Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/714189
50 nSeptember 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Dagny V. Gallo WILDWOOD, N.J., JUNE 4–5— Mel Stultz and Bobby Green, the pro- ducers of The Race of Gentlemen, also known as "TROG," held their fi fth annual event at the start of the summer season, mingling with family vaca- tioners to strut their stuff and kick up some sand on the beach in Wildwood, New Jersey. Usually the event takes place in October but due to unpredict- able weather on the East Coast, TROG decided to switch the event dates with the East Coast event starting in June and this year in October the race will take place on the West Coast in Pismo Beach, California. Racers from all over the country and the world, as far away as Japan, gathered together Friday evening for the welcoming party which included tech inspection, racer registration, a live band, vendors and a chopper show displaying an eclectic collection of vintage motorcycles and hot rods stra- tegically placed amid the masses for all to enjoy. Among the many racers were women sporting their own antique racing machines, such as Lisa English from Pittsfi eld, New Hampshire, driving a 1929 Ford A Roadster Flathead and also, racing a 1942 Harley-Davidson, was Bethlehem, Pennsylvania's Karen Howell who wore very attractive period-style attire really adding to the nostalgic feel of the event. Plus, Vicki Scheller from Butler, Pennsylvania, who raced a 1942 Harley-Davidson along with Jennifer Rowan racing a 1926 Ford T Roadster 4-banger were among the many women who joined in this season's event. Also, let us not forget the effortless energy of Sarah, the vivacious and gutsy woman waving the checkered fl ag who was one of the most important elements of the race. Just before dawn Saturday morn- ing, time-honored engines came to life as the caravan made its way down to the lineup area at the edge of the sand. Upon arrival, racers anxiously waited to hear the announcement that it was time to head to the pits. Men and women racers dressed in vintage- style racing gear created a nostalgic air about the place and made it feel as if we had just stepped back in time. It was a magical moment. Joe Oz, donning his top hat and tails, ushered the racers one by one as they roared through the underpass beneath the boardwalk and headed towards the pit area on the sand. The sun had already begun to rise lifting the chill in the air. Once in the pits, a heightened sense of camaraderie prevailed. Racers who became friends over the many years greeted each other with big smiles and laughter and warmly welcomed new racers to yet another great event set to take place. Among the many racers was my hus- band, #65, William Gallo, there for his second race and piloting a 1946 Harley-Davidson. The Hemmings Motor News tow truck pulled up to let the masters of ceremonies, Mel Stultz and Bobby Green, use it as their podium to bel- low instructions through a bullhorn to the ra cers before the start of the race. Afterwards, everyone headed towards the starting line to stand at atten- tion with their hands on their hearts for the performance of America's national anthem. Then, Joe Oz pro- ceeded up and down the beach on his 1946 Indian motorcycle covered in American fl ags, sirens blaring, signal- ing the start of the race. "They're off!" declared race announcer Nick Forster with his fi ne voice, as Sarah fl ew in the air waving the checkered fl ag in the hot sun driv- ing racers down the beach next to the water's edge all day long. On return- ing to the pits, racers chose who they wanted to compete with, rushing to get back in line to have another go at it. As one could tell by the big smiles and protracted rooster tails most were not taking the competition too seriously; most were just looking to have fun on the sand. William Gallo said, "I had some diffi culty with the bike over the last few months and I was worried I wouldn't be able to race, but I got her running and now she is running great. I still wouldn't have missed this event. Can't wait to get out there and race." Racer Mark Perego com- mented, "I come all the way from New Brunswick, Canada, for this event. It takes me about two days to get here but I wouldn't miss it for the world." Classic music played in the back- ground over the loudspeakers add- ing to the nostalgic aura of the day. Hundreds of spectators cheered for their favorite racers and even joined in on the action sporting period-style clothing and hairdos. Vendors sold cool refreshments to the masses in old world-style tents. Vintage photo boards displayed musclemen and cartoon racers creating a carnival-style setting as did Rhett Rotten's Wall of Death display where he rides his motorcycle along the walls of an old wooden bar- rel-type structure as spectators watch from above. And an old vintage pickup truck from a nearby farm even took photographers and spectators for a ride down the track for the best shots. At the end of the day, no one really cared if they won or lost as long as they got to race, with everyone feel- ing as if they had stepped back in time and were part of an earlier era, and Brittney Olsen on her '38 Indian Sport Scout See "TROG," page 78, column 1 5TH ANNUAL THE RACE OF GENTLEMEN A unique racing tradition Vintage motorcycles and hotrods roar down the Wildwood beach