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So, I like to put my 2022 HTC in car shows from time to time. I've even received a few trophies along the way. However, most of the time, trophies go to older "classics", and I understand that (I'm currently restoring a 73, and hope to get her into a few shows later this season). My rant is this: If the inclination of the judges is to award trophies to only or primarily the older cars (as I have been told by a judge or two along the way), then why are these shows being advertised as "Open Shows" (all makes, models, and years)? I believe that if I am paying the same entry fee to compete, then my newer car should be judged on an equal footing as the others. If not, then why are they calling the show an "open show" and accepting my money?
Take this as you will. It’s only an opinion (mine).
You didn’t pay to compete. You paid to support a charity and a club. Open show means anything can be entered. It doesn’t mean the “judges” know anything about anything other than “I like that one”.
For me a car show is a day out, displaying your car and talking with other car owners.
Sometimes I pay entry fees for shows I’m not going to attend to support the charities and keep the hobby alive.
I like car shows but know absolutely nothing about judging and rules. Aren't the newer cars in a different class? If I had to judge a super clean 2022 against a super clean 1972 I think I'm going to lean more towards the 1972.
Just from all the negative posts on here I read about car shows I can't ever see myself entering one.
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There could be so many variables. Maybe if they restored the older classic and it just took a ton of effort and investment and time to bring it to where it is, then maybe the judges and the crowd can see that and appreciate that opposed to just buying the latest and greatest new shiny sports car, but I guess some people can also spend the coin to buy someone else's hard work on a classic restored vehicle as well. Maybe if the judges are older and from an older generation, I guess they could appreciate the cars that they grew up with more so. It's hard to say and sometimes there could be political influence or financial influence or maybe even some bias involved. The main thing that matters is that you are happy and content with your vehicle when you use it and drive it and when you look at it, because sometimes no trophy can provide that same gratification when you are happy with your vehicle even if it doesn't please other people out there. You may cut yourself short if you continue to overload yourself with pressure on always trying to get that trophy because at the end of the day that trophy can be meaningless. Put it this way, your car is already your trophy and achievement if you are content and happy with it without any outside influence/expectations/judgement.
Last edited by Bald Guy; Apr 20, 2025 at 10:53 PM.
I like car shows but know absolutely nothing about judging and rules. Aren't the newer cars in a different class? If I had to judge a super clean 2022 against a super clean 1972 I think I'm going to lean more towards the 1972.
Just from all the negative posts on here I read about car shows I can't ever see myself entering one.
To answer your question, sometimes instead of offering trophies in differing "divisions", the show will do something like "Top 25". Yesterday, my pristine C8, lost a potential "Top 25" trophy to an extremely grimy 2005 Mustang, a beat-up 80's pick-up, and a "Ricer" 2000 Mazda sedan in primer. Now, honestly, there were some pretty nice cars that also got in the top 25, but I have to admit, these three (and a couple of others) really got under my skin...
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If it happens like the judge told you, I tend to agree with you. They should not advertise it as an open show and accept your money. I tend to avoid shows that do not have defined Corvette classes precisely for that reason. I do go to have fun, but expect the same consideration as all the other years of cars.
Your rant is duly noted. I think when it comes to car shows judges tend to look at older vehicles. Those cars are the dreams of builders and most times it takes years to complete them. So the reward for those who’s blood sweat tears and money are car show trophies. New production cars tend to be ignored even though some are customized very well.
I remember entering a brand new 2006 Big Dog Mastiff motorcycle at an open car and bike show and winning first place. To me it didn’t feel right and the look on the faces of guys that had some nice classics wasn’t a welcomed one. I’ve never entered another show with a new car. So let it go
In any respectable Corvette show there will be classes for each generation and sometimes sub classes for convertibles and widebody cars. In open car shows the classes are very limited and do not favor Corvettes. Classes that a Corvette would show in would be something like Sports Car or Car 1992 to Present or Car 1940 to 1960 or Car 1961 to 1991. Those classes may have sub classes such as Muscle Car or Restored Car. I personally very seldom do open car shows.
