T.R.O.G - The Race Of Gentlemen, Wildwood NJ.

If you will be in the Wildwood NJ area in late September, or early October then you have to get tickets to attend TROG, the Race of Gentlemen, in Wildwood, New Jersey!

As a lover of all things vintage, I was beyond excited to attend this annual event which features pre-war era hot rods and motorcycles racing on the beach. The atmosphere is electric with the sounds of roaring engines, the smell of gasoline, and the sight of perfectly restored vintage vehicles. It’s like stepping back in time to an era when things were simpler and the thrill of speed and competition was all that mattered. Even if you are not interested in the racing itself, it is still a great time to walk around, drink a beer, and check out all the cool machines and people.

New Jersey has a rich history of beach racing that dates back to the early 1900s when daring drivers would race their cars along the sand in front of thousands of spectators. This tradition continued through the decades, with notable events like the Atlantic City Road Races and the Ocean Speedway attracting some of the top drivers of the time. Today, the spirit of beach racing lives on through events like The Race of Gentlemen (TROG), which celebrates the vintage racing culture of the past with a weekend of beach drag racing, parades, and other activities. By paying homage to the history of beach racing in New Jersey, TROG has become a beloved event that draws thousands of visitors each year.

The Race Of Gentlemen is a 3 day event held on the Wildwood beach in October every year. Friday consists of the drivers slowly rolling in and a big party at night. But try not to party too hard Friday night, as the racing starts early on Saturday morning. Make sure you get up early and hit the beach in time to catch the races, machines, and people.

Saturday is the big day. Racing begins early at 8am sharp - The races take place on the beach, with sand being the main obstacle for the drivers. Watching these vintage vehicles tear up the sand is a sight to behold. You can feel the excitement and adrenaline pumping through the crowd as they cheer on their favorite drivers.

The Race of Gentlemen is not just about the racing, it’s also about the culture and the community that comes with it. From the vendors selling vintage apparel to the artists showcasing their work and the food vendors serving up delicious eats, there is something for everyone at TROG. You’ll even see people dressed up in period-appropriate clothing, adding to the ambiance and overall experience.

If you plan on attending the full three days of T.R.O.G I would recommend booking a hotel in Wildwood, as you will have some downtime during the day Saturday and it would be nice to have a place to go relax. The first year that Christopher and I attended, we did not have a room and we had to entertain ourselves all day Saturday Between the morning races and the late night party. Although, this was not hard to do.

We spent the entire day Saturday wandering up and down the boardwalk, playing arcade games, eating boardwalk food, riding the rides, and more. We even relaxed on the beach for a while as the sun was out, which was very nice for an October Day.

On Saturday Night the races turn into a huge party with Live music, food, and a big beach bonfire. The music line up is always awesome and I would highly recommend staying for the party.

If you’re a car enthusiast, you’ll be in heaven at TROG. The vehicles on display are not just for racing but also for showcasing. The attention to detail that goes into restoring these vintage vehicles is truly impressive. You can walk around the pits and talk to the drivers and mechanics to learn more about the cars and their history.

Attending TROG in Wildwood, New Jersey is an experience you won’t forget. It’s a celebration of vintage culture, racing, and community that’s sure to leave you with lasting memories.