2008 MCG Chrysler Classic Mopar World Finals

Is the next MCG Chrysler Classic
MOPAR WORLD FINALS CHAMPION sitting in your garage?

The MCG Chrysler Classic Mopar World Finals was the culmination of a new progressive judging system that was introduced at the beginning of the 2007 Chrysler Classic Events’ season. Lisa Leathery came on board in 2007, and her goal was to develop and implement a judging system that could be used by the Chrysler Classic Event series. This brought about the MCG Chrysler Classic Mopar World Finals, a competition in which a vehicle competes against the score sheet instead of other vehicles. In order to take part in the Mopar World Finals, a vehicle had to compete at one of the five preliminary events, titled the MCG World Series, and score an 89% or higher in order to qualify for the Mopar World Finals in Norwalk.

ICCA
For help with designing the judging format, Lisa called on Dave Wise of the International Chrysler Collector Authority (ICCA). After many discussions a judging format was agreed upon for the start of the show season. The resulting judging system had the preliminary event judging based on quality of craftsmanship, condition, and attention to detail with no points deducted for non-factory standards in the stock category; however, at the “Finals” judging became more critical. In the Stock category points were scored based on an evaluation of originality. In all categories functions check and undercarriage scoring was part of the judging process. Prior to arriving at Norwalk, all competitors received a copy of the “Finals” judging format. Upon arrival and check in, the competitors were given an assigned parking space and the judging schedule. Because the owners knew exactly when their cars would be judged, it freed them up to enjoy other aspects of the show.

Dave Wise and the ICCA team provided guidance and offered assistance with the judging process throughout the season. The judges for the Finals were selected, a training session was conducted and an ICCA judging handbook was issued. Each judge was selected for their proven knowledge and dedication to the hobby. The team consisted of Dave Wise, Paul Jacobs, Scott Smith, Mike Doubleday, Tim Winnie, Kelly Withrow, Bob Wells, Charlie Farrell and Ron Munster.

Part of the uniqueness of the ICCA judging guidelines was the training that was provided to the judges prior to the beginning of the scoring. Great care was taken to ensure that all judges were given proper training and guidance in how to execute the judging process. The initial judges training session was held Friday evening followed by a quick refresher course Saturday morning immediately prior to judging. This was the first major Mopar event in which a detailed judging manual was utilized as a guide in the assessment of the show vehicles. This guidance allowed for a more consistent judging approach and non biased evaluation while scoring of the cars.

Saturday morning in Norwalk brought the start of the judging process. This began with a brief owners’ meeting. From there, the judges began the process for determining a Champion in each of the four categories offered. The start of the judging process began with a field inspection where a function check was performed. The vehicle then proceeded to the judging tent for non-functional inspection. Owners were required to travel with their vehicle throughout the judging process. At the end of the day, the judging sheets were tallied, and on Sunday, the Champions were announced. Four top competitors were recognized as the 2007 MCG Chrysler Classic Mopar World Finals’ CHAMPIONS. These vehicles (shown above) were without question the tops in their category. Each Champion received a recognition plaque, a cash prize, and recognition in the January 2008 issue of Mopar Collectors Guide magazine.

In addition to the champions, Judges’ Pick Awards were awarded as follows:

Most Outstanding Undercarriage Stock
Ray Vansickle
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A

Most Outstanding Paint Stock
Kerry Holmes
1967 Plymouth GTX
(photo)

Most Outstanding Interior Stock
Alesia Krueger
1984 Dodge Daytona Turbo

Most Outstanding Undercarriage Modified
Larry King Sr.
1967 Plymouth Barracuda

Most Outstanding Paint Modified
Joe DiPietro
1970 Dodge Charger

Most Outstanding Interior Modified
Vince Brentzel
1963 Plymouth Belvedere

Chrysler Classic chose the ICCA judging guidelines for the MCG Mopar World Finals because it offered a fresh new approach to a judged competition. This format has been tested, and we were very satisfied with the results. We found that choosing ICCA’s format and obtaining qualified judges is the key to helping us achieve the goal of providing a fair judging system to the Mopar community. Lisa and the Chrysler Classic team are looking forward to the 2008 competition. We have requested the ICCA to conduct the judging at the Norwalk show again this year, and they have agreed. The Finals’ judging will be the Level 2 intermediate judging process based on 250+ points. A participant’s guide will be available on the ICCA website www.iccahome.org for competitors to review prior to the competition.

Be aware that as our competitor field grows, we will make changes to accommodate the growth. This judging system is not meant to be static, but to be ever changing and growing as we make improvements and expand our knowledge. It is our goal to offer to the Mopar community a competition that recognizes the hard work and dedication that owners have put into their MOPARS.

2008 Season – Preliminary Events:
Vehicles must compete and qualify in one of the five preliminary events.

• Chrysler Classic at the Beech –Beech Bend Raceway Park, Bowling Green, KY, April, 19-20
• 16 th Columbus Chrysler Classic – National Trail Raceway, Herbon, OH, May 16-18
• Curt George Memorial – Pittsburgh Raceway Park, New Alexandria, Pa, June 20-22
• Chrysler Classic at US 131- Knoll Gas Motorsports Park, Martin, MI, July 19-20
• Chrysler Classic at Route 66 – Route 66 Raceway, Joliet, IL, August 23-24

Registration fee: $45 (includes weekend admission for Vehicle and driver)
Pre-registration is not required but is recommended

To move into the finals vehicle must achieve a score 90% or higher at a preliminary event.

At preliminary events, award plaques will be given to vehicles scoring 79% and higher. In addition, one Best of Show for Stock/Restored to Stock, and one Best of Show for the combined categories of Modified, Extreme Custom, Non Stock Truck, and Non Stock Modern Muscle will be given at each preliminary event.

