Though I'd share this string of email with you all. It started with a rusty brake line, and ended with the President of the Boston Chapter calling me names. Gee, I thought I was a nice guy! Be forwarned - its long. What do you guys think? You have to read them from the bottom up.
Dear Denis
Thanks for your reply. My apologies for wasting so much of your time. I can imagine that you have many constraints on your time as the President of the chapter, not to mention a regular life and job! I would have been happy to deal with someone else had you so directed. No need to reply to this email.
I have no doubt that those at Turnermotorsport know exactly what they are doing and felt they were very clear. However, you were not there (and neither was Dave for that matter) but clearly you have chosen to side with them and chose to label a BMW CCA member "willful" and "disingenuous". I thought my last email was worded very kindly in that I pointed to my novice level as the problem. I have no desire to put myself or others at risk, and certainly had no intention to trick you all.
I am also in complete agreement that your refund policy is very clear and was from the beginning. My request was simple - can you make an exception given the circumstances and my novice level.
To me, that doesn't seem to be an inappropriate request at all, but given that I now have the President of my chapter calling me names, I completely and unequivocally withdraw my request and have completely reconsidered my position.
Thank you for your time.
Rob Scheiring
BMW CCA # 297165
-----Original Message-----
From: Denis Friedman [mailto:denis@friedman.org]
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2004 11:47 PM
To: Scheiring, Robert
Subject: RE: Tech Form - LRP 3/30
Rob,
The policies and statements are clear and concise. I spoke with Kevin and Dave at Turner when you first wrote on 3/22 and they were straightforward in their statements about the unsuitability of your car for the event. When I wrote to you I stated "there may have been a misunderstanding" because I felt that was the kindest way to phrase the situation. While I certainly have no reason to believe you were willful in your statement that "the fellow at Turner said it should be fine if I leave it alone.", Kevin was quite certain that he was clear on the matter, and that your car was not safe for the track. I also know that people understand what they hear through the aural filters of hope and expectation. However the statement that the folks at "Turner forgot to give me the form when they had done their work" is disingenuous, as they specifically told me that they informed you that they could not sign off on the car in its then current condition.
We all have a great responsibility to minimize the hazards of untoward incidents in what must be regarded as an inherently risky situation. It is the obligation of each driver to prepare their car properly, and to do so on a timely basis. The statement in the directions is "CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY: In order to receive a refund of your entry fee, you must cancel before March 20, 2004 AND we must find another driver to take your spot." Had you canceled by then, there'd be no issue; we could have replaced you from a fairly long wait list, made someone else very happy, and you'd have gotten your money back. However you didn't notify us until 3/25 that you could not render your car safe. The chapter has already lost over $2,000 on this event due to new track fees that were unforeseen at the time the student charge was established, someone on the wait list was denied an opportunity because you did not deal with this matter on a timely basis, I've spent a great deal of time tracing the history of this matter with Turner's people, and now you want your money back.
Please reconsider your position in the light of all the documentation and let me know that you now see how inappropriate your request is.
Thank you,
Denis
At 09:33 AM 4/1/2004, you wrote:
Denis - I hope everything went well on Tuesday.
I hate to bug you on this again, but I feel compelled to share with you my disappointment on the chain of events leading up to my failing tech, and the lack of refund or credit for the event. I'd prefer to discuss this over the phone or in person, but not sure how convenient that would be for you. My work number is below if you need it, or I can call you at a convenient time.
First, let me say this is the first real event I had (or would have) attended with the Boston Chapter (though I am a member of the Concours committee). I had planned to attend one last year, but due to a layoff was forced to sell my beloved M3. Since then, things have really straightened themselves out, as I was able to get "back in game" with the M6 (I also have an old 325 ic, but its still a project at this point).
I'm certain to folks like yourself and those at Turnermotorsport, the tech process is straightforward. But from this novice's point of view, it really isn't all that clear. The line between general advice on what would be a good improvement some day and what was a non-starter for a driving school a couple weeks away is not clear. Turner forgot to give me the form when they had done their work, but even when it did arrive in the mail, there was no clear indication of "failure", as there is no spot for them to even sign off on (or not sign off on). So again it wasn't clear to this novice that I was dead in the water (which started our chain of emails).
Given the circumstances, I ask that you reconsider refund of the driving school fee, or allow it as credit toward a future school. I'm sure $125 is pocket change to most of your members, but to me it isn't. It would also be a good way to see the club's true commitment to supporting and encouraging its newer members.
Its been a big time learning experience for me, and despite the disappointment, I am vowing to keep at it. I'm hoping you and the Boston Chapter will support me in this effort.
Yours truly,
Rob Scheiring
BMWCCA # 297165
-----Original Message-----
From: Scheiring, Robert
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2004 10:46 AM
To: 'Denis Friedman'
Cc: mbarton@lindskog.com
Subject: RE: Tech Form - LRP 3/30
Denis - bad news on the brake line. The shop here indicated its a bigger job than they can commit to at this time. For what its worth, they noted there were no leaks and lines had surface rust but did not appear bad.
