car show opinions
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,263
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From: Paducah Kentucky
car show opinions
I never go to a show expecting to win anything, I go to enjoy meeting people and looking at the cars people have put there pride and joy into. So the question is when you go to a show and the participants vote, you always have some people that vote for each other. WHATS everybody's take on have a vette show judged by 3 individuals from the corvette plant . Would you attend a show like this or does everyone like to vote on what they thinks best. I personally think that when participants vote the shows usually turn into a popularity contest. So tell me what you think.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,700
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From: Oklahoma city Oklahoma
I have been to and entered many shows. I think participant judged show are more fair. If only 3 people are judging than they are looking for the same things on each car. But if it is by many people you stand a better chance of impressing several single peopel with what you have. JMO.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 428
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From: Eagle River AK
St. Jude Donor '10, '13
I guess it could go either way on the voting, if you have a selected panel of judges, they are usually all from the same club or group putting on the show and they will "usually" vote for the guys they know or there friends, and if you have a participant judged show it could kinda go the same way, depending on how big the show is - people are funny, you can never really tell what they are gonna do. Like you said, go to the show to have a good time, meet new people and see some cool cars - not to mention show people what you have done to your ride to make it yours!
Just my opinion
Just my opinion
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
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From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Do both... peoples choice and have a separate Celebrities choice trophy or series of trophies.....
Most people prefer to compete against like Vettes so have trophies by generations at least and if you can stock, modified (mechanical) custom( cosmetic /bling)
Most people prefer to compete against like Vettes so have trophies by generations at least and if you can stock, modified (mechanical) custom( cosmetic /bling)
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,487
Likes: 5
From: Naples Florida
No matter how you judge it there will be a few individuals that will be upset that they did not win. There have been posts lately from people that can't believe that their car was not recognized as the best corvette at the show.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 352
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From: Copperas Cove Texas
It's my humble opinion that Car Shows are just that SHOWS!!! Go SHOW OFF your car and enjoy the conversation and the weather!!! If you get something it will just be icing on the cake!!!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,487
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From: Naples Florida
Really, a bunch of really nice cars, lots of vettes, great people, usually nice weather, food and drink. How could you not have a nice time? But a few will ruin it because they did not get a 6 dollar plastic trophy.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,135
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From: Joplin, MO, USA
It's all political-we have a '96 convertible, 8000 miles, mint, have entered several shows, haven't won a thing-we figured that we don't have a fancy sign, no little cars to put on our intake, no stuffed animals, nothing special to go with the car, but we still have a lot of fun!!!
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,487
Likes: 5
From: Naples Florida
It's all political-we have a '96 convertible, 8000 miles, mint, have entered several shows, haven't won a thing-we figured that we don't have a fancy sign, no little cars to put on our intake, no stuffed animals, nothing special to go with the car, but we still have a lot of fun!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,719
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From: Los Angeles Ca
My input: Participants choice is a bad idea period, if you go that route it will never be fair, if it's judged by members of the club giving the show, make sure those member are not in the show, it still can get political because clubs help other clubs???? I think for a show to be fair you should have people judge that are not associated with corvettes at all and give them a judging sheet to go by, plus show them what to look for, i think you do want them all looking for the same thing ie clean exterior/paint and body, clean interior, clean engine and overall look. the last one can get opinionated, but it's not about the mods you have but about how well maintained the car is, also hae a stock class and a modified class. If all this is done right I think it can be fair to all. JMO
Last edited by Alcee1; Sep 15, 2008 at 08:48 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,995
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From: Fort Wayne IN
I've been to many car shows both all corvette and mixed shows and could care less about winning a plaque or trophy. My car is clean but average as C5's go. Besides, what do you do with all those cheap plasticy plaques anyway? I've got a few but have given many away or pitched them. I'd much rather win a door prize where I get to pick a car care product or at least something halfway decent. To me a car show is a good time to meet others, socialize, and drink beer. $.02 deposited.
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I have attended many, many shows and I much prefer the ones that are judged by impartial people. Participant judging usually ends up being a popularity contest like you say. I'm not saying that it is always that way, but I've seen it too many times.
That being said, while it is nice to win a trophy for your hard work, the fun factor is what counts.
That being said, while it is nice to win a trophy for your hard work, the fun factor is what counts.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 681
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From: Carson City MI
I go to car shows to WIN... I want the best door prize there..!! I don't care about the trophies anymore. Have won many with my C3 but have seen too much politics in the past few years. Clubs all voting for each other makes it kind of hollow. I just enjoy the music and environment and often leave before they pass out the hardware. I get the most enjoyment just sitting behind my car watching young kids get all excited over my Vette. Some of the best shows I go to don't even give out trophies. 
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 28
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From: Long Beach California
My input: Participants choice is a bad idea period, if you go that route it will never be fair, if it's judged by members of the club giving the show, make sure those member are not in the show, it still can get political because clubs help other clubs???? I think for a show to be fair you should have people judge that are not associated with corvettes at all and give them a judging sheet to go by, plus show them what to look for, i think you do want them all looking for the same thing ie clean exterior/paint and body, clean interior, clean engine and overall look. the last one can get opinionated, but it's not about the mods you have but about how well maintained the car is, also hae a stock class and a modified class. If all this is done right I think it can be fair to all. JMO
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
If you go to a car show to win a trophy, you'll come home disappointed. Go to enjoy the show for what it is, a gathering of cars, car owners and car enthusiasts (the former not always being the latter).
The best shows I've been to are the shows that don't give out any awards...maybe a recognition for being there, contributing to the sponsored charity. Cruise in events are better than car shows in that regard.
The worst shows I've been to (over ten years of building frame off modified tri five cars) are those judged by participants. They vote for their friends.
Or, those judged by spectators..."I'm going to vote for that car because it's the color of my boyfriends first car."...with no regard for the quality, workmanship, creativity and love of the hobby.
I found that having other non participating clubs do the judging seemed to yield the most fair results for all participants.
The best shows I've been to are the shows that don't give out any awards...maybe a recognition for being there, contributing to the sponsored charity. Cruise in events are better than car shows in that regard.
The worst shows I've been to (over ten years of building frame off modified tri five cars) are those judged by participants. They vote for their friends.
Or, those judged by spectators..."I'm going to vote for that car because it's the color of my boyfriends first car."...with no regard for the quality, workmanship, creativity and love of the hobby.
I found that having other non participating clubs do the judging seemed to yield the most fair results for all participants.
Last edited by hotwheels57; Sep 15, 2008 at 06:42 PM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,515
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From: Gig Harbor WA
This thread reminds of the current presidential campaign: all personality and no addressal of issues and resolving them! 
Regarding car shows, I've participated in many over the years. When in charge putting them together, I always used impartial judges. The most successful I found were state troopers or local police. Some good community relations were achieved, and judging was "by the book" and fair.
Regarding car shows, I've participated in many over the years. When in charge putting them together, I always used impartial judges. The most successful I found were state troopers or local police. Some good community relations were achieved, and judging was "by the book" and fair.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,263
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From: Paducah Kentucky
Thanks for the input everyone. Just wanted to know what everyones thoughts were. We have been approached by corvette plant employees with show experience and they have all been involved with modified cars so thats a plus. Also they have no club affiliation. It was brought up by them to be guest judges.
