Despite men largely dominating the drag strip, McCullough emphasized feeling consistently welcomed and supported by the TROG community. She particularly enjoys the authentic aesthetics of the motorcycle racers—the leather boots, the jackets, the impressive facial hair, and the classic pomade.
“And it’s not some forced affectation,” she stated. “It’s all genuinely the real deal.”
Among these enthusiasts, Randy Hayward, 61, holds a revered status as one of the event’s ‘deans.’ A familiar and vibrant presence in his denim overalls, striped sleeves, and vintage biker cap, Hayward was unfortunately sidelined this year by a broken leg. As he moved through the crowd on crutches, exchanging greetings with friends, Foster couldn’t resist offering a humorous, if entirely fictitious, explanation to the spectators.
“Apparently, he saved some Detroit kids from a burning bus that was under attack by wolves,” Foster declared dramatically. “Then he heroically sent the wolves to an animal rehabilitation facility.”
In reality, Hayward sustained his injury while conducting a motorcycle safety demonstration.
“I probably shouldn’t be admitting that,” he said with a chuckle. “I’m sticking with the ‘New York bar fight’ story.”
Several portraits showcase key figures seen roaming the beaches of Wildwood, including a car designer, a spectator, a participant, and a chief marketing officer, all embodying the spirit of the event.
Hayward, residing just outside Detroit, is a passionate motorcycle collector and historian. He possesses a unique insight into the often-overlooked contributions of Black Americans in early 20th-century racing. Upon retiring a few years ago from his role as a schools superintendent, his colleagues were naturally curious about his next chapter.
“My plans were simple: build motorcycles, race motorcycles, and write books about motorcycles,” he revealed. “It’s my absolute passion.”
His enthusiasm is truly infectious. Last year, Mike Elford, a friend and fellow motorcycle enthusiast, confided in Hayward during lunch, sharing that the relentless demands of his job were taking a significant toll.
“I’ve been feeling a bit low lately,” Elford, 44, who runs a heating and cooling business, recounted telling Hayward. “It feels like all I do is work.”
A video highlights the event’s origins in 2012 and its evolution into a highly anticipated destination for enthusiasts from all corners of the country.
Hayward then invited Elford to join a cross-country motorcycle ride he was planning for that summer. After securing his wife’s enthusiastic approval, Elford was completely on board.
“Now,” Elford happily stated, “it’s almost a monthly tradition for us to go on a ride somewhere.”
After experiencing TROG as a spectator last year, Elford decided to take the plunge last weekend, racing his 1945 Harley-Davidson. It was a rather small motorcycle, not exactly designed for someone of his imposing 6-foot-5 stature.
“Do I expect to win? Absolutely not,” he declared. “I’m a big guy on a small bike. But honestly, I don’t care. I’m just here to soak up the atmosphere and have a fantastic time.”
Amidst the thunderous rumble of vintage engines and Foster’s lively vaudeville-style commentary, Elford truly relished every aspect of the surrounding scene.
“It’s truly magical,” he concluded, “like you drive over the bridge and suddenly, you’re transported straight back to 1955.”
An image depicts Mike Kozlowski accelerating in his 1931 Ford Model A Roadster, a timeless scene that could have unfolded at any point over the last ninety years, capturing the enduring spirit of vintage racing.