So I'm wondering if I should just wait until track day for the final opinion, or given the Turner inspection should I pack in any hope of being on the track right now? Note that if I get failed at the Tech. Inspection, I would still like to stay the day and help out in any way I can.
Let me know what you think. Sorry for all the trouble.
Sincerely,
Rob Scheiring
-----Original Message-----
From: Denis Friedman [mailto:denis@friedman.org]
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 5:04 PM
To: Scheiring, Robert
Cc: mbarton@lindskog.com
Subject: RE: Tech Form - LRP 3/30
Rob,
Good move!
Please bring the work order from the shop. Otherwise the tech guys will have to crawl around to inspect the line, and that's not a good thing.
Thanks,
Denis
At 10:09 AM 3/22/2004, you wrote:
Thanks Denis. You're right, they weren't clear about that at all. In any event, I'm taking the car in locally to have some new springs installed (a recommendation from Turner, though it didn't fail the test). I just called and the installer will also put in a new brake line, so I should be all set.
Should I make any notes or supply proof that the unchecked items on the form are now completed?
Thanks again. See you next week!
Rob
-----Original Message-----
From: Denis Friedman [mailto:denis@friedman.org]
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2004 9:59 AM
To: Scheiring, Robert
Subject: Re: Tech Form - LRP 3/30
Rob,
I appreciate the fact that you've taken care of some of the items identified by Turner. However the brake line is a critical component and cannot be assumed safe given the results of Turner's inspection. I spoke with the folks at Turner and believe there may have been a misunderstanding. It is possible they mentioned that the brake line would be okay for a short time in normal street driving, but the high braking requirements, and therefore frequent and high pressure, could well stress the rusted line beyond its present strength.
I hope you understand that it very much in your best interest to get that line replaced before anything bad happens under even mild use conditions. As is, I believe your car is not sound, safe and suitable for driving at Lime Rock.
Best regards,
Denis
At 09:03 AM 3/22/2004, you wrote:
Hi Denis. A quick question on the Pre Event safety inspection form. I had my car inspected at Turnermotorsport a week ago. There were a few things that didn't get checked off the list. Two of them have since been completed (secure battery, tighten driver seat back). The last one is a rusty rear brake line - its a big job (its a one piece line from master cylinder to rear end) and the fellow at Turner said it should be fine if I leave it alone.
My questions are: 1. Do I need any proof or to indicate on the form where I have since fixed things, and 2. As the rear brake line will remain as is, do I need to indicate anything and/or do I risk being turned back at the Tech inspection?
Thanks!
Rob Scheiring
Dear Denis
Thanks for your reply. My apologies for wasting so much of your time. I can imagine that you have many constraints on your time as the President of the chapter, not to mention a regular life and job! I would have been happy to deal with someone else had you so directed. No need to reply to this email.
I have no doubt that those at Turnermotorsport know exactly what they are doing and felt they were very clear. However, you were not there (and neither was Dave for that matter) but clearly you have chosen to side with them and chose to label a BMW CCA member "willful" and "disingenuous". I thought my last email was worded very kindly in that I pointed to my novice level as the problem. I have no desire to put myself or others at risk, and certainly had no intention to trick you all.
I am also in complete agreement that your refund policy is very clear and was from the beginning. My request was simple - can you make an exception given the circumstances and my novice level.
To me, that doesn't seem to be an inappropriate request at all, but given that I now have the President of my chapter calling me names, I completely and unequivocally withdraw my request and have completely reconsidered my position.
Thank you for your time.
Rob Scheiring
BMW CCA # 297165
-----Original Message-----
From: Denis Friedman [mailto:denis@friedman.org]
Sent: Thursday, April 01, 2004 11:47 PM
To: Scheiring, Robert
Subject: RE: Tech Form - LRP 3/30
Rob,
The policies and statements are clear and concise. I spoke with Kevin and Dave at Turner when you first wrote on 3/22 and they were straightforward in their statements about the unsuitability of your car for the event. When I wrote to you I stated "there may have been a misunderstanding" because I felt that was the kindest way to phrase the situation. While I certainly have no reason to believe you were willful in your statement that "the fellow at Turner said it should be fine if I leave it alone.", Kevin was quite certain that he was clear on the matter, and that your car was not safe for the track. I also know that people understand what they hear through the aural filters of hope and expectation. However the statement that the folks at "Turner forgot to give me the form when they had done their work" is disingenuous, as they specifically told me that they informed you that they could not sign off on the car in its then current condition.
We all have a great responsibility to minimize the hazards of untoward incidents in what must be regarded as an inherently risky situation. It is the obligation of each driver to prepare their car properly, and to do so on a timely basis. The statement in the directions is "CANCELLATION/REFUND POLICY: In order to receive a refund of your entry fee, you must cancel before March 20, 2004 AND we must find another driver to take your spot." Had you canceled by then, there'd be no issue; we could have replaced you from a fairly long wait list, made someone else very happy, and you'd have gotten your money back. However you didn't notify us until 3/25 that you could not render your car safe. The chapter has already lost over $2,000 on this event due to new track fees that were unforeseen at the time the student charge was established, someone on the wait list was denied an opportunity because you did not deal with this matter on a timely basis, I've spent a great deal of time tracing the history of this matter with Turner's people, and now you want your money back.
