I don't think I was at the 2005 Mopar Madness show (was that a Langley Speedway show?). From all that's mentioned, I do believe the show in question was in fact a Virginia show sponsored by the Tidewater Mopar Club. Camjam is correct on the judging system. there are a panel of 4 to 5 judges looking at categories such as paint/body, engine/engine compartment, interior, wheels/chasis. And yes, there is a VERY SMALL percentage of points that are given for presentation and there is a category for it. I do know that yes, members can & do enter their cars in the judging at TMC sponsored shows and members sometimes do judge cars in their class, but DO NOT judge their own cars. It would be nearly impossible for a member with a superiority complex to have enough pull to sway the outcome of a show. The member would only be one judge of 4 or 5 and these shows are usually pretty big and draw large crowds. There are often upwards of 200 cars entered into the judging. The judging panel often switches out members due to the large amounts of cars and time involved in the judging process. Maybe judging cars in your own division isn't considered a wise choice (and I do agree with that). But I do know the members of TMC. I know these folks spend literally untold thousands of hours working to restore a club project automobile that ends up being raffled off for charity (King's Daughter Childrens Hospital). We are a non-profit club and the members get absolutely no benefit in doing this other than the reward of knowing they may have helped a family that may not have been able to afford hospital care for their child. They are in the club for the love of the hobby and to help others. Mopar Madness is one our biggest shows. I know the members are straight up fair folks. I have judged at these shows and spent hours sweating in the hot sun, crawled on my hands and knees to look at chasis and undercarriage and even gone back to a previously judged car to recompare on a close call because I was trying to be fair and I've see all these judges do the same in the name of fairness. I benefitted nothing as a judge, only sore knees and sunburn. Was I there in 2005, I don't think so. Was there a biased judge, maybe, but I doubt it, but as I stated above, I seriously doubt that he could have swayed the entire judging process to win the show and I am sure if he was biased, he already knew the info I have mentioned here, so his efforts to sway (if they existed) would have been futile. The shows benefit our charities and are for those that love the sport. I certainly hope there was no judge rigging at the mentioned show. If I had more information or any proof I would gladly bring it to the attention of the board. I am sorry that a cc.com member here had a bad experience and sorry that I just now read this. I've had them too at various shows. I also know it is hard to please everyone and ultimately there are always sore feelings at these events even with the best and most professional judging. I am not a TMC board member, but On behalf of the TMC I offer my most sincere apologies. This upcoming show (August 2008) should be an awesome time and I can assure everyone that enters their car for judging that no judge will judge his own car and the judging will be fair and impartial. Any issues or questions or details concerning judging rules or club membership can be addressed to the club at
www.tidewatermoparclub.com they will gladly answer all of your questions, because I surely don't have them all. And I hate cotton and stuffed animals at shows!!!
Oh and Chris, you must have been wearing dark glasses when you saw my Challenger. Thanks for the compliment!!
Matt B.
