Bloomington Gold 2025

[Michael J.]

Thanks for the photos, that explains a lot......

[Sean S.]

[Sean S.]

[Sean S.]

[Michael J.]

I may be spoiled, but this is the kind of venue I like to judge in and have my cars judged.....especially considering how much judging at Bloomington costs.20250501_135004.jpg

[Terry M.]

Went to the “last” BG in Bloomington (‘79?) which was my first trip there. My wife and I stayed in the dorms. Saw a beautifully restored ‘64 Convertible driving through the grounds (light blue with white interior and top) with a for sale sign on the windshield including a nice description. The price: $24,500! I have never forgotten that car. My wife commented at the time “that’s the Corvette I would like to have”. Years later we would have to settle on a ‘65 Fuelie coupe😋. Attended BG in St. Charles for many years and it was a great show. All the Vettes and judging on the golf course were super. Great car corral and swap meet. Lots of vendors. Indoor spaces for vendors and displays (and where you could cool off). Good food vendors. The Mecum auction was great and this was a time before they got sooooo big. Loved the venue and loved going. Then it started going down hill. The last time I went it was a shell of its former self. So sad.

[Tim S.]

I have been going to Bloomington since the 80's, tagging along with my Dad. Since that time, I'd like to think I have a good grasp on how the show has grown, contracted, and adjusted. It's a different world now. Yes, the cars are collectively worth much more money than the old days at the fairgrounds. The crowd has aged out to a degree. I'll label the crowd as "more distinguished"


I personally liked the new venue. The grounds and facilities are CLEAN! At the racetrack, it allowed the cars, the Gold Collection, the swap vendors, and club parking to be in a closer proximity than in years past. Yeah, it would be nice to have more food choices, but that I feel would come with time. I have seen where the last BG event was condemned by a significant NCRS personality (Mike) due to the rain and being in a "carport". Another (Don) suggested the event could be held in a fast food drive through comparatively. Well gentlemen, I was pissed off as all hell when my 5 Star Bowtie / Duntov 70 had to sit outside in a SEVERE storm last year in VA. I damn near said piss on it. I was close to loading the car up and leaving the event. That decision to make the cars sit out was complete BS. I feel the cars and the car owners deserve more respect than that would indicate! The superior judging venue? Don't think so.

Furthermore, I am disappointed with some of the "pillars" from the NCRS. In recent years, the NCRS has not been without it's own struggles. The same demographic issues plague the NCRS be it with participation, finances, etc. Some of you whom I know, have elected to use Bloomington Gold as a dart board. Does that somehow make you feel better? Do you somehow feel that is better for the hobby? Does that somehow make the NCRS a better organization? Hell no in my opinion. Additionally, the "ad campaign" that Tony Stein launched 2 days before the BG event was just plain old tacky in this guy's opinion. The intentions are clear from this seat. It really lacks the class and integrity needed to promote the hobby and the marque.

The divisive tone is apparent to me. Judges that have a lifetime of knowledge have walked away. I can think of a dozen people quite easily, that have distanced themselves from the NCRS. I am not impressed when a judge introduces themselves as a "400 point judge" (or wearing the hat) to only judge out of a book. Furthermore, if somehow the judging system utilized by NCRS is that superior, how is it the system developed by David Burroughs is oh so similar, and yet was established prior. If I am incorrect, please provide me with factual details.

Let me be clear, I love these cars. I love so many of the people I have met and befriended through BG, NCRS, and MCACN, and I love the events. I think about these cars what seems to be morning, noon, and night. But..... when key people in the organization elect to conduct themselves like this, it really gives me pause.

I have spent 35 years in business for myself in one capacity or another. That in itself has enough drama. When drama spills into something I love, I'll cut it out in no time at all.

Please, take the high road people.

[Gary C.]

time to close this thread