We’re all lovers of speed, engineering and competition. From ancient Roman chariots to modern day Formula 1, racing invigorates our soul and piques our curiosity. While the Golden Era of racing will forever be debated, there’s no doubt that beach races in the 1940’s and 1950’s captivated thousands of young people. When the war ended in 1945 many young people were able to relax, goods were cheap and jobs were plentiful which meant more time for fun. For some, that meant a bit of racing. Now, that rebel feeling of speed lives on through a few special events around the world.
The Race of Gentlemen (T.R.O.G)
On the beaches of Wildwood, NJ thousands of people gather each year to celebrate and preserve a bit of American racing history. The Race of Gentlemen began in 2012 on the beaches of Asbury Park, New Jersey. With a long history of beach racing, New Jersey is known for a wild 1-mile race in Cape Bay during the summer of 1905. These days, T.R.O.G. celebrates those early times gathering vintage motor enthusiasts and spectators for a 1/8-mile drag race and car show.
Normandy Beach Race
Inspired by the Race of Gentleman in New Jersey, the Normandy Beach Race beckons back to a similar era but from the other side of the Atlantic. Held on the historic French beach, this gathering of motorheads is lead by three friends from the suburbs of Paris, Thomas Hervé, Jean-Marc Lazzari and Marc Félix. As seasoned participants of other vintage races, these tree friends came together to create an amazing event in Normandy which showcases an international love of vintage racing.
Rømø Motor Festival
Dating back to 1912, the island of Fanø in Denmark was home to a legendary beach race with brave daredevils driving cars from Mercedes, Citröen, Fiat, Opel and more. A spectacle for many years, the race sadly ended in 1924 with the tragic death of a 15 year old boy who was stuck by a loose tire. Now after many years, the spirit of those races have come back to life. The Romo Motor Festival on Lakolk Beach, Denmark brings together hundreds of pre-WWII cars and motorcycles in stunning fashion.
Moto Beach Classic
A bit more modern take on vintage beach racing, the Moto Beach Classic celebrates the motorcycle lifestyle and surf scene of Southern California. Joining various elements of racing and music, this beach party beckons back to the 50’s but also showcases what’s happening now in the scene.
While all of these annual events celebrate what we love about racing and remind us of a time when things were simpler and when being bad…felt a little good
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