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We have supported the "Burgh's" WoW show since the days they begged for cars. We know the drill and have been doing it for 15 years. Sometimes we have cars judges, sometimes not. If we have a real fresh resto, and it's never been there before we will have it judged. We rarely win, and in the past the restored cars were never really given a venue to show off anyway at a WoW event. If on a rare occasion a traveling ISCA car in restored shows its automatic you will not win no matter what you bring. We just know it and its never been a big deal. Three years ago we showed a fresh gold Yenko Camaro and Dana Nova. One of the guys at the show is a vendor friend of ours who was showing his super GTO in the traveling ISCA. He knew we would be there and would have something strong. He told me he "playes" the ISCA game and installs parts on his GTO he hated just for ISCA points. When he takes the car to the "real" shows he changes the car back to stock. He told us even though we bring killer stuff, we would not win because he travels. He was right. No big deal, but you know its fixed. This year we showcased one car only. And as usual we could not beat the traving circus ride. Was he better? hard to say, but we never saw a judge or even have one approach us during the show. This is not a sour grapes deal, but I'm sick of it. Really totally sick of the ISCA. And we are not alone. The crap that was featured and talked about over the PA was tragic. A stupid "Phantom Caprice" with 30" wheels that didn't even have an interior, just a shell with black out windows..There where others like that, but it takes all kinds at a show. This years car count was way down, and they made a plea for cars. Begged for cars to come out and support the show. After this year I'm done. They really don't care, we are just filler for the show floor. The draw are the celebrities that people come to see. I understand a NASCAR driver, but they bring people in that are non car related stars. That's fine, but why am I here? I guess after all these years it has sunk in. They need cars for a car show, but its really all about the gate and who is getting an autograph from a star, not about the cars we bring...Duh...BKH
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I totally understand how you feel and I appreciate your long time support of the show.
I have known John (and his GTO) for a long time and as you stated, he knows exactly how to play the game. It wasn't a matter of his car being "better" than yours or anything being fixed, it was a matter of his car meeting the ISCA Rule Book criteria better than your properly restored car. BTW; that Gold Yenko and the Dana Nova were my absolute favorites from that show and you may not remember, but I personally Thanked you and several of the others who were there for bringing them. (That was the last year I was at the Pittsburgh show).
As for the 30" wheel Phantom Caprice...well, surely not my thing either but believe it or not, there are some people that actually like that stuff and that is part of the World of Wheels/Autorama success, having a very wide and often unpredictable variety of entrants. Heck...I personally wear several hats as my Son Ian is way into his 300+ horsepower $30,000+ Honda CRX and as far as I am concerned, that is fine with me and I will continue to support his passion as I know he will eventually be a musclecar owner as his income increases and he is able to afford what he really wants, which is a convertible E-Body Mopar.
No secrets here; the non automotive attractions are designed to increase the gate and get the guys to bring in their wives or girlfriends and kids, thus more tickets sold. The rent and expenses continue to escalate, just as they do for all of us and we have to do whatever we can to be successful in the very competitive field of family entertainment.
Thanks for hearing my rant and hopefully I have shed some light on this.
And (once again, switching hats) remember, Championship Auto Shows, Inc, does offer another type of show; Chevy Vettefest, and I can assure you, there will never be any wrestlers or soap stars there and the Judging will always be handled by knowledgable experts.
BA
