The Race of Gentlemen
Meldon Van Riper Stultz III could give Dos Equis’ most interesting man in the world a run for his money. From creating a legendary music venue (in a bowling alley no less), to helming one of the most authentic wheeled races in the country -- life isn't boring if you're hanging out with Mel.
Q: Your life has a deep intersection with music – and bringing underground communities together. How did you turn a bowling alley into one of Asbury’s most non-traditional place to see shows?
A: Since birth I was exposed to music, my father was a drummer, and vinyl records were always spun in our living room. I too started playing drums when I was 14 or 15 years old. I played in a few early punk rock bands and music was my life, so much so I thought it would be what I do for a living. I soon replaced my playing instruments with cars and motorcycles. That was about the time I created the Asbury Lanes, where I meshed all my loves. After a few years of promoting non stop rock and roll, I grew tired and removed myself from my scene. About a year later, craving action once again... I created T.R.O.G. This was my type of living, work once a year, not every day.
Q: The Oilers Car Club dates back over 70 years – and their proverbial keys were handed to you. How did that come about?
A: I was deep in what we call "traditional" hot Rodding, as opposed to the craze of "rat rods". So, my friend and I wrote to our heroes who once had a racing club, not just a hot rod club. Those original Oilers quit racing once speed equipment started to get progressive. Bring the antiquated speed demons we were, they thought it a natural choice to hand us over the club. Between Asbury Lanes, and T.R.O.G. I ran a drag strip I converted into a vintage dream. So, while having this opportunity, the oilers saw the natural fit. The rest is history! Most outside early racing didn't know the Original Oilers, but T.R.O.G. sure put us all out into the world for all to know. That was an honor to us younger guns.
Q. You’ve built up (and sold) an impressive collection of 2 and 4-wheeled rides over the years. Tell us about your favorites.
A. I'm a maniac, I need to learn and love something to death, then grow tired and bored once everyone else is hip to my likes... then I ditch and split, find a new love. Latest, a 1960 Porsche 356 with a newly built race motor. I can't get enough... I've had so many bikes and early Fords... all lots of fun!
Q. You started The Race of Gentlemen – modeled after a 1-mile race on the Jersey Shore’s Cape May that dates back 120 years. That’s one hell of a history. What is it about beach racing that keeps riders and onlookers coming back?
A. I feel most women and children do not love a greasy old racetrack, put them on the beach and their flavor changes. Who doesn't like the beach and the smell of salt air? Most men have their getaways to tracks, but at T.R.O.G. - their families want in too!
I love the uncertainty of it all, weird conditions, chaos, I love it... I don't want to open a gate and flip the lights on. Boring! I grew up on the beach, so this is all my life's destiny. Cars, bikes, beach, rock and roll. What else is there?
Q. DIY is programmed in your DNA. What does it mean to you?
A. Again, I hate monotony, and grow bored with everything, even myself. I'm the guy at the bar overhearing conversations of people saying, “I don't know how.” I normally butt in and say, “like this!” (Ha, usually never having done it before.) Learning and making mistakes is fun.
Q. Your life is full of stories. If you had to sum it up for your tombstone, what would it say?
A. “Not while I have my senses, will I compare anything to the delight of a friend.” It’s also tattooed on my neck. My stories are wild, and real, and fun... but my grandfathers could tell some stories, so I'm just an amateur.
The Race Of Gentlemen takes place October 1-4, 2026. Check TheRaceOfGentlemen.com or Instagram @t.r.o.g._official.
Photo credit: Robbie Jeffers