Guest imported_MrEarl Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 This year as last, I am anxiously following some of the member?s cross-country treks to the BCA Nationals on this forum. My prayers and well wishes are with them. I want to comment that I feel that these folks need to be recognized for their efforts and accomplishments. The recognition I think they deserve comes due to the fact that they sometimes not only win a Gold, Silver or Bronze but that they have also DRIVEN those cars sometimes thousands of miles to show them. I certainly think this fact should be announced when the award is given at the banquet. Additionally I suggest attaching perhaps a small gold steering wheel to whatever trophy or plaque is given that would signify the car was driven to the event. I think these participants deserve some additional recognition for their sometimes trying experiences they have on the trip, not to mention all the additional cleaning and preparation that is required due to it having been sometimes driven literally through hail and high water (right Mike) to get there. It?s one thing to trailer a car to an event and win an award but IMO the greatest accomplishment comes when a car is driven to an event and wins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest my3buicks Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 sounds like a nice idea, but where/how far/etc would you draw the line? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry29-26 Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 from your home be it 1 block or a thosand miles +.. driven is driven as long as it doesn't come off a trailer or truck.Terry 29-26 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_MrEarl Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 I agree Terry. In fact the verbage that applies to the Driven Award could be used. IE "The car must be driven to the National from the county of BCA member residence, as established by the address provided the BCA by the member, and driven by the BCA member or a family member. If the BCA owner is disabled (s)he may have the assistance of others as well. The Buick must be driven the entire distance to the National (and driven onto the judging field) without having been conveyed by plane, trailer, truck or boat any distance, or towed, pushed, hauled or in any other way transported or conveyed other than by the vehicle?s own power. Buicks located outside the continental United States may be shipped to a point/port of entry and then driven to the National." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Centurion Posted July 12, 2006 Share Posted July 12, 2006 Mr. Earl, I agree that recognition is appropriate for those who are driving their vintage Buicks. My concern would be to find a way to provide the recognition without adding to the administrative burden of the judges and those who maintain the judging records.One approach would be to allow driven cars that are entered for 400-point formal judging to also be eligible for the Driven Award. The car owner would need to register for both types of judging, and could win both the formal judging and Driven Award. The judges who are evaluating the cars according to the 400-point system would also confirm that the cars satisfy -- or do not satisfy -- the existing standard for the Driven Award. Trailered cars would not be evaluated for the Driven Award. This scheme adds to the judging burden, but might be a workable way of providing some recognition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTX5467 Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 I concur, the proposed award does have merit. I agree with the concept, but there might be some talking points on the mixing of the 400 point vehicles into the Driven Class vehicles (which is not supposed to happen--in one respect, if the car can be awarded a 400 point system award, it should pass the criteria for the Driven Class if it drives to the meet, I suspect).It might be better to maintain the existing non-mixed situation, but add the proposed steering wheel into the 400 point award mix. Unfortunately, this would add another layer into an already (somewhat confusing to some) complicated award situation at the awards banquet. Not to mention the added complexity of designing the 400 point awards to be able to accomodate the proposed addition for the vehicle being driven to the meet. Perhaps a Certificate of Achievement/Accomplishment could be mailed out later, as the existing newsletter commendations/awards are? OR it could be an award to be applied for and administered by the BCA Office. The applicant would send in their intentions to be in the "driven" 400 point judging, have documentation of starting mileage, mileage when arriving at the meet, and then mileage and date when they returned home. The BCA Office could then verify that it was judged in the 400 point system (i.e., judging sheet) and complete the certificate when the vehicle returns home and the owner/operative notifies the BCA Office of their affival home. These SAME notifications of starting date and mileage and ending date and mileage would be just as the owner would send their insurance company (antique insurance) so that the mileage travelled to the meet would not count against their total yearly mileage for the vehicle.Doing things this way could result in less "situations" in making the awards banquet more complicated than it already is. It could be announced