Preliminary Event Judging:
Vehicles will be judged on a 150 + point score sheet. Points will be awarded based on appearance, condition, and attention to detail. In the stock category judges will not deduct points for any incorrect components and/or non stock items, but they may make comments based on their knowledge so that competitors have the opportunity to correct these prior to the Finals.

Interior, Exterior, Engine, trunk/truck bed/cargo areas, and tires and wheels will be judged at the preliminary events. Undercarriage will not be judged. There will not be a function check at the preliminary events. Judging will be conducted on the show field. Vehicles will be required to park in designated categories.

Categories offered for 2008:

• Restored to Stock/Original factory standards
• Modified
• Extreme Custom (new category)
• Non Stock Late Model Truck
• Non Stock Modern Muscle

The category chosen at the preliminary event is the category that vehicle will compete in at the Finals.

Extreme Custom: Cars and Trucks. Body panels cut, air lift ride assistance, custom interior, fiberglass, body modifications, shaving, custom paint, engine modifications. EXTREME This category is for vehicles that are very radical customs. Mopar World Finals cash payout $300

Stock/Restored to Stock: Vehicle restored using factory standards. Scoring will reflect the use of correct glass, sill plates, repo bumpers vs. original, chrome, date codes, and vehicle I.D. numbers. Detail, fit and finish will be scored in all areas (see listing below). Originality is very important to score well in this category. At the finals more attention to originality will be emphasized. Paint must appear as factory standard. Stock/restored to stock trucks, wagons are allowed. Chrysler Family Brand Only. Mopar World Finals cash payout $750

Modified: Vehicles with various levels of modification and custom work belong in this class. Lavish paint, engine modifications and interior custom work. Includes pro-street, mild custom, modified, over restored cars can also opt to compete into this category. Chrysler Family Brand Only. Mopar World Finals cash payout $750

Non Stock Modern Muscle : Vehicles from 1985 to current. Must have at least 10 modifications to be entered. This is NOT a category for late model stock. Chrysler Family Brand Only. Mopar World Finals payout $300.

Non Stock Trucks: Designed for highly modified, over restored, street rod, custom, and pro street trucks from early years to late model. Chrysler Family Brand Only. Mopar World Finals payout $300

RULES AND REGULATIONS

• 2007 Champions are not eligible to compete with there same vehicle in 2008, however, a different vehicle may be entered into the competition.
  

• 2007 Champions have an open invitation to display at any of the Chrysler Classic Events in 2008 free of charge. They are also invited to display their 2007 Championship vehicle under a tent at the 2008 Norwalk event (pre-registration is required).

• Pre-qualification at one of the five preliminary events is required into order to enter and compete at the MCG Mopar World Finals.

• Pre-qualification at a preliminary event will entitle that vehicle to register for the MCG Mopar World Finals at Norwalk. Pre-registration is required for the Norwalk event.

• Vehicles registered in the MCG Mopar World Finals competition must be registered and presented by their owner. No vehicle can be entered under the name of a business. The competition vehicle must be owned by an individual and registered to an individual.

• Vehicles must arrive at the preliminary event no later than 10 a.m. on Saturday of the event. Judging will take place after a meeting with owners. Owners must make all areas of the vehicle available to the judging team. Failure to do so will result in zero points for any area that is not accessible. Vehicle must remain on the show field until 5 p.m. Saturday.

• Scores will be posted, and award plaques will be presented on Sunday. If a winner is not present on Sunday to receive his award plaque, a request to ship must be made by the competitor. Please note: a shipping and handling fee will be charged.

• Winners will be photographed on Sunday, and a photo will be included as part of the award plaque. If vehicle is not present on Sunday, competitor forfeits photo.

• By registering for the competition, the vehicle owner agrees to allow photos of his or her vehicle to be used in promotion for the event, including but not limited to, press releases, web site, and MCG magazine event coverage.

• All competitors will be required to sign up for a new or extended subscription to MCG Magazine while at the event. Registration form will be provided at the show field registration tent. Membership fee of $35 includes elite subscriber membership.

• Preliminary event judging forms will be available upon request only. To request a copy of your preliminary event judging form, please contact Lisa at 717.619.1118 or lisa@ccevents.com.

• Vehicles that qualify at a preliminary event are invited to display at any upcoming preliminary events free of charge. Admission includes the qualified vehicle, owner, and one guest. Please call in advance so credentials can be sent prior to your arrival.

• Once qualified at a preliminary event, pre-registration for the Mopar World Finals at Norwalk is required. Cut off date for Norwalk registration is August 20, 2008. Mopar World Finals registration fee is $75 and includes a weekend pass for the vehicle, driver and one guest. All registrations for the MCG Mopar World Finals include a competitor t-shirt and parking for trailer and transport.

• All competitors will receive a copy of the Mopar World Finals judging form prior to the competition.

• All competitors will be mailed a copy of their judging form after judging is completed.

• At the Norwalk event, award plaques are presented to the category Champions, cash awards will given to Category Champions at the awards banquet* in February. Champions also receive free admission to awards banquet for themselves and a guest. All Judges’ Pick winners will receive a recognition plaque with photo of their vehicle and an invitation to the awards banquet (one free admission).

• Champions receive free admission to the all events on the following year’s schedule and an invitation to display under the winners tent at Norwalk.

*Note: Awards banquet is held in the month of February in the Columbus, Ohio area. All competitors are welcome to attend. The evening includes dinner, recognition of winners and some special surprises for the top competitors.

At the preliminary event, pre-registration is not required but it is recommended and appreciated. Pre-registration helps us with planning and organizing of the event.