The Mopar Nationals event has led all Mopar car shows in the advancement and execution of judging collector cars. Our Concours judging classes were created in 1982 and followed in 1989 by the Mopar Nationals Gold standard certification judging process. Additional classes in the regular judging and Editors' awards were followed by the successful Street class, the Senior class, the Clone classes, and the now famous Young Guns. The Mopar Nationals event remains the standard by which other Chrysler shows are judged. In continuing this worldwide recognition, some changes and expansion of classes will be incorporated into this year's event.
Judging CategoriesThere are two major judging categories-Judged Show Entry and Certification. A regular Judged Show entry participant will be professionally team-judged, with vehicles of the same body style competing against one another. This classification is broken down as follows: Original, Street, Modified, Clone, Pro-Street, and the Senior* class. A vehicle entered in Certification-type judging is rated by knowledgeable judges, with points awarded against a set of standards for highly detailed vehicles.
Note: All judging entries must be pre-registered and received before June 30, 2003, to be included. There will be no entries accepted after this date or at the gate-no exceptions. Remember to include two photos (31/44 front, 31/44 rear) of your car with your entry for the regular judging. For the Certification Judging class, include two photos as well as a copy of your broadcast sheet, window sticker, and any other supporting documentation. If you are entering the same car you entered last year, you do not have to resubmit photos.
Original: Vehicle is in same configuration as delivered from factory-original color paint and options. Matches vehicle buildsheet. Nonnumbers matching engine and transmission is OK, but must be the original type and cubic inch.
Clone: Vehicle is stock in appearance but does not match the buildsheet (e.g., nonoriginal engine, color, interior, and so on). Vehicle is basically a clone of another model version. Vehicles that have slight modifications may also qualify for this class but may lose minimal points due to alterations from stock condition.
Street: Vehicle is basically stock appearing except for the addition of mag wheels, some chrome parts, minor paint, aftermarket gauges, or bolt-on parts (intake, headers, and so on).
Modified: Vehicle is basically stock-body appearing but features minor body changes, widening of wheelwells, narrow rear end, custom paint or effects, and so on-not extreme modifications.
Pro Street: Vehicle is heavily modified. Custom paint, custom interior/dash, or tubbed, high-rise manifold, blower, and so on.
Young Guns: Class for original and modified cars that have been restored by Mopar enthusiasts age 25 and under. This class, sponsored in conjunction with Mopar Muscle, provides special recognition of the next generation of Mopar enthusiasts and levels the playing field among the class entrants. The class will be split, and cars will be divided into '79-and-earlier and '80-and-later.
*Senior: This is a class for past-year First Place winners in the original categories. The cars in this class will be judged against a set of standards. If your car won a First Place trophy at the '02 Mopar Nationals and you want to compete again this year in judging, you are required to enter this classification. If your car was a First Place winner in 2000 or 2001, you have the option of either entering the Original class or the Senior Division. This class represents the next level for those cars that are first-rate but aren't quite ready for the OE-Certification-style judging. The cost of entry for the Senior classification is $100.
To obtain a copy of your judging sheet after the event, send an SASE to Mopar Nationals, P.O. Box 2303, Dearborn, MI 48123-2303. Please include your make, model, and judging classification, along with your finishing position, if known.
Judging Process And AwardsRegular Judged Entry $85 (preregistered only): This category is open to all Chrysler Corporation and AMC vehicles. The vehicles entered under this category are divided into Original, Clone, Street, Modified, Young Guns, and Pro Street classes, based on year and body styles. The vehicle judging sheet is divided up among the different parts of the vehicle, such as exterior, interior, engine compartment, trunk, and others. Within these individual sections, points are deducted from appearance as well as originality (in the Modified class, points are awarded based on appearance, cleanliness, and quality of workmanship in the modifications). Three major modifications are enough to move the vehicle out of the original class and into either the Street or Modified class (examples: mag wheels, chrome under the hood, gauges, headers, and so on for the Street class; nonoriginal cubic-inch motor, paint, and interior or body modifications for the Modified class). The Clone class is for changes that make the vehicle into some other "original" appearing vehicle by engine or package, but do not match the VIN and/or body tag.
