Youth judges wanted for Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance

Young car enthusiasts have the chance to offer their insights into some of the region’s most eye-catching vintage vehicles this summer as the Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance looks for participants for its annual Hagerty Youth Judging program.

The program, tied to the annual car show at Ault Park, gives participants ages 8 to 15 the chance to learn how vehicle judging works while interacting directly with collectors and automotive experts. The 25 selected youth judges will attend a training session on basic judging skills, meet the event’s chief judge and evaluate a group of selected vehicles before choosing their top three favorites during the June 14 show.

“The Hagerty Youth Judging program is designed to involve more young people in the automotive hobby. They will have the opportunity to speak directly with car owners, shadow the chief Concours judge, explore each vehicle’s history and unique details and evaluate them using established judging criteria,” said Michael Kelly, a longtime Cincinnati Concours volunteer who co-leads the program.

The Youth Judging program is part of a partnership between Hagerty, a classic and collector car insurance company, and the Cincinnati Concours d’Elegance, an annual showcase featuring more than 200 classic automobiles and motorcycles. This year’s event at Aulk Park will celebrate 100 years of Mercedes-Benz and include displays highlighting vehicles from the “Fast & Furious” and “Cars” franchises, along with turbo-era vehicles from 1973 to 1993.

Kelly said the Hagerty program gives young car enthusiasts a chance to learn about automotive history and car culture while taking a more hands-on role in the event.

Participants selected for this year’s program — the 15th since the partnership began — will receive admission tickets for themselves and a parent or guardian, along with event materials and refreshments.

“What really stands out is how much the kids love being part of it,” he said. “They’re engaged, curious and genuinely excited to learn about the cars and to share their opinions.”

Those wanting to take part must complete the online registration form, sign the release form and return it to Kelly at Mkelly11@cinci.rr.com by May 30.