with the award being presented, that the car was driven to the meet, though, so recognition at the awards banquet could happen.The final notification of the return home could be made at the same time that the judging sheet request is made from the BCA Office. The judging sheet and Certificate could be mailed at the same time, that way, and at minimal additional postage. Plus, the judging records could be updated to reflect the "driven to meet" situation also.Of course, Mike and Nancy might have some input on this variation of the proposal.I sent Mike a private message to verify the hailstorm he referenced in his post. Hate to see falling ice do any damage to anybody's vehicle!Mr. Earl . . . if you read the article in the current BUGLE on our South Central Regional Fall Meet, you'll read about an achievement award that I initiated at that meet and who the first two recipients were (South Central region members).Take care!Willis Bell 20811Director, N TX Chapter, BCA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_MrEarl Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 I guess I'm being a little too naieve here but why can't it be as simple as asking on the registration and verifying at check in "Did you drive this car from your county of residence to the meet?" Yes/No If it was driven and wins an award, the persons handling the placque or trophy simply applies adhesive to a nickel sized gold Buick steering wheel and applies it to the placque. A standard printed statement signed by the head judge attesting that the vehicle was driven would accompany the usual award, the awards presenter would announce the fact that it was driven and that would be it. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />Willi, yes I did indeed read the article and can think of no two better individuals to receive that award. And you yourself are to be commended for initiating such an award. You da man, da Buickman.... <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NTX5467 Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 What you mention, Mr. Earl, does sound easy to do, but . . . . from experience as "trophy person" both times we did the national meets. . . . Not only does the 400 point judging award get presented, but also any other awards (New Senior, Senior Preservation, date "tiles", acrylic blocks mounted in wood, etc.) which might have accrued for the particular vehicle/owner combination. ALL of these things are in Roy Faries' printouts for each class, which start coming out as soon as the class judging is complete, the afternoon of the awards banquet, so it's pretty easy that way, but when you get it all laid out on the tables in "the heat of battle", adding another "thing" to the mix the recipient receives with their 400 point award can definitely add to an otherwise intense situation for the awards operatives. For some recipients, it can get to be a real armfull! It's one of those things that you have to be involved with to really appreciate how it all works. And don't forget that expediting the awards presentations can definitely affect the total length of the awards banquet. Everything needs to happen in a well-tuned manner to prevent (or decrease) errors of any kind--errors that somebody has to fix later.Then, there's the design of the 400 point awards themselves. The BCA "castings" are mandatory for the plaques, which are two sizes. This is a primary determiner of the size of the plaque, not to mention the engraving for award level and event information. Having to increase the size of the plaque to accomodate a simple steering wheel with adhesive tape on the back of it would increase the awards costs for the host chapter, among other things. Now, what COULD easily happen would be to have an engraved rectangle, kind of like the "Built Especially For_____" with the vehicle logo on it plaques that have been popular through the years for vehicle dash boards. It could have the BCA logo with "Driven to the ____ BCA National Meet" engraved on it, for example. Something of that nature would be easier to deal with than a circular attachment, with respect to 400 point award plaque designs/configurations. I would still favor this being sent out with the certificate and judging sheet, though. It could still be mentioned when the 400 point award was presented.Perhaps we did things the wrong way in regards to the 400 point awards assembly, but we (myself and some volunteers, for which I am VERY grateful to have had help) assembled them in a secret room on-site. In 1996, I pre-made more than I did in 2004. 2004 was a little more intense as others were also using the room, which tended to limit assembly space. Be that as it may. Ordering materials was a crap-shoot of sorts, based on estimates and guestimates. I made a deal with our trophy material provider (who is probably the most reasonably priced high quality trophy shop in the North TX area) that all non-engraved items could be returned for credit after the show. She was easy to work with us on that too! With the awards tallies coming out just after lunch, basically, the total awards have to be ready to go by about 5pm, before the awards banquet, making sure that enough of each 400 point award level has been built, double-checked and such too. Also, you have to figure in "dressing time" to be presentable for the event. It can be a really tight schedule to contend with! These things would be the "behind the scenes" things that take place.Now, IF for