The VCCCI (SM) event was a huge success. A very important reason was the weather. This time many cars that won a prize in judging deserved it as they did complete the run, again mainly due to the cooler weather
.
As usual there were a few niggles, but these are unavoidable when you have a one man show. And that too without a sponsor.
I could not be present physically because of a demise in the family, but I did send my cars because I do care for the vintage fraternity. I did enter 4 cars, paid entrance fees for
ALL, 2 cars failed at the last moment inspite of best efforts. These are old cars after all. Though there was no sponsor and yet the event was quite good, more participants than ever did pay their entrance fees, but again there were exceptions. Discriminatory practices as ever.
Not only was the weather good (cool), I was told that dinner was also appreciably good quality food, though veg(so what), catered by a renown caterer. So we must also appreciate the positive sides of the event.
The rally was a bit chaotic, I believe that towards the end of the flag-off cars were flagged off two at a time! But still somehow they managed to evaluate and give prizes for performance!
I believe that this time the maximum number of cars ran the entire route. Excellent.
Another point to applaud was the judge and his judging. Seriously, he was a man of integrity as far as his performance in judging was concerned. When a certain car came to him for judging, he declined as he himself had restored that particular car. What honest and good character. In last year's event the judge, when presented a particular car, commented that he had himself restored iit, so he need not inspect. That despite the car having changed owner and more than a year had passed since him having restored that car. That judge always has his own agenda. The judge this time set an example on what good and fair judging should be like. Therefore, here I must counter Bulldoji's comments on judging at this event. Please realise that there are different aspects to it. The judge judging the concourse /restoration normally does his job sincerely, judging cars presented to him for restoration, originality, authenticity etc. At the first Haig event after prizes were announced, one prize was left out and the judge at that time was furious, till it was announced that indeed one prize was left out by mistake. Fortunately that mistake was realised before the event was over. So what about Bulldogji's comment? Well you see, the prize winners are determined before the event, it is known who MUST win a prize(includes, deservedly you), who is LIKELY to win a prize, and who CERTAINLY will NOT win a prize(like ME). So when a judge has done his good work, sincerely and honestly, VCCCI must create/fit prizes for those who should also get a prize in their opinion. That is where we have categories specially created like oldest driver, unique car, performance etc. for which the judge does not decide, VCCCI does. So, you see, your comments are actually directed at VCCCI(Smilie). I did once get the prize for unique car for my Lancia because we had guests from Pakistan and Moisin was asked to give a prize to the unique car he selected. He gave it to my Lancia. In subsequent events, this prize was determined by organiser, some years ago he gave it to himself!!!! (Mods, why limit a post only to two smilies?) This time I have got feedback that as long as I post like this I will not be awarded a prize. So be it.(Smilie).
Also, I cannot but comment on the comperes love and affection for me. (Smilie). When my Lancia was to be flagged off, he mentioned " the owners daughter", he could not mention my name as he was chocking with emotion (Smilie). There is a limit to running ones agenda and to jealousies, specially when one is running a public event under the auspicies of a club of memebers.
As a member of VCCCI, I would like to ask why there was no sponsor for this years event. At the last event we had a sponsor in Parle-Bisleri, and there was a big announcement by a WIAA office bearer that next years(2011) event would be a still bigger and better show. So how and why did the baloon get deflated? In fact this time many participants did not get the water bottle at the start, and only
some got it after asking.
At the condolence meet for Pranlal Bhogilal at WIAA/VCCCI/WCMI meet, there was a discussion that there should be no prizes. Nitin Dossa clearly stated that the judge was already invited and all arrangements were finalised, so that could be considered for the next event. But about performance, many of us clearly understood that this could be done away with even for this event. And that all participants would be given a memento. There were many tbhpian's present, let me see if any will corroberate this by posting publicly(Smilie). But at the event again performance prizes were announced. Many of us know that VCCCI prizes are political, but many also take them seriously, so best to do away with them.
I stand fully behind my posts concerning VCCCI and what is going on there. So far I have not received any rebuttal upfront, just vibes, and I know that I am not putting up any untruths. It took Egypt 30 years to rebel, I do not have 30 years. Here also it is high time for change. Sooner, the better.
Cheers harit