Please reconsider your position in the light of all the documentation and let me know that you now see how inappropriate your request is.
Thank you,
Denis
At 09:33 AM 4/1/2004, you wrote:
Denis - I hope everything went well on Tuesday.
I hate to bug you on this again, but I feel compelled to share with you my disappointment on the chain of events leading up to my failing tech, and the lack of refund or credit for the event. I'd prefer to discuss this over the phone or in person, but not sure how convenient that would be for you. My work number is below if you need it, or I can call you at a convenient time.
First, let me say this is the first real event I had (or would have) attended with the Boston Chapter (though I am a member of the Concours committee). I had planned to attend one last year, but due to a layoff was forced to sell my beloved M3. Since then, things have really straightened themselves out, as I was able to get "back in game" with the M6 (I also have an old 325 ic, but its still a project at this point).
I'm certain to folks like yourself and those at Turnermotorsport, the tech process is straightforward. But from this novice's point of view, it really isn't all that clear. The line between general advice on what would be a good improvement some day and what was a non-starter for a driving school a couple weeks away is not clear. Turner forgot to give me the form when they had done their work, but even when it did arrive in the mail, there was no clear indication of "failure", as there is no spot for them to even sign off on (or not sign off on). So again it wasn't clear to this novice that I was dead in the water (which started our chain of emails).
Given the circumstances, I ask that you reconsider refund of the driving school fee, or allow it as credit toward a future school. I'm sure $125 is pocket change to most of your members, but to me it isn't. It would also be a good way to see the club's true commitment to supporting and encouraging its newer members.
Its been a big time learning experience for me, and despite the disappointment, I am vowing to keep at it. I'm hoping you and the Boston Chapter will support me in this effort.
Yours truly,
Rob Scheiring
BMWCCA # 297165
-----Original Message-----
From: Scheiring, Robert
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2004 10:46 AM
To: 'Denis Friedman'
Cc: mbarton@lindskog.com
Subject: RE: Tech Form - LRP 3/30
Denis - bad news on the brake line. The shop here indicated its a bigger job than they can commit to at this time. For what its worth, they noted there were no leaks and lines had surface rust but did not appear bad.
So I'm wondering if I should just wait until track day for the final opinion, or given the Turner inspection should I pack in any hope of being on the track right now? Note that if I get failed at the Tech. Inspection, I would still like to stay the day and help out in any way I can.
Let me know what you think. Sorry for all the trouble.
Sincerely,
Rob Scheiring
-----Original Message-----
From: Denis Friedman [mailto:denis@friedman.org]
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 5:04 PM
To: Scheiring, Robert
Cc: mbarton@lindskog.com
Subject: RE: Tech Form - LRP 3/30
Rob,
Good move!
Please bring the work order from the shop. Otherwise the tech guys will have to crawl around to inspect the line, and that's not a good thing.
Thanks,
Denis
At 10:09 AM 3/22/2004, you wrote:
Thanks Denis. You're right, they weren't clear about that at all. In any event, I'm taking the car in locally to have some new springs installed (a recommendation from Turner, though it didn't fail the test). I just called and the installer will also put in a new brake line, so I should be all set.
Should I make any notes or supply proof that the unchecked items on the form are now completed?
Thanks again. See you next week!
Rob
-----Original Message-----
From: Denis Friedman [mailto:denis@friedman.org]
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2004 9:59 AM
To: Scheiring, Robert
Subject: Re: Tech Form - LRP 3/30
Rob,
I appreciate the fact that you've taken care of some of the items identified by Turner. However the brake line is a critical component and cannot be assumed safe given the results of Turner's inspection. I spoke with the folks at Turner and believe there may have been a misunderstanding. It is possible they mentioned that the brake line would be okay for a short time in normal street driving, but the high braking requirements, and therefore frequent and high pressure, could well stress the rusted line beyond its present strength.
I hope you understand that it very much in your best interest to get that line replaced before anything bad happens under even mild use conditions. As is, I believe your car is not sound, safe and suitable for driving at Lime Rock.
Best regards,
Denis
At 09:03 AM 3/22/2004, you wrote:
Hi Denis. A quick question on the Pre Event safety inspection form. I had my car inspected at Turnermotorsport a week ago. There were a few things that didn't get checked off the list. Two of them have since been completed (secure battery, tighten driver seat back). The last one is a rusty rear brake line - its a big job (its a one piece line from master cylinder to rear end) and the fellow at Turner said it should be fine if I leave it alone.
My questions are: 1. Do I need any proof or to indicate on the form where I have since fixed things, and 2. As the rear brake line will remain as is, do I need to indicate anything and/or do I risk being turned back at the Tech inspection?
Thanks!
Rob Scheiring
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