Seeking tips on my first judging event

[Michael L.]

Guys,

I'm getting set to head to my first judging event at the Texas regional with my restored '69. Just wanted to see if there were any experienced members out there that might have some tips on how to make this event successful for me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Mike

[Mark F.]

Mike,

Be sure all your operations function…they are some of easiest point to lose and generally run 25 points lost if something doesn’t work TFP...those are BIG one-line hits

I assume you have your TIMJG and the JRM…If not get them pronto and thoroughly read and understand everything in there…

There should be no surprises for you in the process…and the more you know before hand, the more you will enjoy it 😊

Here are some excerpts from the JRM…

Best of luck to you…

…NCRS publishes two manuals that pertain to the judging of your car, both of which you need to read
and understand. The first is The Judging Reference Manual, which gives a thorough description of the
judging process. The second manual is the Corvette Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide
for the year of your car, which describes the originality of each judged area on your car….

Judging can be stressful, but it should be fun. The objective of the hobby is to enjoy the car, so relax,
welcome the camaraderie of fellow NCRS members, and have fun! The best way to minimize stress is
to be prepared, be informed, and understand the system…

What to Expect
Be patient. You will have five teams of two judges each, with the possibility of additional observer
judge(s) on each team. Each team will cover one section of your score sheets: Operations, Interior,
Exterior, Mechanical and Chassis. It may seem like an eternity between judging teams; however, be
assured the Team Leader is trying to keep them moving at a steady pace. The NCRS judges are under
tremendous pressure. They must spend enough time with the car to be thorough and yet be quick
and efficient. So, if the judge does not stay and chat, you will know why. Judges will briefly review
your score sheet and explain each deduction they have taken upon completion of their section in
judging. They are not expected to spend an excessive amount of time discussing the results, and for
understandable reasons, will discuss these deductions only with the owner. You must initial your score
sheets in order for them to be tabulated. Initialing the score sheet does not mean the owner agrees
with the deductions; it only indicates the sheets have been presented to the owner by the judges and
reviewed by the owner.

[Joseph S.]

Mike,

Everyone there is ready and willing to help and answer any questions. There's no competition so the car owner next to you is your best companion. Know what day you are being judged and be there with your car so the Judges can easily find you.

Don't sweat the small stuff. Once you get there and you are on the judging field there is no more you can do for your car. Stay relaxed and soak in all the knowledge you will get from the judges. If you need any help, the team leader is there for you.

Good luck, see you in Frisco,

Joe

[David H.]

Guys,

I'm getting set to head to my first judging event at the Texas regional with my restored '69. Just wanted to see if there were any experienced members out there that might have some tips on how to make this event successful for me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Mike

Mike

READ "Owner's Advisory", very first part of our Judging Reference Manual (JRM). Current JRM is #9, but this advice from Roy Sinor has been in every JRM for past 25 years. "Owner's Advisory" will answer most of your questions.

If you plan to judge, READ "Judges' Advisory" - next section. Read it anyway, it'll tell you what your judges should be doing.

Dave

[Steven B.]

Mike, congratulations! Please know most judges are very experienced and the team of judges certainly is and their main goal is to help you learn in detail how your car compares to as when it was new. Ask the judges any question you may have as they are there to support your knowledge. Judges welcome your questions and know the Texas Regional is an excellent learning and friendly event. Good Luck and have a great time! Steve

[Michael L.]

Thanks guys. Yes, I have both the TIMJG and JRM. I used the TIM as the bible to guide the restoration all the way through. I expect that something won't work on the car when it comes time to judge no matter how hard I prep it, so I'm planning on driving there (250 miles) to get some mileage points to offset any of the other losses. I also have the battery disconnect, NCRS sticker, and the fire extinguisher for the extra points bump they provide. I'm trying to only have to do this once to earn Top Flight.

Mike

[Don H.]