example, the BCA 400 point judging took place on Friday rather than Saturday, assembly time of known numbers of awards would be many hours longer and the intensity of the situation would be much decreased. This might be something that could be considered to implement for the 2009 BCA National Meet. It would not make the awards banquet presentations less intense, just ease the awards assembly process.In assembling the awards, "numbers" of each award level is the key orientation. I had an idea to attach labels to each award, with a name, and other information on it, so that each award would then have a name to go with it. Much easier to deal with un-picked-up awards that way! It didn't quite work out that way in 2004, though, but it did help other things along in the process as the awards process was monitored closeby by Mr. Faries.Even if we had enough time to add the "driven to the meet" item to the 400 point award, if something hiccupped in the line of awards to the presenters, or somebody was out of line according to the order they were called up in--or absent for some reason, then somebody gets YOUR award with YOUR driven to plaque on it. As with many productions systems, the simpler they are the "better" they can be.I'm not going to profess to be an expert in these matters, but I know what myself and others went through in the awards "generation" activities at our two national meets. Maybe we went about things the wrong way, but it made sense to us and we made it work. Enjoy!Willis Bell 20811 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_buick5563 Posted July 13, 2006 Share Posted July 13, 2006 Gee whiz guys,I just got a chance to read some of the other threads and then I found out I'm being talked about. I thought my ears were burning because of windburn from the open windows from yesterday. Thank you both for the kind words, today I really needed them (see other post). I was going to make a joking reference to all of the press Willie and I got in the last bugle, combined with an Austin based 57 convertible. Of all of the awards I have received in the last year for my car, I am actually most proud of the award I received from the North Texas Chapter. It was recognition for something more than "paint-deep". There are some nice cars up here that I've seen so far. Mr. Earl, someday I do want to buy you a beer. Cheers to all.Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buicksplus Posted July 14, 2006 Share Posted July 14, 2006 BCA Friends:I am a big fan of the Driven Award and was delighted to receive one for my car at the Plano meet. I hope interest in the award continues to grow and more folks try to drive their original Buicks to the national meets. It is good for the cars and great for the club to have old Buicks on the road for all to see, hear, smell and enjoy.But as with any award, some fine tuning of the rules and regs is always in order. I can see no problem with entering a car for a Driven Award and 400 point judging, though this is not currently allowed. Perhaps it is intended to reduce the load on judges. I don't think it would happen often, but there are owners of very high point cars who do indeed drive them to the meets -- I see no reason to deny them a driven award. Perhaps a tile on their plaque indicating that the car was driven is a good compromise, but it would probably be better just to award the regular driven award if they meet the criteria. If the car is being judged anyway, the judges could indicate whether or not the car qualifies for Driven.I have never been comfortable with the rule on driving the car from the "county of the owner" or whatever the wording is. Sorry, driving a car that lives in Flint to a National meet held in Flint hardly exposes the car on the road or demonstrates it is roadworthy. I would have some sort of mileage minimum on the driving distance from home to the meet, say 100 miles one way. Locals will simply have to wait for the next meet to drive their Buicks to collect a driven award.Meanwhile, I think it is a great initiative and I hope BCA continues to improve and promote this important award. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redrob Posted July 16, 2006 Share Posted July 16, 2006 This is an interesting discussion. I don't know how you'd put some sort of minimum mileage limit on the award. We drove down from Minneapolis, and I'd feel odd accepting any sort of award for that. We originally drove the car home from Sacramento and the car has been to Duluth, MN twice and to the Flint show in 2003, and we love the road trips! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RICK YOUNG Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 Rochester was our 1st Nat. I got a Driven Award. I told our sons last night it is one of the most cherished awards I've ever received and am having it framed. My B-63 did not exactly meet all the little criteria in Pat Brooks definitions of driven. Thanks to the BCA for waking up and realizing that if you want more members there are some who just want to drive there and be recognized.And yes there should be judging for those who want to be judged. I was a judge and thought I new lots of my category, but, we (our team) soon realized we were'nt exactly sure on some issues.I don't know how you could qualify judges for a premium exact standard. Or at one point give it uo and enjoy the people, cars and the ride,RickP.S.Is the Mike from Texas a few posts back the one parked in the drivers a few cars down from my Red 63 LESABRE? