Our Trip To T.R.O.G.

“I didn’t know you were in to beach drag racing.”

Neither did I.

We’ve been desperately missing adventure over the past year. Determined to find it wherever we may, we decided to buy tickets to T.R.O.G. thinking that 22 months into the pandemic, hopefully it wouldn’t get cancelled.

What Is T.R.O.G.?

T.R.O.G. stands for The Race of Gentlemen (anyone can race) and it’s held annually in Wildwood New Jersey. The New Jersey event known as T.R.O.G is nine years old but it builds on a much older tradition.

Ever since there were hot rods, flat beaches (and presumably beer), there have been beach races. There was a 1 mile beach race recorded in 1905 on the neighboring beach of Cape May! Most often they were between friends or rival clubs (think Grease but on a beach!) but now we are fortunate enough to have it all organized and packaged into – T.R.O.G.

I had heard of T.R.O.G. before though for the life of me I really don’t know where or how. George, on the other hand, had T.R.O.G. on his bucket list. For a guy who is into cars and motorcycles, this event is truly made for him.

There are a few rules for racer entries at T.R.O.G.

American made gas vehicles only
Car bodies must be 1934 or older
Running gear (used to repair, restore, or soup up the vehicles) must be 1953 or older.
No fiberglass bodies
No fenders on hot rods (some exemptions allowed)
16, 17, and 18 inch stock tires only.
Paint must be race era appropriate.
Motorcycles must be manufactured no later than 1947.
They must also use a suicide clutch (a tank shifter)
Bike parts must be period correct, including springers, carbs, brakes, wheels, and fasteners. Duct tape and zip ties are not allowed.

Safety is always a consideration so:

Car must have modern 5 point harness (tags must be removed)
Racers need DOT half helmet no more than 7 years old
Vintage round or square roll bar required on roadsters 2″ over the driver’s helmeted head.

There are three different classes. “Bangers” (four cylinder engine cars), “Flatheads” (flathead V-8 engine cars), and motorcycles. Competitors are encouraged to dress period appropriate as well so it’s a visual spectacle to behold!

Cars are pitted against cars and motorcycles against motorcycles down a 1/8 mile track on the beach. The racing starts when the tide stats to go out and it stops when the tide starts to come in!

About 15,000 car and motorcycle enthusiasts descended for the race, the pre-race Night of the Troglodytes, the Saturday Night Beach Bonfire, and the Sunday main event. There is even on beach parking for any classic car built before 1965 which allows you to wander next to some beautiful vehicles and talk to the owners who restored them!

The races start with the jump of the flag girl!

You’ll be glad to know they rotate between three flag girls. It’s a lot of jumping!

The Oilers is the name of the club that started T.R.O.G.

Beach Bonfire – Carefully Tended by Wildwood Fire Department

Wildwood New Jersey

If you think the adventure is just the race, you are very very wrong. This beautiful little throw back gem of a seaside town boasts one of the nicest boardwalks I’ve seen in a while. It runs about 2.5 miles along the shore and has plenty of space for shops, restaurants, pedestrians and bicycles. It is the capital of Doo Wop!

The hotels near the venue are kitschy, period appropriate motels that transport you back to simpler times. They have names like Starlux, Blue Palms, Pan American, Pink Champagne, Sunshine Motel, and Crystal Sands.

There are three (count ’em) amusement parks along the boardwalk. The race access was through Morey’s Pier. This meant that we got to see all of the classic amusement park rides AND pass through the Oktoberfest celebration during the off season.

George couldn’t resist joining in with the Oompah band at the Oktoberfest and I couldn’t resist a few rides when there were no lines!

And There’s So Much More…

If the races, the water, the vibe, and the rides weren’t enough for you, check out some of the classic cars we saw! I wish I could have gotten some of the motorcycles, but we saw those the night before race day and I decided to prioritize soaking the experience in over snapping pictures!