Just Wondering what kind of judging criteria went into this show? Was it based on cleanliness? Mods? etc? Did all the cars even get judged...the show had a great turnout...but the judgeing left many contestants with a sour feeling...I knwo of several cars in attendance that have receieved best in show or 1st place awards in their classes yet were beaten by cars that were clearly inferior at any points based judged event. We were warned before attending how bad the judging was a this show...and I guess we were told correctly. Also ...no Ford Mustang Class...i counted upwards of 20 mustangs? No late model mopar class? Great show...just womdering what kind of judging actually took place.

(initial reply below posted by: Scott / Moderator)

Dear Phinfan,  Your questions regarding judging are valid and worthy of a response, however I originally elected to not post your comments on the "guest book" forum.  The only reason I chose to not post this is that I didn't want to open the "flood gates" for complaints every time someone feels they've either been cheated, or that the judging at a car show was unfair.  I did however, pass along your email to the appropriate persons who would have any control over this matter.

It is my understanding that the judging was done by other "car people", so those would be the people that you would have to impress.  This was not a "points" show, but I do not know what particular criteria was used by the individual judges.  With over 500 cars, you do realize that judging a car show of this size is not going to be without flaws, and it certainly won't always please everyone.  It is even possible the car you mention could have been missed, but not likely.  There were SO many nice cars there, that a lot of cars that would normally win trophies, did not.  There just simply weren't enough trophies for all the qualified show cars to go around.  But I can also tell you that someone ALWAYS complains at EVERY show regarding judging!  It ALWAYS happens. 

I appreciate your effort to discuss the issue, but I don't want to turn my web site into a battle ground for everyone who feels cheated at a show, or has complaints.

As I said though, I appreciate your concerns and I have forwarded your comments to the people who have control over the judging, which I do not...and wish to remain neutral.  I hope you understand.

Thank you for your time and understanding, and for visiting the web site. 

Sincerely,  Scott

UPDATE:  I decided the back and forth dialog that continues below may actually be beneficial to this matter, and have decided to post this dialog for informational purposes.  But as I stated, the purpose of this forum in not to vent complaints about every show by those who feel somehow cheated.  The reply below should answer most of the questions regarding these issues.

Dear Phinfan,

(reply below posted by: Phinfan)

I actually did not have a car in the show..however I know many of the people that did...Mustang people, Truck People, Mopar People, Vette people etc etc...I happen to know more of the Mopar and Ford guys...now that I know only some of the cars were judged I can pass that along...that makes much more sense...there was alot of chatter on several boards I frequent regarding how the judging took place..and more than one person mentioned to me that the judges all won awards at the last show...I didnt show my car...and no I dont show up for a trophy at any show I attend...but I also like to see the best car win and walking around the show and then seeing some of the winners, I could clearly see that in many cases there were superior cars in the same classes.. When I see a well put together car and then see other cars in the same class win above them it just seems strange...well it was obvious that was not the case. I have judged in many Ford and Mopar events myself...so I know what a show quality car is. I was unaware by just walking through which cars were in the first 300 and which were in teh show and which were not..however I do know several people that were in the 400-500# range that were told they were paying their 10 to be in teh "judged" show...so i will pass along the fact that it was not the case...it is good to know that now. When you put blood sweat and tears into your car....you exect teh decency of being judged whether you win or not...and if you are not judged,...the decency to know that fact..and if you are jusged and dont win the reasons why another car is superior so you can work and make your ride better. Thats how the shows I ahve been  invloved with work.
As far as my mustang class comment..it seemed odd to have just a catch all latemodel ford class...and then a zillion vette classes..that is all.  Just a suggestion for the future...if you build it they will come...and maybe a mustang and latemodel class will bring out even more fords and stangs...as far as Mopar...I think w the resurgance of Trucks, Hemi cars etc again that would bring out another group of cars. Just some ideas..you have answered my questions and alot of other people's as well..most just wont speak up..so i decided to ask. The show had a great turnout and was a fun time w fellowship w car people...just wasnt sure how some of it worked that was all..thanks

Everything you said was absolutely true.........the reason we had so many Corvette classes is that they asked for them before they came to the show.........we had over 75 Corvettes and naturally not that many Fords that could be in the same class...........the $10.00 people that came in late were told that they would be exhibition only............to which they all agreed ! Could you imagine if you came early...........and they gave a trophy to a guy that comes in a hour before the show ends..............pure havoc.

Russ G