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Vehicle Entry Information

Grand National Roadster Show
O'Reilly Auto Parts

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Entry forms for the 2025 shows will be available soon.

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JUDGING INFORMATION

Your vehicle will be judged by a team of professional judges using a point system based on detail, quality, condition, safety and originality. Be sure to make the vehicle accessible at all times so the judges can judge your vehicle. If a vehicle is on a turntable, be sure the judges know where the switch is. They will need to turn the switch off to judge the vehicle. If you want the engine to be judged, be sure to have the hood raised enough for the judges to see it. The same goes for the undercarriage, interior and trunk. If the judge cannot see it, they cannot evaluate that segment of the vehicle.

A Judges Information Book is a build book or a photo album with pictures and a detailed description of the work in progress. This book is a very useful tool for reviewing your vehicle. It is important to list all of your vehicles modifications, especially those that are not easily visible. Please place this book or a fact sheet in your display where the judges can review it during the duration of the show. See item #15 in the Rules and Regulations section.

If you do not have stanchions and ropes, Rod Shows staff will gladly supply and set them up for you at no charge. Carpet for your vehicle can be rented in advance on the entry application. If you would like to compete for our Individual or Group/Club Display Awards a nice display will be necessary. A well-designed display can add protection for your vehicle. Remember that a standard display area for a vehicle is 10’x20’. If your display warrants a larger area, you must designate this on the application for pre-approval from the Show Manager. A standard motorcycle display area is 10’x10’. The use of a sign can be very useful in explaining to the spectators what has been done to the vehicle and listing persons and sponsors involved in the project.

It is mandatory that your show card be on display at all times during the show and on set-up day. It must also be available for the judges to write your vehicle classification on. The deadline for leaving your card out in front of your vehicle is 1 hour before the show opens on Friday (11:00 A.M.). If the card is not visible at that time you will be placed in a NON-COMPETITION status without a refund of the entry fees. The only time that your show card is not on display is when you bring it to the trophy presentation. You must have your show card with you to receive awards.

PARTICIPANT GENERAL QUESTIONS

I sent in my application but have not heard anything back.

All vehicle applications are due by November 1st. After November 1st there is a mandatory late fee. Applications must go through the approval process. The approval process does not start until November 1st. Applications are not approved on first come, first served basis and not all applications will be accepted. We will accept entries up to the date of the show, and applications will be put on a waitlist if the show is sold out. You will receive a phone call or letter after the entry deadlines. If you have not received a phone call and your check has not been cashed or card charged, you may want to call the office to make sure your application was received.

Is the oil pan necessary? Do I need to purchase one if I don’t have one?

The oil pan is for each entrants benefit if the car should leak during the show. Any stains/leaks or damage to floor or carpet is the participants responsibility after the show. If the car is on mirrors or lifted to showcase the under carriage, a pan is not necessary as long as the car doesn’t leak.

Can I get to my trailer during the show?

Yes, the trailer parking lot is fenced off and accessible during the show. After the show is over on Sunday, an announcement is made when the trailer parking is opened up so the driver can start staging for move out.

Do I need to be present at the awards ceremony?

Yes. All awards and monies awarded must be picked up by 10:00pm Sunday night. If you do not show up at the ceremony or the office afterwards, you forfeit your cash award if you are the winner. Remember to bring your show card with you to the award ceremony Sunday night.

Who are the go-2-guys?

They are your ambassador to the car show. They great you at the gate, direct you to your building, park you in your space and sign off on your “sign-off” slip. They are here to assist you with any questions you may have.

How do I know what class my car will be in?

Don’t worry your car will be classified by the judges during the move-in and show process. Once your car is classified the judges will write your judging class on your card. You can view the rule book here.

How much gas can I leave in my gas tank?

Less than ¼ tank of gas. Once your vehicle is parked in the building, please make sure the gas cap is locked or taped shut.

Can I get a copy of my judging sheet?

Yes, on Sunday night after the awards ceremony the judges will be available for one hour to answer any questions. At GNRS they will be in Building 4 at the participant window. At Sacramento Autorama the judges will be located in building C judges office.

Should I leave my car uncovered over night for judging?

Yes, judges will come around at all hours to judge your vehicle. The judges will only judge what they can see. Leave your doors and hood/trunk open if you want those areas judged.

Do you provide ropes and stanchions?

Yes, if you do not have your own, we will provide them for you. They will be set up on Thursday night after move-in and will be taken down on Sunday night after the awards ceremony.

Do I need a display sign or a build book?

No, but it is helpful for the judges to have a book to see the progression of your build. A display sign is always nice for the public to know more information about your car.

Can I sit in my display during show hours?

No. Once the show opens to the public you are not allowed to enter your display area.

When can I clean my vehicle?

You can clean your vehicle all the way up until the show opens at noon on Friday. You are also allowed in your display one hour prior to the show opening to the public daily to clean your vehicle.

Can I email my vehicle application & photos?

Yes, please send it to info@rodshows.com. Please refer to our vehicle application as to what photos are required.

If I enter my vehicle in the show, what time can I remove my car on Sunday night?

After the awards ceremony and once the fairgrounds deems safe. (Typically after 6pm)

Can I play music in my vehicle display?