Take this as you will. It’s only an opinion (mine).
You didn’t pay to compete. You paid to support a charity and a club. Open show means anything can be entered. It doesn’t mean the “judges” know anything about anything other than “I like that one”.
For me a car show is a day out, displaying your car and talking with other car owners.
Sometimes I pay entry fees for shows I’m not going to attend to support the charities and keep the hobby alive.
No way I would put a c8 vette in a classic car show. That being said I enter my 51 GMC at a few favorite shows each summer. I don't expect to win, though. It's nothing special. In fact, it's pretty much stock, and I have friends that actually build cars from the ground up. They deserve all the trophies and prizes. Knowing that, it's still fun to have an old vehicle in these shows. When I see a newer stock vehicle at these shows I kind of shake my head and move on. Sorry new corvette guys. It's just my personal feeling.
Of the few car shows I've attended I just drive whatever car I decided to take and walk around looking at the classics. The modern stuff I see on the roads all the time.
I've never understood entering a recent car in a car show.
So, a guy bought a car. Spent a weekend peeling the backing of a JC Whitney catalog worth of self-adhesive carbon fiber veneer, pressing and holding 30 seconds per piece and printing a "ONE OF ONE" frunk sign.
We're supposed to judge that against a great looking car that is 50 years old with tasteful mods or a restoration, and four out of five of its contemporaries are gone?
I enter mine in car shows. Many, or maybe even most are for charitable purposes, such as Vettes for Vets or whatever. I do not care about winning or a trophy. Some shows will even allow participants to indicate they do not wish to be judged. But, I get a good, safe parking space, and I get to see the other cars and interact with a variety of spectators and car enthusiasts - typically having a great day. That's good enough for me.
not a car show expert here. there's a lot of variation from one event to another. generally speaking, imo an open show means it allows vehicles that aren't necessarily 'classics' to help make it a bigger event and to allow newer more modern car owners to participate and display their rides.
if it's a specialty show just for vettes or other models made by other brands, then awards will be more evenly given to eras and stock vs modified
looking at newer cars at a show is like visiting a dealership lot. nice to see something that might not be too common but otherwise it's a used car lot
Im with the 'participate to support the organization', not to win anything. I know some guys that really compete and want to win, but not at open shows
Take this as you will. It’s only an opinion (mine).
You didn’t pay to compete. You paid to support a charity and a club. Open show means anything can be entered. It doesn’t mean the “judges” know anything about anything other than “I like that one”.
For me a car show is a day out, displaying your car and talking with other car owners.
Sometimes I pay entry fees for shows I’m not going to attend to support the charities and keep the hobby alive.
I like your attitude. Right on! When I attend the Corvette show in Prescott AZ I ask that my car not be judged since all I did was make the payments and drive it to Prescott to meet the other participants and look at cars.
Last edited by Bob Paris; Apr 20, 2025 at 06:01 PM.
I enter mine in car shows. Many, or maybe even most are for charitable purposes, such as Vettes for Vets or whatever. I do not care about winning or a trophy. Some shows will even allow participants to indicate they do not wish to be judged. But, I get a good, safe parking space, and I get to see the other cars and interact with a variety of spectators and car enthusiasts - typically having a great day. That's good enough for me.
I'm the same way, I enter to support the charity not to win a trophy. Heck I don't even clean my windshield or open the engine hatch I just enjoy talking with other car enthusiasts and chatting with friends and hopefully get something good to eat.
Judges are going to be bias, it's in their nature, I try to avoid judging anyone, regardless of the matter, because I don't like being judged. Try not to get your hopes up to high, that way you'll never be disappointed.
I view it as I'm paying for convenient parking where I can get out of the car and I'm at the car show. However, it seems like some shows are cranking up the entry fees. One this past weekend was $60 for no good reason that I could see ($30 for motorcycles). I'm not paying $60 to park especially where admission for the public is free. Shouldn't it be the other way around? Without the cars, there's no show for the public to attend.
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Car Show Rant
