Rhonda and Steve are exactly right. Let me provide two or three more examples:
Last year, we went to two different shows. Our car had scored 2nd's and 1st's at every car show. At both of these shows, the crowd had gathered around the car. One was participant judged. In that one, we did not even take 3rd place. Found out later that the local club took 1st/2nd/3rd in each year catagory. Since my club was not a local club, it did not place. I could not explain it since I was sure folks voted for my car for as much looking and talking they did about it.
In the other show, there were about 25 cars in our class. They were giving out 1st/2nd/3rd trophies. I felt like we were in the money as far as the cars that were there. My son and I stayed next to the car all day. The show had judges and never did we see one judge come by and look at the car. We did not place. The 1st place went to a 69 that really needed work but was the son of the man who donates all the money to put on the show. 2nd was a pretty nice car. 3rd place went to a older Midget that was dripping old so bad in and around the motor that the car was on fire when they shut the thing off. No body work at all.
Then, the next show we go to we win "Best of Show".
I believe you have to go to each show to tell the story about your car. I take the car to shows to let my 12 year old son enjoy the glory of the car. If we place, great. If we don't, we still had an experience together that he feels like the car was his - if only for a few hours.
Paul