ut of all the vehicles I’ve built/had built/owned, there was just one occurrence where I’d entered a show with the anticipation of winning an award: my 1953 Chevy Bel Air, which I’d taken to the Grand National Roadster Show some 20-odd years ago. While my intentions were to have it displayed in the “custom” building adjacent to the AMBR display (Building 5?), I ended up somewhat relegated to the Suede Palace, front and center right as you entered the Quonset hut, which is where George Barris was selecting his award for the show (which made up for having to dust the car multiple times a day!). Not for myself so much, rather, I wanted to show my appreciation to all those who helped me with the car, namely Andre Carey (painter) and Roger Starkey (upholsterer) by getting that pick—but ultimately, it would not be. After all was said and done, I was immediately back to my not-caring-about-show-accolades whatsoever.

To be honest, the greatest award I’ve ever received for anything I’ve owned is praise from my peers and, more importantly, the satisfaction of actually finishing something and being able to enjoy it! Sure, I’ve taken home plaques and trophies, which I greatly appreciate, but that’s not what it’s about for me. Besides, not having the expectations or even anticipations prevents me from being disappointed when I don’t win … especially with cars/trucks that aren’t award-worthy in the first place.

But, I do understand those who do. Regardless of the amount of money that goes into a build, it’s a great way to be acknowledged for all the hard work—for everyone involved. Sometimes, that anticipation is pretty high, and thus, the disappointment is even higher when and/or if that desired award is not received. This goes right back to my not expecting/not being upset mantra. Whether it’s a point-system criteria or simply judge’s personal taste, you never know what the outcome’s going to be … most the time!

Just as it is in the hot rod/muscle car world where vehicles are built specifically for America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR), Street Machine of the Year, and so on, we have the World’s Most Beautiful Truck (WoMBaT as we’ve coined it!) and the Truck of the Year(s) from Triple Crown of Rodding and Goodguys. I love seeing the trucks going together vying to be crowned cream of the crop as it gives me (and others) inspiration for my own projects, knowing full well they’ll never be of the caliber!

Where do you stand on the whole awards “thing”? I know few of us will ever be in contention for one of those aforementioned Big Ones, but what about simply getting acknowledged at the local cruise night with a ribbon or even a gift card? Or are you like me, content enough with just being able to drive and enjoy the fruit of your labor (or others’ labor)?