TThe sound of ground-shaking pushrod engines, the reek of smoking tires, and clouds of burnt oil filled the air as The Race of Gentlemen Santa Barbara Drags turned tranquil beachside Cabrillo Boulevard into a head-to-head showdown strip. As much about camaraderie as the machines, TROG events exemplify the fun of racing and wrenching on well-patinated motorcycles and hot rods. These historic machines are ridden and driven hard, rather than being locked away in a collection, making smoke and smiles just like they did decades ago.
In one swift moment, Lyle the TROG flagman springs up and sets his flags loose as two vintage racers await his signal.
It’s always good to size up the competition to know what you’re up against. A vintage hot rod lines up with a vintage Harley.
