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Occasionally, the task of judging a show comes my way. I certainly don't seek the job out but sometimes no one steps up, and, if I may toot my own horn, I'm faster, fairer and more knowledgeable than most. Only in American Classics, though. I'm clueless about JDM, European, moderns, or big trucks.
I prefer to keep it simple. Top 30, 40, etc with no places. The size of the show and available money dictates the award quantity. The balance between awards for modern cars vs classics, cars vs trucks, foreign vs domestic, original vs modified should be reflected in the amount of those vehicles overall in the show. Spreading the wealth around makes everyone (or most people) happy.
Unless it's a concours or national points (MCA for example) show, there is no need for a points system, detailed categories, or full walk-around. First I pick the ones that have, what I call, the "IT" factor. They are stunning from 20 feet away, doesn't matter what it is. Quality and overall appearance is first class. Second, is a balance of really nice vehicles. These are the ones I need to look closer at and take a quick walk around.
I write all my picks down and go decipher the overall balance. Of course, I'll do a third or fourth walk through just to make sure I didn't miss anything and double check my choices. I also ask a few close friends for recommendations. A second set of eyes is never a bad thing.
So the next time you attend a judged show, just because you didn't see a judge doesn't mean your vehicle wasn't seen. Also, just because the hosting club or mc knows the winners, doesn't mean their vehicle isn't deserving. The car community is very small, most of us know one another.
Enjoy the shows and take the award process with a grain of salt. It's nice to be acknowledged but having a great time is what it's all about.
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