In the Original classification, standards are based on near-perfect condition-vehicles that are occasionally street driven-or an older restoration. Good street cars compete within this class. Special attention is paid to components normally replaced due to wear or breakage. A percentage of total points for that component can be awarded as defined by the component. For example, tires: full points are awarded for OEM tires; 75 percent for reproduction; 50 percent for reproduction non-OEM brand with correct size and whitewall and letter specifications; 25 percent for current service replacement-size tires with correct whitewall width, and so on; or 0 percent for all other tires. This standard is set for the engine block, battery, tires, glass, headlights, shocks, and other underhood and undercarriage components. As part of the judging process, all vehicles will go through a functional checkout procedure to see if items are functioning properly-taillights, turn signals, horn, wipers, radio, and dash lights, among other things.
The cars are broken down into classes based first on the model (body style), depending on the number of entries. First Place will be awarded in each class that contains a minimum of three vehicles. Five vehicles are required for a Second Place, eight for a Third Place, and 10 for a Fourth Place. If classes have more than 12 cars, they may first be divided by year, followed by make. Competing cars will be judged on a 100-point system. First Place usually requires 90 points or more; Second Place, 80 points or more; Third and Fourth Place require at least 70 points or more. No positions are awarded to vehicles receiving less than 70 points. If there is a tie between two or more vehicles, the judging sheets are reviewed for point totals in the body exterior section. The car(s) with the higher point total is awarded the higher place position. The body exterior section was chosen for the deciding factor because in overall appearance, it is the more important part of the vehicle.
All cars within a class will be judged by the same judge or judging team. This will keep fairness and consistency within the class. NOTE: Judges are picked based not only on their experience, but their familiarity with the car lines, as well as past judging credentials. Although it cannot be achieved in all classes, we have made every attempt to have judges judge classes for which they have in-depth knowledge. In classes where this is not possible, we have made every effort to have well-informed judges that know Mopars and can make decisions based on their knowledge. All judges have been instructed to take off points only in areas where they have the knowledge. When not certain if points should be deducted, they have been instructed to confer with the senior judge or not take off points.
All judges' decisions are final. If you are not with your vehicle when the judge(s) come to it, the areas they cannot see will not be judged and no points will be awarded. So please have someone there, or leave your hood, trunk, and interior open. If you have any questions about the judging during the event, go to the main judging tent.
The 10-year rule will remain in effect for the OE-Certification judging. The Regular Judged classes will allow '03-and-older vehicles to be judged. NOTE: Due to the low expected number of late-model entries ('97-up), they may be included in one class. The judging standards for new vehicles will also be harder than for those over 10 years old. All show judging entries will be parked in a marked-off area. The regular judging takes place on Friday, August 8 only. You must be present on Friday to have your car judged. The certification judging process will take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday morning. Those entrants will be notified before the event which day their car will be judged
"OE-Certification" $150 Entry Limited (Original Equipment Certification): These entries are judged by a set of standards specified by Mopar Nationals Inc. Everything on the vehicle is reviewed for condition, originality, and correctness. Date codes, VINs, and so on are all checked. Vehicle documentation (window sticker and broadcast sheet, among other things) is important and will add points. Vehicles must be at least 10 years old. This class is intended for the ground-up-type restorations or for vehicles that are exceptionally original and in near-perfect condition. More than 2,000 points can be awarded: 95 percent of the total points are required for Gold, 90 percent for Silver, and 85 percent for Bronze. Cars scoring under 1,700 points are not awarded a certificate. Cars can be judged in this classification only once. After a period of two years, the car may be entered into this classification again if there is an opening. Only a limited number of cars are accepted due to the nature and time it takes to perform this judging. Acceptance is based on the vehicle's past showings, placing, and, obviously, condition. NOTE: The OE-Certification judging is usually full for the following year; call for availability and further information.
