I am sorry to the volunteers who felt they were insulted, that wasn't my intent. Every PCA contact that I've ever had has promptly answered every one of my questions - dumb ones, and the other one or two questions I had.

I had one registration that clearly stated the conditional nature of a spot, and one registration that didn't state anything conditional at all.

Clearly errors and confusion are on my part, and I am sorry that I brought this up. The process is new to me, and I was unaware of how sensitive the topic was to so many.

I endeavor to help when I can, and as a new guy, I'm somewhat tentative about what I'm able to do to help, but I try to lend a hand somewhere at every event.

One registration clearly mentioned conditional status:

This registration does not constitute official acceptance until we contact you prior to the event to confirm acceptance. You should expect to receive confirmation approximately four weeks prior to the event.

The other didn't:

Thanks for registering to drive with xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Detailed confirmation information will be emailed a few weeks prior to the event at which time your payment will be processed and refunds are subject to our cancellation policy: - No refunds or credit for cancellation within 3 days of event. Etc, etc, etc.

but rants can be entertaining. especially when the entertainment comes at the expense of the ranter, or those too quick to agree.... ;)

and in this instance the rant also has lead me to a new awareness and understanding of another important reason why PCAP events are consistently top notch: the intricate behind-the-scenes organizational work and planning (including the careful matching of instructors with students) that’s done by a small handful of under-appreciated volunteers, working under less than optimal circumstances. wow! i take my hat off to you. makes me want to come out to a DE.

Worth hearing the rants to see that one fly! :)

That said - lets all take a deep breath. Ken and others are learning the ropes and expressed some frustration/confusion. And the "ropes" may be different for each organizer. And they may evolve over time. These are all good things to think about/keep top of mind - and remind newbies of.

I would comment from personal experience but I have none as I have NEVER registered for an event myself. BikePump always does it then hopes I don't freak out. ;)

I think I'll go start a thread now titled "Why we LOVE our registrars!"

Chris/Carol - you should start a thread "Crazy Shit That Came Into My Inbox Today"

I hope they leave my name off the emails, I may be on several of them...

Oh, I am sure they will change the names to protect the (ahem) innocent. I am sure something like "Mustache Man" would never be connected to you.

oooh, this has potential:
My email was mistaken for the character from "Archer"

no worries at all, Ken. i sometimes have my registrar trigger finger a little too itchy, sorry if it came off as combative. hug and a kumbaya? :lol:

and for those listening, i was mistaken and owe Handlebar a slight apology - altho it still lands him on the wait list, he did in fact reg almost 2mos ago. becauuuuuuuuse, i just realized that in motorsportreg there happens to be another "Ken", also with a "1988 911", also on the wait list for this event, who asked recently (via reg email) where he was on the wait list. ok, i know one should never jump to conclusions but honestly, what are the fricken odds??? i thought i had the right Ken!!!

i need a martini

No worries, Chris.

I am fine, still learning, thanks.

Apparently 1:1 :lol:

Ken, you should get your car tech'd for the event, just in case. Good luck getting in.