Don't B.S. The JudgesPerpetrating is often a problem at shows. Judges have a keen eye and knowledge when it comes to differentiating between the real or fake products. Andy Goodman, coordinator of the NCCA (National Custom Car Association) has been affiliated with a number of venues including Hot Import Nights, Import Wars, Metro Autoshow, IAS (SEMA), and Funk Master Flex car show. Goodman understands it is critical for his staff to be updated and aware of any trends and changes in the import car industry. Classes, seminars, and instructional courses are all mandatory for judges or new prospective juges; those hoping to become a judge in the NCCA. "We go so far as to match VIN numbers on the side of the cars to see if the interior matches up with the correct color code. Our judges aren't messing around here. We take our jobs dead serious," says Goodman.
Know Your Role And Shut Your Mouth!Don't talk too much. Judges need time to look over your car with a fine-toothed comb to ensure a fair showing for all competitors. There is nothing more frustrating to a judge than a vehicle owner jumping in and out of his or her way or starting up a booty contest on top of the car.
Judges at times will ask participants how they obtained a certain product or ask questions if something is not fully understood, so be ready to answer any questions with full knowledge of your vehicle. Point out things that are only worth mentioning, not irrelevant. Don't start ranting on and on about a ported head, ported intake and pistons. Sure, they sound nice, but don't serve any purpose to the judge because much of the engine internals can't be seen. Rather, have dyno sheets or time slips available, proving your engine is more than a junkyard special.
Know Where To Draw The LineIs there such a thing as overkill for a show car? You'd better believe it! "An overly cluttered vehicle takes away from the cars natural appeal. I like to call those competitors the ones with 'identity crisis;' where they try to do too many things at once. Keep it sweet and simple. That's the key" states Le."
Whiners Will Never Be Winners No one likes a whiner! Bitching and crying at the judges that your car didn't place won't solve the problem. If you feel there was a problem in scoring or you feel your car should have won a specific category, don't go running up to the scoring booth demanding a recount. This isn't some California Gubernatorial election and the judges aren't using hanging chads. Sanctioned events will keep the judging sheets on all the cars for their records months after a particular show has ended. "If a show competitor wants to view their score sheets, they should feel free to contact us a week after the show and we will gladly fax over their score sheets giving them a breakdown of their points," states Mainstream Productions (Import Showoff) Coordinator William Law.
Are Shows Rigged?"We want to clear up any misconceptions that competitors or spectators might have on judging a show," states Goodman. Many of the top shows such as Extreme Autofest hire an outside source, namely the ICSA (International Car Show Association) to judge their year round venues. Obtaining an outside source to judge any particular show minimizes accusations that awards have been staged or rigged. Keep in mind, judging is a tedious job. At any typical show there are more than 200 cars present, vying to win the coveted first place trophy. Judges will meticulously look over each individual car to score and rank them according to the cars overall appearance and unique qualities that separate them from other show cars. The typical judge has been in the industry and has vast knowledge and would know each part accordingly.
What Do Judges Expect From Competitors?The more a car is well rounded in visual and aesthetics, the more points are awarded. But also keep in mind it's the judge's job to find as many flaws on a show car as possible. Don't give the judges any reason to deduct points from your score sheet. Many judges have stated they would like competitors to prep and clean their cars well before a show, rather than doing a full wax and detail job at the show. "A competitor expects the cars to be judged without bias so we as judges expect the competitor to be well prepared, not cleaning their cars five minutes before showtime," states Montgomery.
In closing students, pay attention to your surroundings. It's a good chance the same judges that scored your vehicle will be back to judge your car at the next show. Pay close attention to what judges are focusing on and utilize that information to better prepare yourself the next time you enter an event. Take the time to talk to judges after an event and study up on your scoring sheets. I guarantee if you follow the same rules and regulations that sanctioned events focus on, you'll be taking home first place in no time. Now your homework for tonight is to review each of these and pick up ICSA's rule book for free at the next car show. These resources will offer additional rules as well as revisions for the upcoming 2004 season. Class dismissed!