The Casco Bay show at Pine Tree Academy in Freeport was quite different this year. Last year, I was disappointed that we won. Yes, you heard that correctly. It was a judged show, by points, but the judges last year were lax, and in a true points show, my car should never have won. It simply is not a "points" car, and I know it.
This year was greatly improved (though some folks were not happy that it was a strict points show). But as a points show, this one was bordering on exceptional. They were almost too strict. I saw the sheets the judges had to use, and it was even more comprehensive than the standard. If your car was not perfect, you should not be disappointed if you did not win. In a points show, perfection is sought.
The field was well laid out, as usual, and well planned. Organization was the key, and this show was well organized. And the hosts did not intentionally permit any "jumping the fence" - those who tried it were moved to appropriate classes quickly. That, too, was as it should be. The hosts understood the value of class integrity. And the judges were thorough, and if there was any bias, it did not show. (If I didn't know any better, I'd think they were readers of this blog!)
But nothing is perfect, and neither was this show. There was one obvious, and in my opinion serious flaw that is easily corrected for next year - some of the judges were "handlers". I'll be frank (if Frank doesn't mind): judges are not supposed to touch any part of any vehicle at any time. If the judge cannot see something, then he/she is to simply not apply any points in that category. Judge only what you can see without touching. If the doors are not open, then do not give full points for interior - only what you can see. But do not open the doors! And do not climb in and make yourself comfy, as I observed two judges doing. If the hood is not open, do not give any points for the engine compartment. Do not open the hood without the owner's permission.
I saw judges run their hands on the inside of bumpers, where dirt accumulates, then ran those same gritty hands over the rain-soaked finish. A serious no-no.
Judges: do not touch any part of any vehicle at any time, for any reason. You may ask the owner, if present, to open things for you. Otherwise, you do not give points for things you cannot observe.
Other than this one flaw, I found the Pine Tree Academy show to be otherwise nearly flawless. I'll be back next year, even though I do not own a "points worthy" vehicle :o)
P.S. One reader did make a good point: The Academy should seriously consider including a class for CUSTOMS next year. The lack of such a class today caused problems with at least one or two fine vehicles, and resulted in a class "mis-match" that was unfair to some.
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3 comments:
I couldn't agree more, the show was very organized, so they deserve credit for that. But the one major flaw, as you have already mentioned, were the judges. My vehicle had doors, hood, and trunk open for the judges to view every detail they needed to see. I noticed that vehicles in my category were not prepared like I was. I seen the judges opening doors themselves to see interior. Also as you mentioned, those vehicles should have lost points rather then coming in a higher place then myself. I also seen the judges taking pens and hands to touch the exterior of my vehicle. One more thing myself and many others did not seem to like was the fact that some of the judges had there vehicles in the show.
Judges should not be allowed to receive a trophy or even put their cars in the show if they are judging. That to me is unfair.
I also agree with the well organized and friendly staff of Pine Tree Academy, Well Done!!! But Judges no makey touchy my car..
And I Repeat myself..(Note the Punctuation)
The only other Complaint I have is the Fact that a 1949/50 Merc, Slammed/ Shaved/ Chopped/ Dropped/ Nosed/ Hammered/ Et Al was given a third place trophy in Street Rods
This is a Custom, By Law and definition put forth by the State of Maine and By Definition of the National Street Rod Association
"Street Rod is a Vehicle built prior to and including the 1948 model year."
"Custom is a Vehicle that is at least 30 years old and built after and including the 1949 model year."
The Merc was deserving of a trophy, just not in that class.
Many shows have seen the error of their ways over the years and have included Customs in the Class Lists of their shows
Maybe Pine tree Academy needs to include this class next year, so they won't get fed to the lions
The Road Scholar
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