You are allowed to play videos/music in the display as long as it tasteful at a moderate level of sound and does not interfere with your neighbors. If it is too loud you will be asked to turn it off.

Can I sell t-shirts or items out of my vehicle space?

No, but you are more than welcome to purchase a vendor space to sell items.

OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

Any infraction of the rules and regulations could result in a loss of a finishing position.

1) All work on vehicle displays must be completed 15 minutes before the show opens for business. You will be allowed to clean, dust and work on your vehicle one (1) hour before the show opens each day.

2) Standard vehicle displays are 10’x20’ (10’x10’ for motorcycles). If your display warrants a larger area, you must get permission from Show Manager and have included the request on your entry form with pictures of the display. Additional fees will apply.

3) Displays must abide by all fire marshal rules and regulations. All boxes & supplies must be removed from display.

4) All displays should be free standing and should be designed so the judges can see everything on your vehicle.

5) Only one (1) vehicle in competition will be allowed in an individual display. If more than one (1) vehicle is in an individual display, the display will not be eligible for Individual Display Awards.

6) No obscene wording, drawings, photos will be allowed on a vehicle, sign or display area. You will be disqualified.

7) All displays will be allowed 110-volt power. A three wire grounded system must be used throughout your cord system. If the vehicle needs more power, it must be stated on application and pre-approved by the Show Manager. Additional fees will apply.

8) Engines are not allowed to run at any time during the show. If the vehicle is started, you will be disqualified.

9) Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the display area during set-up or show hours.

10) No animals will be allowed in building during show hours.

11) You will not be allowed to sit or lounge in or around your display during show hours.

12) No “For Sale” signs allowed on or around vehicles. A small sign can be painted on a vehicle (2 x 3.5 inches.) Anything larger than 2 x 3.5 inches must be pre-approved by show producer. If not approved, it must be removed or taped over. Vehicles not getting prior approval may risk being disqualified or moved down a class position.

13) All parts of show vehicles must stay in display area, i.e., rims and tires, hood, removable top, etc. All entries to be judged should have doors, hood and trunk open until notified that the car has been judged. Two round colored stickers will be applied to your identification card notifying you that the car has been judged. It may be necessary to have the vehicle reviewed again after the first round of judging. Please make sure that your car is open.

14) All vehicles with belly pans must have access to the undercarriage for the judge. If the judge cannot see the undercarriage, this area will not be given judging points.

15) It is not mandatory, but highly recommended that you have a book with information and photos listing modifications and details that you want to emphasize.

16) Do not forget to abide by the fire marshal’s regulations. Tape gas caps or have a locking gas cap. Disconnect battery, have a drip pan, use a fire retardant material on displays and use a three wire ground electrical system.

17) Displays may not be torn down until trophy presentation is over and announced that the show is over.

18) During set up and tear down, reckless or careless driving and unnecessary noise will not be allowed.

19) If entry is a single in class, the judges may place you in another class or give award without using a score sheet.

20) Vehicles must be operable within their classification. All vehicles must run, drive forward and reverse, turn left and right, under their own power. Vehicles must be able to stop using their own braking system. The promoter reserves the right to decide if a specific class does not have to start based on public safety requirements.

21) Spot Check Sticker: Upon arrival at the show all vehicles will be checked for operability with the entrant behind the wheel of the vehicle at all times. If a judge passes the vehicle, it will receive a Spot Check Sticker placed on the vehicles headlight. This sticker must remain on headlight for duration of show. If judge does not pass vehicle, vehicle may be disqualified or lowered a position for awards. The judging supervisor will make the final decision.

22) If you feel that your vehicle has been miss-classified, you have until 5:00pm on Friday of the show to contact the show judge supervisor. Please notify us in the show office of the potential change.

23) Vehicle protest may be made by any entrant of show. A Rod Shows judging supervisor must be in attendance to determine the requirement of said protest. All protests must be filed by 8:00 p.m. on Thursday (set up day) with a $300 protest fee. If vehicle passes the supervisor’s test, which will be the same test used during the spot check, the protest fee will be given to the vehicle’s owner. If the vehicle is not operable, the protest fee will be returned to the protester. The protested vehicle will have until 10:00 a.m. on Friday to prove operability. Fuel, oil, water and fluids are allowed to be added to the vehicle. The battery can be charged or replaced. Adjustments may be made to the vehicle according to the supervisor in charge. Fuel must run from the tank through the fuel lines to the engine. The supervisor in charge makes the final decision.

24) When a vehicle is disqualified because of a protest or found inoperable by a judge, the vehicle will automatically be moved down one class position. The vehicle will also not be eligible for any special awards in its class.

25) Any judging discrepancies must be reported within one (1) hour after awards presentation. Under no circumstances may any exhibitor be involved in the judging process.

26) Upon conclusion of the awards presentation, you may pick up your judging sheets at the show office. To receive your judging sheets you must show your show card.

27) John Buck Enterprises, Inc, dba Rod Shows show manager, show judges, show personnel may not be held responsible for theft of, or any damage to, vehicles or display, or any articles on the display.

28) JUDGING STAFF DECISIONS ARE FINAL.

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