Geez, why do I feel like this thread was directed at me, after my Facebook post?
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that competition at car shows i’m sure can be as fierce as any professional sport out there. And each and every judge's interests and perspectives can vary, but everyone wants to win – and that drive is what makes for some of the most stunning vehicles we as enthusiasts have ever seen. But I believe a line must be drawn. I want to say I don’t care because right now I have nothing worth showing off, but I can relate to that feeling of disappointment when a car like yours which you recently purchased right off the showroom floor takes home a large trophy just because it’s nice and new.
We all started somewhere when it comes to this hobby, and there's generations after generations who are struggling to build second hand cars on part time jobs and college budgets. Hell I’m a grown adult still trying to build a project in my parents driveway for pennies, it would hurt my feelings too that my personal pride and joy whatever it may be (which to many may just be seen as a polished turd) lost to a $60k car I can go to the dealership and oogle over that has nothing more than a driveshaft and meticulous detailing. I’m not trying to make a personal jab at you Brian, but in the end I think it is kind of messed up.
I’m not saying “ban all new cars from car shows” I get that with the exception of Concours-level shows which apply point systems, most of this stuff is subjective. Again I just don't think it adds up. Personally, if I saw that happen regularly at any car show I frequent, I would lose interest real fast. It boils down to having fair and balanced classes for attendees, not for the sponsoring car club’s membership and that includes even and fair period/era/decade classes.