To sum it up
Forget the "gaps" issue. It is not about that. It is about our community, friendships, and passion for our sport. For those who I spoke with at GG and who had seen the car, you know the quality of the craftsmanship in the car.
Each of the cars in the final 5 is an expression and an artistic art form. Mine was one of minimalistic function different from any others in the room. I have the utmost respect for every builder in that room and many who probably should have made it. As a builder of automotive electrical systems, there is no room for “gaps”. You don’t move unless I am right on. All my work gets hidden. However, as far as executing the concept, I am far less talented in this area than those who can critique the finished product. Hence I put my faith in DSE to complete the concept that I wanted. For me, they succeeded. Suffice it to say that I was honored to be amongst the final 5.
Defining the criteria for judging is a difficult task both for the GG staff and the builders, To point at politics and the "good old boy network" is unfair. I too am not interested in a stack of awards and was certainly not selected because I display a vendor both at Goodguys events. I left the restoration network years ago to avoid the criticism of the color of the grade 8 bolts on my hood hinge or the angle of the ink stamps on the heater control box. (I always liked the left handed line workers).
The bar has been raised so far that there must be a different set of criteria used to set apart the truly exceptional cars. We all recognize this. However, trailer queens are another category. That is not ours as we use and abuse our cars. Many of you know me an acknowledged the fact that my car was on the track at Gingerman after an initial 3 hours of wheel time. The ride back from Warren Dune State park alone qualified as its own autocross. It was built to perform and did just that. Is this the criteria or is it a Pro Street look with a minimum 12 second pass? Perhaps the weight of chrome on the car or the yards of carbon fiber are the test. Maybe we need to redefine the pack and subdivide the classes. Maybe it is just not that important.
The bottom line is that we are all big boys able to accept the criticism and revel in the accolades. The judges are human. I did not win the big prize. Kudos to Roger Burman and all the best to Karen Leisinger. Enjoy that car every day!!
Tell people what you want them to hear... Write down what you want them to remember.
So much for my $0.02
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