Corey here, if you know me, you know I’ve got a thing for all things vintage—whether it’s wrenching on my VW Beetle, catching waves on a longboard, or hanging at retro beach bars. But there’s one event every year that brings all that nostalgia to life in the best way possible: The Race of Gentlemen (TROG) in Wildwood.
If you haven’t heard of it, TROG is a vintage drag race right on the beach, and it’s like stepping back in time to an era when cars were raw, loud, and built for nothing but pure fun. For a car fanatic like me, it’s absolute heaven.
What Is The Race of Gentlemen?
The Race of Gentlemen is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of all things classic and cool. Held every fall, it brings together pre-1950s cars and motorcycles to race on the sand in Wildwood. The vehicles are meticulously restored, but not in a showroom way—these are machines built to perform, complete with their grease, grit, and growl.
It’s like watching history come alive, with everything from flathead Fords to vintage Harleys tearing up the beach. Add in the throwback outfits and the old-school rockabilly music, and you’ve got an event that feels like something straight out of a time capsule.
Why TROG Is Special to Me
As someone who loves working on my VW Beetle, TROG is endlessly inspiring. Seeing how these cars and bikes have been restored, modified, and raced gives me a million ideas for my own projects. The dedication and passion these builders have is unmatched—it’s all about keeping the spirit of classic motoring alive, and I’m here for it.
I’ve even toyed with the idea of building a second VW as a beach racer. While it wouldn’t fit TROG’s strict pre-1950 rule, it’s still fun to imagine cruising down the sand in something I built with my own two hands.
The Wildwood Vibe
What makes TROG even better is the setting. Wildwood’s wide, sandy beaches and vintage motels make the perfect backdrop for an event like this. Between races, you can hit up the boardwalk, grab some classic carnival food, or cruise over to one of the local beach bars to soak in the atmosphere.
Speaking of bars, there’s always a good crowd of gearheads at places like The Wharf during TROG weekend. It’s a chance to talk cars, swap stories, and connect with people who share the same love for classic machines.
My Favorite Part of TROG
For me, it’s all about the sounds and smells. There’s nothing like hearing the roar of a flathead engine or the distinctive rumble of a vintage Harley as they take off down the sand. The smell of oil and gasoline mixed with the salty air—man, that’s something you don’t forget.
I also love walking through the pits, where you can get up close to the cars and bikes. The owners and builders are always happy to chat about their rides, and it’s amazing to see the craftsmanship and ingenuity that goes into making these machines race-ready.
Why You Should Check It Out
Whether you’re a car nut like me or just someone who loves a good beachside spectacle, The Race of Gentlemen is worth checking out. It’s a weekend of pure nostalgia, adrenaline, and good vibes, set against the backdrop of one of the coolest beach towns on the East Coast.
So, if you’re ever in Wildwood during TROG weekend, keep an eye out for my tan VW Beetle parked somewhere near the action. I’ll probably be hanging by the pits, snapping photos, and soaking it all in.
Until then, keep it classic.
-Corey 🏁🚗🌊
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