Mike

It shouldn't be like going in for a root canal.. It can and should be a lot of fun, if you have the right frame of mind.. I know several owners who come out time and time again, getting the blue ribbon over and over for the same car, because they happen to enjoy the process.. Don't look at it as "judging". Think of it as spending time with like-minded enthusiasts who will give you lots of compliments on your car, whether or not everything works as it should. Enjoy the experience.

[Don H.]

Since you are driving there, arrive early, probably the day before so the car is totally cool for "Cold Start" during operations. Good luck!

[Terry M.]

......... I used the TIM as the bible to guide the restoration all the way through. .......... I'm trying to only have to do this once to earn Top Flight.

Mike

Try as we might the TIM&JG is not infallible. There are, and always will be errors and omissions in spite of our best efforts. Depending on the condition and history of the car one can often learn details from the car that are in amplification or in conflict with the TIM&JG.

The original setting of the NCRS meets was fellow members helping to bring the car closer to TFP. This was a "friends helping friends" atmosphere. The aim of the NCRS judging system was to provide an owner with details to bring the car closer to TFP. The idea was for there to be multiple judgings, each bringing the car closer to that goal. If one sets the goal as TFP, rather than an award, my experience is the event becomes much more enjoyable for everyone.

Best of luck to you in Frisco.

[Thomas N.]

A couple of things to note.
1-You will need to remove some items from the car for judging. Know how to remove the items and have tools to do what you need.
2-Put your spare tire in a garbage bag and tie it off. It helps keep the tire clean and not a lot of crud in it.
3-Bring a cheap moving blanket from Harbor Freight, and lay it out on the show floor near the rear of the car. It helps with laying out the spare, your documents and items you need to take off from and out of the car.
4-Bring a folding chair, and have bottles of water/snacks around. You will be waiting next to your car and is nice to have.
5-If you drive your car, bring a tote. You will need to remove everything from the car for judging.
6-If you drive your car, make sure your cigarette lighter works. Many use the lighter plug and an USB adapter to power/charge their phone, dash camera and other road trip accessories. Many of the USB adapters push the little barbs into the lighter plug used to hold the cigarette lighter in and when you go to install your cigarette lighter, it will not hold in the engaged position because the metal barbs are pushed out.
7-After the judges go over the score sheets with you, take pictures of each page of the score sheets. You will then be able to review them while you are waiting for the next section to be judged.
8-Stay calm. I know it is easier said than done. You've made it this far, be proud of making it to this point. Treat it like you are hanging out at a local car show. Everyone is there to see you succeed.
9-If you don't understand anything about the process, or on your sheets, just ask. There are no dumb questions!

[Frederick H.]

Congrats Michael. I too, am having my car judged for the first time and the gremlins have surfaced this past week. This year has been full of other priorities that have required time away from the car so my first advice is don't try to do this in a hurry (it sound like you have prepared well). The exhaust system from Corvette Central took forever to get in and then the restoration shop had fitment issues (unusual for Corvette Central), other alignment issues with the spare tire carrier bolts, and then driving it home today it just plain died like someone disconnect the battery. 15 minutes later, it starts. Long story short, we are all here to help. We look forward to seeing you and good luck!

Fred

[Frederick H.]

I meant to add, be sure to bring fender covers to avoid scratches and a good quality detailer spray and microfiber towels to wipe down the dust from sitting overnight in the hotel garage.

Fred

[Brian M.]

I am not sure if this has been mentioned, but print out the score sheets available on the website so you are aware of how the judging points are apportioned

[Brian M.]

Bring Ownership/insurance papers, bring both set of keys, if indoors arrive with a 1/4 tank of gas or less. Best of Luck, remember this is FUN

[Eric P.]

I was an "absentee" member for many years. In 2017 I went to the FL Regional to attend my first meet and have a car judged for the first time. The experience led me to many more meets with cars to be judged.

Be prepared to learn not only more about your car but also the judging process. You will see things looked at such as condition points on original parts, and cleanliness. It is all part of the process, but you will learn how it is done and it will make you and your car better prepared for the next time out.

Most of all, enjoy it, and make some new friends. The people you don't know that you will meet, especially the judges know a lot about Corvettes.

Best of luck to you!