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jscheib Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 A lot of good comments here. It would be an additional concern to track, but how about a color coded border for milage driven, say one color for under 1000 miles driven, another for 2000 miles driven and under for under 3000, and possible gold for over 3000 miles. Perhaps even another color for under 500 miles. I believe they are all with blue border now. Of course, what prevents anyone from swapping the award to another car other then the BCA records for the car driven. I think the club cannot get into documentation for each car on the award, just as it does not on the 400 point judging awards. For example, an owner could claim even a gold award in their posession came was earned on any car they owned, but this could be documented by the BCA office if anyone wanted to check, I suppose. This depends on the individual's honesty, and we all know there are some "fibbers" around. But the color coding might give some recognition to an Driven Award for longer distances travelled.I think the idea was to keep this rather simple, so it would take quite some increase in the judging staff for this award if the distance driven was being checked and verified, as I see the situation.John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest my3buicks Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 I agree lots of good idea's - I also agree it needs to be kept simple - the maginude of this award could be overwhelming. This of all the cars in the regular show that are not in the driven class, shouldn't they be considered also, After all, lots of them drove their cars also. there just isn't any way to please, cover, or include everyone other than the dash plaque you received for coming to the show. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_buick5563 Posted July 17, 2006 Share Posted July 17, 2006 Hi Rick,Yeah that was me down by the river. I saw your 63. Nice car. I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to meet. You can read about more of my story in the Texas road warriors thread. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_buick5563 Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 Mr Earl,Here's my suggestion: [/image] Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_MrEarl Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mr Earl,Here's my suggestion: [/image] Mike </div></div>You care to reiterate a bit????by the way...that bug splattered on the insignia...you know what the last thing on his mind was?....his a** <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imported_buick5563 Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 Lamar,I just think there could be squished bugs instead of steering wheels attached, I dunno. Also I did hear that they were going to start drilling holes in the driven awards for mounting purposes. Some people just have to litter their grille trying to show off. <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BUKE Posted July 18, 2006 Share Posted July 18, 2006 Hi guy's and girls.I think MrEarl sugestion is a good one let me explain why.I just got home from rochester and had a great time.I drove my 1940 century from boston ma an recived my driver award as i did in plaino and batavia.As buick5563 said it lets a lot of people injoy looking at them. always remember we all represent the B C A an it can be a lot of fun. with a little problems i had a good ride. beside a long very hot drive and a little over heating the BIG BUICK ran fine.The best part of the 3300 ride was talking to and leting others sit in and take pictures of my BUICK I never get tired of telling others the history of my car or waveing and getting thumbs up. buke Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest imported_Thriller Posted July 19, 2006 Share Posted July 19, 2006 John - I don't know if it has run this way all the time, but this year, the driven awards had engraved numbers and the Driven Class judges were recording the numbers awarded. Thus, with a bit more help, it would be possible to have different awards for different distances, especially since Mapquest or other sites could be used between the registration deadline and the meet to ensure appropriate numbers are available.With consideration given to logistics, I like Lamar's idea. After getting home from about 1100 miles round trip, I can see where it would be less hassle to keep a car correct and clean if it was in a nice enclosed trailer...heck, it might even be fine to have bias plys on <img src="http://forums.aaca.org/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> I don't want to belittle or insult anyone who participates in the judging, but I think that it is more difficult to maintain an older car that is driven than a newer one that isn't or an older one that no longer sees roadways. It would be nice to see some recognition of the extra difficulty.I agree with the last post about the smiles and looks and thumbs up. The number of people who said nice car to me at gas stations or wherever...and they were referring to $Pit, with poor paint, some rust bubbles, scratched windshield, and non-existent weatherstripping. How does one answer that gracefully? I almost felt ashamed that what they thought was nice, I thought was substandard, especially when beside the Wildcat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now