I received the following email from someone with the handle "perinator". I regret to say that he is absolutely correct, and it is sad that some folks are getting out of car shows simply because they are rigged. For years I fought the "good ol' boys" racket in Maine's car shows, and came to the conclusion that no one really cared if the shows were honest or not. At least they did not care enough to help change it. So here is "perinator's" email, unedited:
"I felt compelled to write a long overdue note and wasn't sure who to send it to. Since I don't know of many blogs that deal with car shows, I settled upon yours.
"I've been on the car show scene for only a few years now. When I decided to participate, I was excited at the prospect of showing my car. I'm certainly not in it for the wins, nor am I in the "good ole boys club" that seems to be a running theme at each event. However, it has become very apparent that these events are basically a popularity contest.
"In the June Windham event, I was appalled to find that the biggest award of the day went to a certain Monte Carlo. Really people? Out of all the cars at the show that day, that was the best of the best? Apparently this award was voted on by graduating members of Duane Clarke's class, for whom the event was named. They felt that this car personified what car Duane would most love to be riding in today. I was disgusted by this because I believe that people on the committee were friends of the winners and that was a big plus. I was quite disappointed, but moved on.
"HOWEVER, in having just attended the Oxford show at New Balance, I can't help but be completely turned off by this "sport". When the awards were handed out, I was quite confused when I heard that a 2006 Ford Fusion won 3rd place in the "80's and Up" Division. Since I couldn't remember that particular vehicle, I made it a point to go check it out after the awards ceremony. In that class, I found a station wagon with wood grain that everyone seemed to remember from their youth. It was in very nice condition for the year and certainly brought back a lot of memories. The other entrant was a particularly pretty Pontiac Firebird. It had recently been painted and the color (a burnt orange) was very attractive. It was a nice car and showed well. There were several other cars in that class as well.
"I was dumbfounded that neither of these two cars was chosen for an award. The Ford Fusion looked like it had driven in from the road with the intention of going to New Balance and mistakenly parked in the "viewing area". There was nothing particularly special about this Ford. What made it special? The owner is a nice guy who is friendly with many. I think it was a terrible injustice to both of the aforementioned vehicles. If I were the owner of either of those vehicles, I would have to think hard about ever entering another show, particularly with the Club who sponsored the Oxford show.
"You can't tell me that that 2006 Ford Fusion was a better car than either of those others. So, the real reason it won 3rd place was another example of the "good ole boys" at it again. How very political. Of course, the reality of the voting was that people actually voted for that Fusion for 1st place. He then obtained enough votes to win 3rd place. That is definitely a travesty. I would think that the Organizers of that show would have noticed this and perhaps bumped that car. It certainly had some people talking.
"I show my car because I'm proud of it. I don't come to collect trophies. The couple of times I've won trophies, I've had to listen to the same people who always win complain because I won. What kind of sportsmanship is that? I've also heard reports from others about these same people complaining when others have won as well. Does it have to be a popularity contest?
"When I vote, I truly vote for the cars I think best represent that particular category. It's not about the chrome, the flash, the paint or the owners. It's about the car and it's nod to the time period. I wish others would vote with the same line of thinking.
"I'm ready to give up on the shows and focus solely on the cruise-ins. At least then it's about the cars themselves and not the voting. This political nonsense is absurd. Let's get back to the basics of voting on the best representative of the category. Let's not vote for the 2006 Ford Fusion that was truly stealing the award from others who deserved it more!
"Thank you for allowing me to sound off.
A Disgusted Car Owner"
/
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Upcoming Shows
Just a brief heads up:
The Searsport Fire Department is having their show on Saturday, July 14. You can watch the Lobster Boat Races while at the show.
The Ossipee Valley Fair Car Show is Sunday, July 15th. This little fair is always fun. But a note to some of you - the Moxie Car Show in Lisbon is back after a few years of hiatus and is also on the 15th. So, a choice must be made.
Moxie does not include a fair, but on the other hand it will have classes that the Ossipee show does not.
/.
The Searsport Fire Department is having their show on Saturday, July 14. You can watch the Lobster Boat Races while at the show.
The Ossipee Valley Fair Car Show is Sunday, July 15th. This little fair is always fun. But a note to some of you - the Moxie Car Show in Lisbon is back after a few years of hiatus and is also on the 15th. So, a choice must be made.
Moxie does not include a fair, but on the other hand it will have classes that the Ossipee show does not.
/.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Lions Show @ Harrison
No complaints - as usual, the Lions pulled off another great show. Efficient, fairly well organized, good food - even the weather could not have been better.
As y'all probably know, we haven't been getting out to many shows lately, so we really enjoyed the day, meeting a lot of old friends and just havin' a good ol' time.
Don't forget to go to HotKarz and check out the latest "Funny" - these guys are just SO-O-O adorable, cute and fuzzy!
Later!
/
As y'all probably know, we haven't been getting out to many shows lately, so we really enjoyed the day, meeting a lot of old friends and just havin' a good ol' time.
Don't forget to go to HotKarz and check out the latest "Funny" - these guys are just SO-O-O adorable, cute and fuzzy!
Later!
/
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Crazy Update On Irving Oil
Just so you know...
