WILDWOOD — The sights and sounds of an earlier era of American auto racing will return to the Jersey Shore this fall when vintage hot rods and motorcycles race along the water's edge on the Wildwood beach.
The Race of Gentlemen, better known as T.R.O.G., returns to the Wildwoods from Thursday, Oct. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 4, with two days of beach racing along with live music, parties, a swap meet and other activities.
Presented by Stultz & Son Productions, the event features pre-1934 automobiles and pre-1947 motorcycles competing on the hard-packed sand near the ocean.
The event pays tribute to the early days of American hot-rodding and motorcycle racing, when enthusiasts built and modified machines in garages and backyards and raced them on beaches and other flat stretches of land.
Rather than simply displaying the historic machines, T.R.O.G. puts them back into action.
Drivers and riders will compete in exhibition-style drag races on the Wildwood beach, with the schedule dictated in part by the ocean tides.
Four Days of Events
Activities begin Thursday, Oct. 1, with a swap meet and music at the T.R.O.G. Kick Off Party from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the parking lot of Jersey Girl Kitchen & Bar, 3601 Atlantic Ave.
The swap meet continues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
Friday evening brings the “Night of the Troglodytes” Chopper Party, presented with Dice Magazine at the Lazy Bass, 5 Old North Wildwood Boulevard.
Custom motorcycles from different eras will be on display, with live music by Low Spirits and food and drinks available. The party runs from 6 to 11 p.m.
Racing Begins Saturday Morning
The main attraction arrives Saturday, Oct. 3, when the vintage cars and motorcycles take to the beach.
Gates open at 8 a.m., with racing scheduled to begin promptly because of the tides. Organizers are encouraging spectators to arrive early.
Multiple bands are also scheduled to perform throughout the day.
Following Saturday's racing, the Official Post-Race Beach Party will be held at PigDog Beach Bar BQ on Morey's Pier, 3501 Boardwalk.
The party will feature live performances by the Goons and Messer Chups, along with a DJ spinning vinyl records and mini bonfires.
Racing Continues Sunday
The vintage machines return to the sand Sunday, Oct. 4, with gates again opening at 8 a.m.
Sunday's schedule includes additional beach racing before competitors move into bracket racing to determine the event's winners.
Because the races take place close to the water's edge, organizers caution that event times are heavily dependent on ocean tides.
In addition to the racing, the weekend will include food and beer vendors, children's activities and opportunities for spectators to get a closer look at the vintage cars and motorcycles.
Tickets Available for Weekend or Single Days
Full-weekend and single-day passes are available.
Tickets purchased in advance can be exchanged for wristbands Thursday and Friday at the Jersey Girl swap meet, allowing attendees to avoid the wristband line during the weekend racing.
Children ages 6 through 16 require a paid ticket, while children 5 and younger are admitted free. Organizers say proof of age may be requested, and anyone younger than 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Coolers, backpacks, glass bottles and outside food and beverages will not be permitted inside the race area. Professional cameras are allowed after the photographer signs a waiver.
Additional event information and tickets are available through The Race of Gentlemen.
More information about visiting the Wildwoods is available from The Wildwoods.
I like this as a South Jersey NewsBeat story. It's highly visual and recognizable, and I'd definitely lead with the fact that these are prewar-era hot rods and motorcycles actually racing on the beach, rather than leading with the four-day festival schedule. That gives the story much more punch.
About the Author
Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
