There was a thread here a few month back speaking to some problems in this class and now with the possibility of latter generations showing in the Tbred class it is time it is reviewed and up dated. I hope many who's opinions I deeply respect on this forum will be in attendance. The ones that complain but never offer any help I really have no time for.
Marty
Marty,
I have re-read the posts you referred too. The suggestions to improve the Thoroughbred Class seem to all have come from you? I’ve copied your ideas below. I’ve also responded to your suggestions.I have been part of the MCA for almost 20 years and will have to admit that I did not know too much about the Tbred class and the Authenticity award until Tari and I took over the tally room in 2011. The most important is participation in the class.
Tari and I are committed to improving the judging process in all MCA classes.
Thanks
Marty Rupp
I don’t believe it’s in the job description of the MCA judging Secretaries (Tally Room) to suggest MCA Class requirements. Participation numbers in THB & Unrestored classes’ 65-73 have never been huge due to the limited number of Unrestored and Thoroughbred cars. The Unrestored class is MCA’s most important and prestigious class. Participation numbers are low for obvious reasons. THB numbers are also low for similar reasons. The turnout at Indy was very good. Maybe turnout is related to Show location?I would like to know how to become a Thoroughbred judge? I asked to be part of the team at the Mustang OK. grand national that judged the 68 Tbred. I was not included. With only 6 Tbred cars in all of last year the opportunity to judge one does not come around very often. I know that I am no way qualified to judge Tbreds but how are you to learn. If the MCA is to continue to offer this class we must have judges in training.
You asked how to become a THB Judge? Unfortunately, it’s not possible to get the information to become a THB judge off the “Tire Rack Website”. It took most of the current Thoroughbred judge’s decades to gain their knowledge to be qualified THB and Unrestored judges. Most have been MCA National Head Judges, assistant National Head Judges, owners or restorers of Unrestored or THB cars. Most are well educated in original parts identification, proper assembly line finishes and assembly line production procedures. Most if not all THB judges have a special interest in Unrestored cars. Unrestored cars are the best text book for the THB class. At most grand nationals the Tberd class is no more than 1% of the cars in attendance and yet a extraordinary amount of time and effort is given to them. At national shows the class is nonexistent.
If this very special class and if it is to continue some things need to change.
Why do you think you have the knowledge to suggest changes to a Class you admit you know little about and are not qualified to Judge?Here are a few thoughts. As discussed expanded judges training. Better attendance through the year even when there is no authenticity award at stake. To that end change the authenticity award to be given to those that have collected required points over a season. That would promote better attendance and guard against a onetime poor judging.
The suggestion that mandatory show attendance should be tied to the Authenticity award is ridiculous. Authenticity and show attendance are not relative. It is not the responsibility of Thoroughbred or Unrestored car owners to educate MCA judges. Apparently since OKC you have learned how to get on a Thoroughbred judging team as you helped judge my 69 Mustang in Indy. Must not be too hard to tag along as you are not even listed as a 69 -70 judge according to MCA judges list? I’m sure it was a learning experience as you now know 69’s did not use starter delays. It has also been suggested that the concourse judge sheets be no longer used and new more comprehensive Thoroughbred sheets be developed by some of you best of the best judges. That way better consistency will be had when a less experienced judge is left to the task.
Suggested by Who? Marty Rupp? Better detailed judging sheets in all concours classes continue to evolve. I don’t think anyone will argue this is a good thing to continue. I don’t believe however, a judging sheet will make a judge qualified if not qualified beforehand. The Bonus point sheets could use a few additions such as build sheets etc. and eliminate bonus points for generic items such as showroom brochure. I think it would be a good idea to add to the Thoroughbred Judging Sheets and MCA website a more detailed explanation of judging standards at MCA National VS Grand National show due to Authenticity award. Apparently some people don’t understand the definition for “No Reproductions allowed”. Also the thought of adding the old technical inspection to process to insure that these best of best cars operate as they were delivered from the assembly plant.
OK you can start yellling at me now! Marty
The Tech inspection was dropped for all MCA classes because MCA decided it was a waste of time. Please inform us how a Tech inspection would increase participation in Thoroughbred class?
The MCA judging committee has suggested on more than one occasion to the MCA BOD that the Grand National should be required to have a 4 post lift on site to judge Thoroughbred Gold and Unrestored Gold cars for the Authenticity and Platinum awards. This will help insure the cars are judged accurately on undercarriage and would also serve as a training tool by displaying various cars throughout the event. This request needs to be implemented. The 4 post lift would be the best judging tool MCA could implement to improve the THB and Unrestored class.
See you in Dallas Martin! 
