The Race of Gentleman

Have you ever wondered how hot rodding and racing began? Well this weekend October 3^rd-5^th the very well-known Oilers car club will put on car show in Wildwood, New Jersey that answers that question in a three day event. 

This year will mark the third annual Race of Gentlemen. The race was started in 2012 by the Oilers Car club which hold a very unique story in and around themselves. The Oilers car club originated in early 1940’s on the west coast by Jim Nelson the founder of Dragmaster and several other well-known originators of hot rodding. Along its life the car club slowly dwindled down and after about 40-50 years all the member had passed away or lost interest. A few years ago an east coast man named Mel Stultz had the great idea to revive this car club. So he contacted one of the founding member of the original club and asked for his graces to revive the group, and with great pleasure he granted him his approval. 

From there the car club grew to become quite large. In 2012 the club had the great idea to host the first Race of Gentlemen. The Race of Gentilmen (TROG) is a race that was specifically designed to recreate the scene from and original pre WW2 hot rod race. In the early days of hot rodding the beaches on the east coast were often used as test beds for all the hot rodders machines. So to fit the theme the Oilers selected Wildwood beach in New Jersey as their location for the event. The event is strictly invite only and all the machines must be period correct down to the last nuts and bolts. This allows the event to really give the spectators the feeling of how hot rodding and racing REALLY was in the earliest of its days. 

Since the first race this event has taken off to unexpected levels and now boasts major sponsors like Harley Davidson, Craftsmen Tools, and Sailor Jerry. If you are a hot rodder, fan of vintage racing or even automotive history this is an event that you must attend! 

Are there any neat events or exhibits that you know of that display history as it REALLY was?