Have you considered entering your vehicle into a car show, but don’t know what to expect? Chances are, if this is your first time, you may feel a little overwhelmed by the many details of such an event. Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place as the Charlotte AutoFair, produced by Hornets Nest Regional, AACA, draws nearer. As producers of North Carolina’s famous auto show, these experts hear a lot of questions from participants and want to help ease your concerns. Here, they’ve put together answers to your most common questions.

4 Frequently Asked Questions About Car Show Participation

1. How Should I Prepare for a Car Show?

If you plan to be in the show with your vehicle, you want to prepare it appropriately. This involves cleaning it and making it look good. In short, don’t give a judge anything to deduct points for. Clean the exterior and keep it beautiful—many people will even tow their show cars to prevent dirt from splashing onto the undercarriage. You should also spruce up the interior parts, including the engine. In fact, dirty engine components are a huge faux pas at this sort of event.

2. How Original Should My Car Be?

To score extra points, you should always try to keep the vehicle as original as possible. While you may want to update the sound system, keeping it to its original specifications could help you score higher. Many judges even openly admit to being lenient with original vehicles, as the fact that it has survived so long is a testament to your care. However, scratches on restored vehicles may be more likely to earn you a few deductions.

3. What Is the Location & Spacing Like for Vendors?

The Charlotte AutoFair takes place at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. If you want to sell your vehicle here, your car will most likely be displayed at the Car Corral, where you’ll be provided a space that is 10 feet wide and 18 feet deep for one vehicle. Keep in mind that your vehicle must be mobile to bring it to this location.

4. What If My Car Isn’t Driveable?

If your car is not drivable, it won’t be sold at the Car Corral. Instead, you’ll be located at the Flea Market. In addition, limousines, motor homes, dual rear wheel trucks, boats, and other marine equipment will also be sold in the Flea Market. Here, your space will typically be about 10 feet wide and 20 to 30 feet deep.

Whether you want to participate as a vendor or enter your vehicle in the car show itself, the Charlotte AutoFair offers a unique experience that you don’t want to miss. At this four-day event, you’ll experience car enthusiasts coming together and enjoying collector cars. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to them at (704) 841-1990. You can also visit their website or follow them on Twitter for updates.