Are Trendspotters Ruining Car Shows?

If you’ve been to a car show lately, you may have noticed a new breed of enthusiasts – the ‘trendspotters’. But are they harmful of helpful to the world of modified car events?

By Joe Dawes, Fast Car Videographer

Every year we witness the emergence of new trends, fads and gimmicks in the world of car shows. Previously these have included low car limbos, rev-offs and car spotters. For the most part, these crazes pass under the radar without generating too much attention, and people are left to do their own thing.

However, this year has brought about the term ‘Trendspotters’. This refers to the group of people, often young teenagers, who chase around the hypercars, supercars and the most popular models with the aim of capturing photos and videos to plaster all over their social media channels.

These young teenagers can be seen chasing hypercars, supercars, and popular models, all in pursuit of capturing the perfect social media moment. But are these trendspotters ruining car shows? Or are they ensuring the popularity, and therefore the future, of these events? Well, there’s arguments on both sides of the fence, so let’s unpick them…

The Rise of Trendspotters

It’s hard to miss the distinctive scream of a Lamborghini starting up at a car show. This sound alone is enough to draw a flock of 13-year-olds scrambling to record it, enthusiastically shouting “REV IT!” or “DO A BURNOUT!” in the process. They eagerly manoeuvre their way to the front, leaving other spectators pushed aside and relegated to the back of the crowd. And when a Supra makes an appearance, the excitement and joy amongst these pre-pubescent enthusiasts reach unparalleled levels.

The Backlash towards Trendspotters

While social media has shed light on the trendspotting phenomenon, it has also illuminated a darker side. Many self-proclaimed “proper car enthusiasts” have voiced their discontent towards these young trendspotters. The comment sections of their videos are filled with hate, criticizing them for merely running around taking photos.

But hasn’t that always been a thing? Hasn’t a loud modified car always drawn a crowd? When was the last time you saw a Bugatti without an audience?

A Nostalgic Perspective

Personally, I don’t see any issue with this behaviour. It takes me back to my 12-year-old self running around car shows with a little digital camera. I was overwhelmed by the opportunity to finally see the cars I grew up playing with on Gran Turismo and Need For Speed. I still have numerous old photos I took at shows while growing up, and they still bring back fond memories of the joy I felt seeing automotive icons of the time.

Out of the countless people I now know in the automotive industry, I cannot think of a single one who wouldn’t pull out their phone and snap a few pictures if they stumbled upon their dream car parked somewhere. So why is it any different for these car show trendspotters? They get to see their favourite cars, and let’s be honest, the owners don’t mind it one bit. So, where’s the issue?

The Importance of Perspective

As we all know, the car community, especially the modified car community, harbours strong opinions. A lot of this stems from the belief that you must know everything about everything to call yourself a true car enthusiast. I believe this is where the distaste for trendspotters originates. A quick glance at the Trendspotter video comments section will quickly reveal the prevailing opinion that these kids “know nothing about cars” and therefore are not welcome to enjoy what they’re seeing.

So what? Does it really matter if Little Timmy hasn’t even mentioned the 1 of 500 Sierra Cosworth RS500 over there? Or if he walked straight past a Lancia Delta Integrale to get a snap of of a modified Huracan? If that’s your preference, then be grateful you have a quiet spot to admire it. The fact that kids would rather look at a Mk4 Supra than a vintage race car or a mint-condition homologation special seems to offend some people. But rather than shaming those who perhaps don’t know the full story behind some of the cars on display, why not take the time to enlighten them?

Letting the Next Generation Have Their Time

We were all once awe-struck young kids, admiring our first bedroom wall poster car in the flesh. So why not allow the next generation of car enthusiasts their time to revel in their dream cars? After all, the next generation of trendspotters will most likely be chasing down the hum of a Tesla battery! So, let’s celebrate their passion and joy while they still can!

Looking for Car Shows in 2024?

If you’re a fan of modified cars then make sure you check out some of the fantastic live shows and events the Fast Car Entertainment team have got planned for 2024.