With new head judges on the horizon for the rescheduled 2019 Ponte Vedra Auto Show on Sunday, Sept. 22, new features have been added to spice up the already anticipated event for competitors and spectators alike!
Car Corral
For the first time, the Ponte Vedra Auto Show will host a Car Corral, organized for enthusiasts who want to show off their builds without having them judged at the show or for those with a significant car or truck to sell.
“There will be a whole section blocked off,” said Auto Show head judge, Bob Grant.
“We call it the ‘Shameless Commerce area.’ Thank the radio show Car Talk, for that name.”
The corral will be adjacent to the Auto Show field, displaying the vehicles to thousands of spectators for maximum exposure. It will give sellers and enthusiasts the opportunity to speak with collectors and prospective buyers in detail about each of the cars.
Both cars and trucks may be a part of the corral. Preregistration closed Wednesday, but day-of-show registration will be open Sunday from 7:30 to 9 a.m., first-come, first-served. The fee is $50.
Golf Cart Award
Another fun, new element is the addition of the golf cart category to the Ponte Vedra Auto Show competition. Since the venue is located in a “golf cart community,” the Auto Show presents the inaugural “Spirit of Nocatee” Golf Cart Award. Golf carts decked out in “Spirit of Nocatee” fashion will vie for the top spot.
“We do have a golf cart class this year because it’s in Nocatee,” said Ken Perry, one of two head judges for the Ponte Vedra Auto Show.
Preregistration closed Wednesday, but day-of-show registration will be open Sunday from 7:30 to 9 a.m., first-come, first-served. The fee is $35.
After all, it has four wheels and a motor, so why not?
Trophy Mobile
A significant change in the competition is the awards ceremony, or lack thereof. Instead of waiting until the final moments of the show to hand out trophies, Grant and Perry will be cruising around in the “pimped out” Trophy Mobile, handing out the awards throughout the day. The Trophy Mobile is a modified golf cart.
“We will begin as soon as 11:30 a.m. with the category awards, wrapping up a little after 3 p.m.,” Perry explained, mentioning that both he and Grant adopted the idea from experiences judging the Festivals of Speed around Florida.
“We found that most people would rather display their trophies during the day, which looks awesome on top of their cars.”
The head judges, emcee Brad Raney, trophy sponsors and a photographer will be rolling around the site in the Trophy Mobile, according to Perry, hoping to raise the level of suspense and excitement.
“In short, we will be bringing the show to the lucky winners!” he said, sounding ready for the show to begin.
