Joe , you have brought up a very good point ! I have been working on this issue for about 10 years now and continue to do so . At one time it was a mandatory deduction - that eliminated the possibility of winning a Gold Award . We got the mandatory deduction dropped but the 4 or 8 point deduction is still in effect . I sent an email to our new Head Judge a few days ago re this - one point was that in the O class in Portland most Rivieras had radials ( 63 65 ) alone . There is a message being sent here ! I would imagine it would be the same in other classes as well . I agree , it is a safety issue . Perhaps proponents of Radials should let the Administration know how they a feel about this ! In my opinion I think The Judging Team is considering Change - Lets help it along !