Imagine a scene ripped straight from a bygone era: classic hot rods and vintage motorcycles roaring down a New Jersey beach, engines belching, tires spitting sand. This isn’t just a race; it’s a vibrant, immersive experience known as The Race of Gentlemen (TROG). More than just a competition, it’s a living, breathing time capsule, complete with period fashion, a lively atmosphere, and an intense bracket-style showdown for some 200 dedicated drivers.
Visuals by Jason Andrew, Reporting by Scott Cacciola from Wildwood, N.J.
Take Craig Roberts, for instance. A farmer from Lethbridge, Alberta, his weekdays are spent treating seeds and spreading fertilizer. But last week, he traded the farm for the open road, embarking on a nearly 2,400-mile journey to Wildwood, N.J. His cargo? A magnificent 1947 Harley-Davidson FL Dual Carb Knucklehead, ready to drag race on a short stretch of the iconic Jersey Shore.
In Wildwood, Roberts, 49, along with his friend and bike mechanic, Thom Jones, sported matching white sweaters. These weren’t just any sweaters; Roberts had personally customized them with intricate felt lettering and embroidery. The front proudly declared, ‘Drag Racing Harley-Davidson Knuckleheads,’ while the back bore the name of his beloved bike, ‘the Chinook Wind.’
“It took a long time,” he admitted with a laugh, “I’m no seamstress!”
The Faces of TROG
Beyond the thrilling races, the event is brought to life by its colorful personalities. Images capture individuals like Mel Stultz, Thom Jones, Craig Roberts, and Randy Hayward, all perfectly embodying the vintage spirit of the gathering.
Their dedication, from Roberts’s meticulously crafted sweater to the machines themselves, highlights a shared passion for classic motorcycles, vintage hot rods, and The Race of Gentlemen – an event that truly transcends simple categorization.
Attendees, both racers and onlookers, often describe TROG as a ‘time capsule.’ It’s a journey back to an era of roaring panhead engines, sleek steel-bodied roadsters, and the iconic sight of pinup girls waving checkered flags. Picture rockabilly cool mixed with greaser slick; it’s like ‘Mad Max’ meets a vintage, film-filtered version of Williamsburg for one unforgettable weekend.
A Roaring Blast from the Past
A striking image shows two motorcyclists, poised at the start line on the sandy track, with a man in a white suit emblazoned with ‘Harley Davidson Service’ standing between them. The entire scene, filled with vintage motorcycles racing on the beach, vividly evokes a sense of stepping back in time by several decades.
“Got some good beards out here this year,” boomed Nick Foster, TROG’s charismatic M.C., over the loudspeakers. He then playfully advised the large crowd, “Ladies, please do not throw your brassieres onto the track.”
Foster, 49, perfectly fit the part in his checkered suit, Stetson Open Road hat, and a cigar clamped between his teeth. It was a demanding weekend for him, relying on his musical theater vocal training—and a few sips of whiskey—to keep the energy high. Saturday featured practice runs, leading up to Sunday’s intense bracket-style competition involving approximately 200 drivers across various divisions.
“We’re ridiculously serious about it,” Roberts confessed, “Too serious, really.”
Fun is the Main Event
A dynamic video captures the essence of the weekend, emphasizing that above all, the primary goal for both participants and spectators alike is simply to have an unforgettable good time.
Adding to the entertainment, Foster delighted in inventing outrageous stories about Mel Stultz, the visionary who founded the event in 2012 and continues to be its creative driving force. On Saturday, Stultz, 55, was spotted roaming the beach barefoot, clad in a distressed U.S. Marines T-shirt and cuffed trousers. One of Foster’s playful anecdotes: “Sometimes, at night, Mel chases stray animals.”
Stultz himself added to the nostalgic ambiance, occasionally cruising around in a vintage 1954 Land Rover, exuding the persona of a Cold War general on patrol.
The setting itself, Wildwood, perfectly complemented the period aesthetic. Its iconic boardwalk attractions and amusement park rides, like Rollie’s Coaster, the Doo Wopper, and the Wild Whizzer, provided an authentic backdrop. Yet, it was the sun-drenched beach that remained the ultimate magnet for all.
“Can you think of anywhere else you’d rather be?” asked Kim McCullough, 61, a resident of Pompton Plains, N.J., from behind the wheel of her meticulously reconstructed 1932 Ford. She proudly highlighted its eight-cylinder engine, declaring, “It’s a flathead, as God intended.”
Period-Perfect Setting
The scene captures a crowd eagerly awaiting a beach race, with a towering roller coaster in the background. This blend of vintage amusement park rides against the ocean provides an authentic and picturesque backdrop, enhancing the event’s immersive, old-school charm.