As you may be aware, I was (and am) irate with Irving Oil charging over $5.50/gallon for propane, and I made sure they knew this would be the last I would buy from them - I do not tolerate being robbed.
After having paid the inflated bill - in full - for the last fill-up, a few days later Irving Oil trucks tried to slip in and take the full tank. Remember - I already paid for it, in full, and long before the due date. And after receiving payment, someone at Irving authorized the taking of the full tank.
Luckily I was home at the time, so their plan to rob me yet again failed - I sent them packing. The driver said he was "under orders." I told him I was changing his orders, and to get off my property or I would have him arrested for trespassing.
It's hard to believe that a company like Irving Oil would go to such great lengths to rob customers blind. And that is why I would rather run out of gas, and walk home, before setting foot in another Irving station.
The government robs me so GSA can spend $800,000 on a party in Vegas and the 9th Circuit can spend a million vacationing in Hawaii. I cannot stop them from picking my pocket. But I sure as heck can stop Irving!
/
As you may be aware, I was (and am) irate with Irving Oil charging over $5.50/gallon for propane, and I made sure they knew this would be the last I would buy from them - I do not tolerate being robbed.
After having paid the inflated bill - in full - for the last fill-up, a few days later Irving Oil trucks tried to slip in and take the full tank. Remember - I already paid for it, in full, and long before the due date. And after receiving payment, someone at Irving authorized the taking of the full tank.
Luckily I was home at the time, so their plan to rob me yet again failed - I sent them packing. The driver said he was "under orders." I told him I was changing his orders, and to get off my property or I would have him arrested for trespassing.
It's hard to believe that a company like Irving Oil would go to such great lengths to rob customers blind. And that is why I would rather run out of gas, and walk home, before setting foot in another Irving station.
The government robs me so GSA can spend $800,000 on a party in Vegas and the 9th Circuit can spend a million vacationing in Hawaii. I cannot stop them from picking my pocket. But I sure as heck can stop Irving!
/
Thursday, May 31, 2012
NEW Cruise-In
This one is brand new, folks. It may take a few tries for them to get into the swing with music and 50/50 etc., but they are going to give it a whirl. Whether or not we get to keep this new cruise-in will depend on you - if you go to check it out.
LOCATION: Stone Ridge Restaurant & Lodge, 185 Main Street (Rte 25) in Cornish ME. It is the only cruise-in for this locality. It starts next Wednesday and runs through September.
TIME: 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Being a restaurant, food is available. They also have a full bar and lodging.
If coming up route 25, it is about half-way between the Limington/Cornish town line and the center of Cornish, on the left.
/
LOCATION: Stone Ridge Restaurant & Lodge, 185 Main Street (Rte 25) in Cornish ME. It is the only cruise-in for this locality. It starts next Wednesday and runs through September.
TIME: 4:30pm - 7:30pm
Being a restaurant, food is available. They also have a full bar and lodging.
If coming up route 25, it is about half-way between the Limington/Cornish town line and the center of Cornish, on the left.
/
Calendar & Stuff
Y'all may have noticed the calendars for shows and cruise-ins have been updated. I realize it's a bit late this year, but show organizers have been slow to submit the info, and I just don't get out much to collect the info personally.
Many have asked why we have not been bringing the woody to the (very) few shows we do attend. Well, to make a long story short, Christi's car died two winters ago and she had to use the woody as a daily driver - and the winter took a harsh toll on it, so it is no longer in show condition.
I am slowly working on it when I am able to get up and about. I am also considering popping out the dark panels and replacing them with real teak wood. Not sure yet if I will...
I found a new mechanic (our old one has simply disappeared, no longer opening his shop). This new guy does very good work and his labor costs are the lowest I've seen in years. He operates about three miles from the house, and even has a flatbed tow truck. If interested in contacting him for any reason, just drop me a line at ptwoodycrew@aol.com and I'll pass along his name & number. He replaced all control arm bushings in my truck, made a new strap for the gas tank, replaced a motor mount in Robin's car and replaced the stabilizer bushing and did some miscellaneous work - all for under $300!
Well, it's a nice day, and I am mobile today (so far) so I'm gonna get out and get some stuff done. Have a great season!
Bill
Many have asked why we have not been bringing the woody to the (very) few shows we do attend. Well, to make a long story short, Christi's car died two winters ago and she had to use the woody as a daily driver - and the winter took a harsh toll on it, so it is no longer in show condition.
I am slowly working on it when I am able to get up and about. I am also considering popping out the dark panels and replacing them with real teak wood. Not sure yet if I will...
I found a new mechanic (our old one has simply disappeared, no longer opening his shop). This new guy does very good work and his labor costs are the lowest I've seen in years. He operates about three miles from the house, and even has a flatbed tow truck. If interested in contacting him for any reason, just drop me a line at ptwoodycrew@aol.com and I'll pass along his name & number. He replaced all control arm bushings in my truck, made a new strap for the gas tank, replaced a motor mount in Robin's car and replaced the stabilizer bushing and did some miscellaneous work - all for under $300!
Well, it's a nice day, and I am mobile today (so far) so I'm gonna get out and get some stuff done. Have a great season!
Bill
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