I don't have very much experience with Judged Car Shows.
I have been in 3 shows. What I have seen is weird and
perplexing. The more amature shows have judges who in my
way of thinking have little or no knowlege of automobiles.
I have seen bone stock cars winning trophys and cars with
extensive work done to them nothing. Cars (new) off the
show room floor winning. That's 2010 and 2011 models, I
even saw a 2012 caddy win a class. What;s going on??????
I can see I am missing something. There are alot of guys
putting in their blood ,sweat and tears in a project and O
recognition. And don't forget the money. I have spent $80,000
on my vette. But a guy can buy a ZR-1 and he's a hero.
I go around and talk to the owners and check out their rides.
Alot of cool cars out there. But half the time when I ask
" Did you build it??" I get "NO I bought it" Someone else
slaved to make the car sweet. No problem with that, there
are good reasons to just buy someone's master piece. But
to take credit for some one elses work. It makes a mockery
of the whole show. The owner gladly takes the trophy knowing
he did not do anything other than have a fat bank roll.
I don't know whether I will continue with these shows.
I am perplexed by how you win.
I guess I should footnote that I enter these things to support
a club and I do have alittle fun although after I have seen
the cars and talk to everybody I get bored.
It's just weird how these cars are judge.
I know what some will say just don't go--I am thinking
about that.
But my questions are not about me but all the guys that
work hard and not getting any credit.
Comments????

 

I attend shows for the enjoyment of meeting other car enthusiasts. I enjoy modifying my C5 for my enjoyment. However I agree that many judged contests are political and results can simply be driven by the number of club members present.

When I decide to spend thousands on performance or cosmetic mods, I don't do it to win a $15 plastic trophy. If I win, great. If not, that's OK as we'll.

 

Quit whining, it's just a car show and go for the enjoyment instead. Contribute to whatever charity it's holding the event for and don't worry who get's the plastic trophy. If you think your car is more worthy, keep it to yourself.

And don't go if it troubles you this much.

The rest of us just go to enjoy the company of like minded gearheads.

 

I have been going to shows for over 6 years now and no two shows are a like. As far as judging goes it really depends on who is putting on the show. If it is put on by a car show promoter the judging is usually better then one put on by a club. Not saying that clubs cannot judge a show, but there will be a difference. There are also shows that are put on my promoters or groups that are gear more to older cars (n hot rods and muscle cars) so newer models do not do well. Also if the show is participant judge show, it is usually those that have more friends entered and you will see they will win most of the awards.
If you are concerned with winning then you need make sure that the show you attend has the cars broken up in to multiple class so you are competing with like vehicles. As for someone that bought a car all done and show ready, is just the way it goes, a judge does not know or care who did the work. They are judging the vehicle.
Another think to remember is that if you are attend a show many of the people there have been doing this for sometime and although it should not have a effect on it, but it does, the judges remember the cars and they may not look at as close as they do a new comer and judge it higher then yours from seeing many times.
Last think to remember is to go to the show to enjoy a day out with other car people, meet new friends and have fun. If you win great, if not don't loose sleep over it.

 

There is no rhyme or reason to car show judging. Every show is different. I just go to enjoy myself and don't spend 15 seconds worrying over whether I'll win a $5.00 plastic trophy of not.

 

Club shows are many times judged by other participants of the show. Many of the shows I've attended, they give you a ballot with spots to put your three favorite cars.

Lots of guys vote for themselves and two of their buddies. Whatever...an 8" X 10" plaque wont change my world one iota.

Just go and enjoy the time with other people that share the same interest as you.

 

 

Each car show is different from the last. When I go, I just go to check out other peoples vettes and try to get new ideas for mine. If I win anything (which I never have), thats cool, but if I don't win, I enjoyed my day around other cool cars and my friends who go with.

Go for the fun of the show, not to win something.

 

There are all types of car enthusiasts in the world, just because someone prefers to buy rather than build does not make them any less of a car guy.. Personally I like to work on my own cars however still appreciate any ones ride irregardless of how they obtained it. I think most car show judges look at the car as a finished project and not who built it.. So go to the shows and have fun!!

 

 

Like has been said, all shows are different. Some are judged by car show participants, some by the spectators, and some by appointed judges. Personally, I like the shows that are judged by participants. They seem to be the most knowledgeable about cars. However, I have never been to a car show where I didn't enjoy myself. Just being around fellow car guys (and gals), taking in all the beautiful sights makes for an enjoyable day.

When it comes to judging, it can vary dramatically. Sometimes, a super clean stock vehicle will win over a highly modified car.

The trend I see in car shows in my area is to lump all cars together (instead of having various classes for type of vehicle or age) and just give trophies for best paint, best engine, best interior and best of show.

 

 

I have been to many shows and i have won some and lost some but guess what the days i won i had a blast but the days i lost i had just as much fun, we all go for the enjoyment of it all. Me myself love to see other beautiful cars and meet new people, the $5.00 trophy it's nice to get but it doesn't make the day any better or any worst, just enjoy the event and don't worry about a $5.00 trophy!

 

It's a tough crowd here . I was not whinning just asking a
question. I can still do that ????
Right?????

 

Ask away - - answers may not be what your looking for...

You've been around awhile, see your retired and all...ya gotta know by now these local car shows are all subjective...right????
Right????

Maybe with the exception of NCRS Judged show....

The shows I look for are the ones that give a participant trophy - - that way I'm guaranteed a trophy

 

most of our local shows support local charities and that is why most of us participate in addition to just hanging out with fellow club members and the other "regulars" who do these shows. the shows that our club puts on (2 a year) we prohibit judging of our club member's cars (and the members all know it in advance so there are no misconceptions). our members are given prime parking spots at the event so they can be just as proud of their displays as the judged cars, but they are not judged (or even mentioned when trophies are given out).

 

Good idea.

 

I have been to alot of shows but only "showed" 3 times so not much experience staying through the whole show and judges. I did the
3 shows to help out charitys or clubs. Still learning.

 

An every day car show and a Type 1 Corvette show are worlds apart. Check for judging rules and classes at www.wscc.ws

 

I attend a lot of shows, I just like them. A few years ago I had a 1979 L-48 bone stock (Survivor) Barn Find Corvette that I worked on for 15 years and won a lot of trophies and finally a NCRS second flight award. But that was then and I'd never restore a car to NCRS standards ever again, But I'l always be a member. But I like just meeting "Corvette Folks" and I'm always enjoyed a show no matter what. But the bone stock cars have a distinct category that's open to them only. A show is a show.