Speed isn’t Everything
A collection of visuals encapsulates the spirit of TROG, emphasizing that raw speed isn’t the sole focus. One image showcases a vibrant scene where the true purpose is simply soaking in the atmosphere and celebrating vintage automotive culture. Another highlights the unique characters who make this event so special.
McCullough fondly reminisced about her childhood, where she’d gravitate towards Matchbox cars over Barbies at the drugstore. Today, she’s the chief marketing officer for a motorsports company, occasionally taking the wheel herself. On Saturday, she was a vision in blue Dickies coveralls, white Chuck Taylor All-Stars, and a wide-brimmed hat, which she promptly exchanged for a helmet and goggles before her practice runs.
When curious newcomers inquire about her hot rod’s speed on the beach, McCullough’s response is simple: she has no idea.
“I don’t even have a speedometer,” she explained. “My main concern is just keeping an eye on the oil temperature.”
Despite men significantly outnumbering women on the drag strip, McCullough emphasized that she has always felt a strong sense of welcome and support within the TROG community. She particularly enjoys the distinct aesthetics of the male motorcyclists: the classic leather boots, rugged jackets, impressive facial hair, and perfectly styled pompadours.
“And it’s not some affectation,” she affirmed. “It’s the real deal.”
Among these authentic characters, Randy Hayward, 61, stands out as one of the revered ‘deans’ of the event. A long-standing and vibrant presence, recognized by his denim overalls, striped sleeves, and vintage biker cap, Hayward was unfortunately sidelined as a spectator this year due to a broken leg. As he navigated the crowd on crutches, greeting old friends, Foster offered a humorous, albeit fictional, explanation for his injury.
“It seems that he saved some Detroit kids from a burning bus that was being attacked by wolves,” Foster dramatically announced, “And then he sent the wolves to an animal rehabilitation facility.”
The actual truth, however, was far less dramatic: Hayward had sustained his injury while leading a motorcycle safety demonstration.
“I probably shouldn’t be telling you that,” he said with a laugh. “I’m sticking with ‘New York bar fight.’”
A Vibrant Community
Captivating images highlight some of the diverse individuals who make the Wildwood beaches come alive: Rob Ida, a celebrated car designer; April Sunday Dawson, an enthusiastic spectator; Robert Nieves, a dedicated participant; and Kim McCullough, the chief marketing officer of Parella Motorsports Holdings, LLC, all enjoying the unique atmosphere.
Hayward, residing just outside Detroit, is not only a motorcycle collector and historian but also possesses a unique expertise in the often-overlooked contributions of Black Americans to early 20th-century racing. Upon his retirement as a schools superintendent a few years ago, his colleagues were naturally curious about his post-career ambitions.
“Build motorcycles, race motorcycles, write books about motorcycles,” he declared, summing up his life’s dedication. “It’s my passion.”
His passion, it turns out, is highly contagious. Last year, Mike Elford, a friend and fellow motorcycle enthusiast, shared over lunch how the relentless demands of his job were weighing heavily on him.
“I’ve just been kind of down lately,” Elford, 44, owner of a heating and cooling business, recalled telling Hayward. “All I do is work.”
A Gathering of Enthusiasts
A captivating video highlights how The Race of Gentlemen, established in 2012, has grown into a magnetic destination, drawing enthusiasts and spectators from all corners of the globe.
Hayward then extended an invitation to Elford for a cross-country motorcycle ride with a group that summer. With a green light from his wife, Elford enthusiastically committed to the adventure.
“Now,” Elford happily stated, “it’s almost a once-a-month thing where we’re going somewhere on our bikes.”
After experiencing TROG as a spectator last year, Elford decided to take the plunge himself this past weekend, racing his 1945 Harley-Davidson. It was a rather small motorcycle, not exactly built for someone of his 6-foot-5 stature.
“Do I expect to win? No,” he admitted. “I’m a big guy on a little bike. But I don’t care at all. I’m just here to have a good time.”
Amidst the deep rumble of vintage engines and Foster’s lively, vaudeville-esque banter, Elford fully immersed himself in the unique spectacle surrounding him.
“It’s like you go over the bridge,” he mused, “and suddenly, you’re in 1955.”
Timeless Thrills on the Sand
The final image perfectly captures the timeless allure of the event: Mike Kozlowski accelerating his 1931 Ford Model A Roadster. It’s a scene that could easily have unfolded at any point in the last nine decades, underscoring the enduring spirit of classic beach racing.