I was there...what a great event! Unbelievable display of cars & bikes across from the Starlux Friday evening! Thanks for posting the pic's...I took a few, but spent most of the time checking the cars and watching the race.
So should we expect that you're going next year? Mel's the epitome of 1930's to 1940's nostalgia and traditional Hotrods!
Yes. The sounds.... Being that I rolled into town about 1:45a.m Saturday morning there wasn't much to hear at all. In fact I was probably the loudest being jacked up on energy drinks and candy bars... I met up with my roomies and passed out from a sugar crash moments later... I was awoken in a matter that could only be described as confusingly surreal. A sound I knew but where was I? An uncorked flathead right below the room fired off and I sat up straight...mostly thinking someone was stealing my roadster 400 miles away!! I was where I needed to be. And all was right. Moments later...bangers started snapping and popping, a few more v8s, then the early motorcycles, ratcheting, popping once, ratcheting then roaring... It was time. One of the best sounds of the weekend was BarnfindT's first run. We were working in the pits and everyone stopped for a split second or two and asked aloud "what the f was that?" Guesses were abound but when we found out what it was we were all sure to get to the front row for his next pass! The sounds heard also led me to track down hollywqqds roadster that we bump started that morning. As soon as it fired a shit eating grin on my face indicated the wow factor. As for all the other good stuff it's already been stated, not enough time to say hi to all but I wish I could have. It was once again a life altering, inspiring, epic event. I also won't talk about the sounds a raccoon makes when it hits your good friends' car, that they let you borrow, just to make sure you get your ass to n.j.... Thank you.
"...passion for design and all things old..."- @Ryan By Jove he's got it! For many/most, it's not about fancy dress and role-play, but living a vintage idea of a beautiful life.
Ryan, This 74 yr. old has read many writers of all sorts, been lucky enough to have more great experiences than any one person deserves. Nothing much really impresses me and would not walk across a street to see a celebrity, that all said that was the most riveting description of an event I have ever read and I doubt even you could duplicate it, but don't stop trying, Thanks
Well thats just great, another killer event that I 've got to see. What is the cut off year for cars and engines?
WOW looks like a blast . The wagon wheel ring for a roll bar , 2 wheeled bare footed hoodlums and vintage speed powered vintage iron a recipe for FUN.
like I said in the oilers thread: I got to race other Flat Head Ford!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! all day!!!!!!!!!!!!! yes I'm going again.
I'm speechless. I'm floored. Thank you for not cutting one damn photo. Amazing, amazing stuff.......................my favorite event coverage of all time (and it's not even in Texas). Please consider a hardbound or softbound photobook of this thread....................I'll be the first in line. Hat's off to Ryan, Tim and Miller for taking us all along. I could almost smell the salt from the surf!
I think we can all agree that Ryan has captured the essence of this great event in words and Tim has captured it in his photos. Beautiful job by both of you! Ryan, I didn't realize we were at the same hotel as I would've liked to meet you and thank you in person for this great forum that we all love very much! Keep up the great work ! I was a spectator at the first two TROG's and thought they were both amazing,but It was nothing compared to being involved! Mel and the Oilers had a vision and I think they nailed it! See you all at the beach next year!
Incredible pictures, incredible event. Reading this really makes me want to come and run my T which I'm pretty sure would make criteria. Very glad to hear so many get turned away, being strict is what makes it great. I have a feeling this could get massively big in a few short years.
What a total knockout. The writing and the photos work together to create a harmonious balance that brings the Race of Gentleman to life. I read the NY Times article, just to see how it stacked up. Needless to say, I've come back to this one for a second and third read. There's movement, color and grit blended with a hint of elegance in each exposure and each line reads like conversation. Thanks for telling it like it is @Ryan ... Now I'm really tempted to head out there next year.
I don't know how....but....Count me in. I really would like to drive the truck out seeing the sites as I go....that would be an adventure in its self. But... I just don't think the truck really fits as a race car at TROG. I'm actually gathering parts right now for an aluminum body single seat racecar. we'll see. We should talk. I still think someone should do a west coast version....maybe a hill climb?...We have lots of nice hills and long wide beaches that you wouldn't have to worry about the tide at.
Here is my run against a V8 in my 4 banger roadster I put together in 7 days with junk from around the garage the week before the event. Nostalgic Sid hauled it out for me.
Yes, it was really something very special - so good that I'm not sure I can go back, it was that perfect. Something strangely calm about a deserted seaside town. Ryan's report says it all; attention to detail was intense, right down to '30s style racing jerseys with your number on the back. I made at least 25 runs in the roadster. There are loads of photos on the internet but here are a few of my favourites... Maybe I'll say a bit more when my head's stopped spinning. Regards "Jon' from England".
Good meeting you in the refreshments line John. Glad you made it out and had a good time! What do you mean you are scared to come back? Life only gets sweeter my friend! Cheers!
Agreed and I do believe it specifically NEEDS to happen in Oregon or Washington! I know in Oregon there are a few beaches where you can currently drive on the beach (Lincoln City, Gerhart, and Pacifiic City that I know of). But to take it to the next step of being approved and then planning an event like this, I would have no clue. I'm still baffled how Mel and the Oilers accomplished this in New Jersey.
When I said "someone". I was meaning The Oilers should do it.....I'd like to try to do it myself, but I don't want to step on The Oilers toes, rip them off, copy them in any way. Honestly @RainierHooker and I have tossed the idea around. I even tried to scout a location recently he found on a map, But I don't think it's gonna work out on that one. I honestly would love to make something like this happen. I've been on and off again brainstorming about something like this for awhile now (invite only car show in historic back drop) the racing is a whole nother element I would love to include. I just don't know if doing something so similar would be seen as "copied" or "inspired by" Our area certainly has the potential to provide great scenery and has a lot of very traditional cars to draw from.
Great article and fantastic pics. I think its great that they go to so much trouble to make sure this event is as authentic as possible. Some of these pics look so old, someone is going to find them in a few years and post them to the "Vintage Shots Of Days Gone Bye"thread . This event is definatley on my bucket list. Thanks for the well writen article and posting the pics Ryan. Hats off to the Oilers for putting on such a killer event.
The Jalopy Journal