Entering The Mopar NatsRegular EntryGot a nice Mopar? Got $60? You're in! The cost of the regular entry is $60 if postmarked by June 30, 2003; $75 thereafter. Entries are available at the gate. Preregistration entries admit two adults and one vehicle to all three days, as well as the Trophy Race bracket if you choose to race your car. You can make time trails during the scheduled open portion of the event on Saturday. NOTE: Your vehicle must meet NHRA rules to run down the track. There is no judging in this car entry, but you may win one of the many trophies or plaques awarded by the various magazines, Mopar Nationals, and Mopar Performance. These entrants must park on the east side of the track and use the designated gate. If not preregistered, use the Gate A entrance for registration (see map). A picture is required of all entries unless you are entering the same vehicle you entered last year.
Race EntryGot a race car or want to compete in the bracket classes? The Race Car entry is $100 if postmarked by June 30, 2003; $115 thereafter. Entries are available at the gate Thursday, Friday, and Saturday only. This entry is for participants who want to race their cars in one of the bracket classes or shootouts. Preregistration entry admits two adults and the vehicle to all three days. The vehicle must pass all NHRA rules for its maximum e.t. performance. Cars entered will park on the east side of the track in the designated pit area. Use the Main Gate A entrance on the first day or until tech inspected. Tech inspection will be on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday; No Sunday inspections. After the vehicle passes tech inspection, park in the designated pit area and use the entrance gate on your confirmation letter to enter the grounds.
This year's event will feature the Super Pro, Pro, Quick 16, Young Guns, and Street Classes, along with the Neon Shootout, the FWD, and the Nostalgic Shoot-outs. A picture is required for all new entries. Vehicles entered in the race entry cannot compete in the Trophy class. Race Note: You must check the trailer box for a trailer permit if you have a vehicle on a trailer. Only a limited amount of space for trailers is available, and they must be parked in the trailer-designated area only. No regular entries ($60), Street, or Trophy Race entries will be allowed with a trailer. This is reserved for the Bracket drag racers only.
Concours Judged Show (Concours And OE Certification)Want to have your car professionally judged? The cost is $85, and your entry must be postmarked by June 30, 2003. No entries will be accepted after this date or at the gate. This entry is for those participants who want their cars judged and will compete for the trophies or plaques as well as bragging rights. Entry admits the car and two adults for all three days. You may remain parked on the judging side all weekend if entered into this classification.
There are seven major categories, and all require photos with the entry application. Some classes have restrictions or additional fees. For example, the Senior and OE-Certified classes require additional funds. Remember to include two photos (three-quarter front and rear) with your application unless entering the same vehicle you entered last year. Include copies of your broadcast sheet, window sticker, and any other supporting documentation for the Senior classes and OE Certification NOTE: Since this judging class may be full by the time this publication is released, be sure to preschedule for an available '04 opening.
Judged Show vehicles trailered to the track must park in the approved designated trailer areas and purchase a trailer permit ($25). Show cars can compete in the Saturday Trophy Race and/or make a time trial on Saturday during the designated time. Judging takes place Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winners will be announced Saturday after 3 p.m.
Confirmation LetterThree weeks before the event, you will receive your window sticker and tickets in the mail. Additional weekend passes are $40 each. Maps and the latest schedule of events will be available upon arrival at the Nats. NOTE: Motel reservations for this weekend should be made as early as possible since the Columbus-area facilities tend to fill up fast. As mentioned, all entries require a photo, unless you enter the car you entered last year, and your vehicle window decal will have your entered vehicle Year/Make/Model designation. So, if you do not bring that registered vehicle, we must be contacted in advance. No pets or camping allowed on the racetrack grounds.