Hi Marc. I want to chime in here in the interest of keeping Potomac's good name with our neighbors both PCA and other, such as NASA. I do instruct PCA, FATT, NASA, Mercedes. And I have been registrar and DE Chair for Potomac so I've seen the registration process up close and personal.

To say Potomac does not honor signoffs from other groups is overstating the case. In fact it is not very easy to safely decided where to put folks from diverse backgrounds. When in doubt trackdays trumps signoffs or groups every time until we can make a first hand evaluation.

Other programs are respected; but not all programs are equivalent. At the very bottom and the very top the drivers are indistinguishable from program to program. (Sometimes because it IS the same drivers; come see all us PCA guys at a FATT or NASA or Audi or Mercedes or Corvette Club, or ... event) But in between the experience and skill levels are all over the map. The registrar learns over time who's x group is equal to Potomac's y group.

The registrar is the first point of contact between our DE program and new participants. He, (Bob Novas right now) must try to make a reasonable evaluation of the applicant for placement in our groupings. Not an easy task. As a general rule 20 track days with Potomac is going to be Blue. Still an instructed group. 20 track days with NASA is probably the advanced group. Not an instructed group. 20 days with FATT is probably group 2. Not an instructed group. The low end of Potomac white group is around 30 to 40. The instructor groups (Black and Red) are pulled from white so you're usually looking at a MINIMUM of 40 and normally much much more.

So, if I had to second guess, I guess Bob will put a 20 day driver in ... well, I'm not gonna second guess. But I know if need be he will consult with the previous group and our CI.

I think you can take justifiable pride in the fact that a Potomac member who is in the White rungroup who wants to run FATT will be put directly into the Group 2 non-instructed. All they ask is a verification from the program (Art or Bob or Paul) of your assignment to white. Likewise if you go to another PCA region your experience here is recognized at full value.

Thanks John . . . . meant no disrespect to other regions or clubs. Having run with other clubs, I like the careful consideration that Potomac goes through when determining who should be at what level . . . . makes it safer for all involved.

Subliminal message - give Bob $10 to get into White


Mark & John - no disrespect taken. It is a great responsibility


Subliminal message - give Bob $10 to get into White


to determine what run group an unknown driver should be in.


Subliminal message - give Bob $10 to get into White


As some may remember, I have made some horrible mistakes


Subliminal message - give Bob $10 to get into White


believing a driver's stated opinion of their skill level.


Subliminal message - give Bob $10 to get into White

Note - Although I do place new drivers initially into a run group, and I do check references, after that, all movement from one run group to another is per direction of the chief instructor or chief evaluation instructor.

Hey Bob . . . . . can I pay you $10 to put Richard in white :wink:

Now Marc, I'm ashamed of you. Where would you come up with such an idea?

Subliminal Message - It's gonna cost you $20

tough crowd :shock:

Don't worry guys. I'm probably done with the track this season. Engagement ring bled me dry. Once I unload the house, I'll pick back up when I get to the left coast. But I'll still be around for fun runs this spring and summer - muhahahaha.

Not a valid reason! DE can be put on credit! :D

It's not so much the regist. fees, it's driving to VIR or Mid Ohio, getting a hotel, the increased maint. needed and time away from the lady. Credit card debt is not an option!