Long -Bad experience w/ Boston Chapter Pres. Friedman

[Brew]

I have to say that ever since I joined the CCA this winter, I've been kind of turned off by the attitude of some of the guys who run the Boston Chapter. I realize how serious motorsports is and the importance of safety at any event, but I don't think the chapter does a very good job "breaking-in" novices such as myself.

I'm very interested in participating is some autocrosses this season, but after reading the page on the boston chapter website, I'm having second thoughs of doing the CCA's events. In a way, its almost itimidating how they word their policies regarding payments and "no shows".

I participated in my first ice race this past winter, and I was a little disapointed with the lack of organization by the people running it.

Don't get me wrong, I realize how much time and effort these guys put towards the club, I just think they could maybe do a better job making the club more inviting to new members.

Maybe this is just how car clubs and events work, but it wasn't really what I was expecting.

Isn't it just about having some fun?

[rscheiring]

Isn't it just about having some fun?

It puts the F U back in fun.

I'm assuming that once a car is up to snuff and we get a better feel for the events, people, etc it will be a no-brainer. But they sure don't put their efforts where their mouth is for assisting new members.

[jflower]

rob,

sucks that you had a bad experience.. i just want to defend denis. I know him personally and have for 4 years now. He is very giving and quite helpful in many situations. On numerous occasions I've seen him give parts away from his parts bins to people that needed them with only a thank you as payment. His time that he's given to the club aside, he deals with people trying to circumvent rules all the time. He used to do registration for driver's schools and is the one that deals with people that fail tech. these people are not happy people.

It's harsh policy that kept you from the track.. if you fail tech, you're screwed unless you fix what it is that's wrong. this is a necessary evil. I've seen people furious after being turned away from the tech line, i've also seen people wrap their cars around inanitmate objects because they signed the tech form themselves. both cases aren't fun, however i'd definately rather the first.

from what i've gathered, your beef lies with the communication between you and turner, not the chapter. I agree, some people at Boston chapter events are a little weird perhaps i've been considered one of them :twisted: . But for every person that's lame, there's 10 people that are awesome..

rock on with your bad self and do an ADSS... have Sean take you for a whip. It's a blast.

[rscheiring]

Thanks J. I've heard alot of good things about Denis from others as well lately. I still think his response was pretty nasty relative to my request and that their guidance for new people is poor. But like you say, if he deals with this all the time he may have learned to take a nasty stance. He doesn't know what a truly wonderful person I am :?

One question on the form itself - where would the technician sign it? The only spot I see asks for Participants signature.

[jflower]

yeah, the tech form is meant so that you take responsibility for your own car. they make it so you tell the service technician what you're doing and they tech the car for you, checking off each thing as they go. then you sign it to say "my car has been teched" .. kinda weird i guess, but makes sense.. they just need to know that someone has teched the car.

for the record, we (HMS) hold a driver school tech session before the first school each year. people come here and we walk them thru the driver school thing. we tell you what you need to do before the event, what to do the morning of, where to go when you get there, where to put your stuff and all the other things that are annoying to figure out on your own. It's a fun event, with some good racing stories, etc... unfortunately you missed it this year.

peace
jflower

edit: i get it...

i've also seen people wrap their cars around inanitmate objects because they signed the tech form themselves

what i meant was that they just look at the tech form and say "brake fluid, yup. wheel bearings, they look good. tire tread, sure" without actually checking things out and thinking about how they'll hold up to performance track driving.

[rscheiring]

for the record, we (HMS) hold a driver school tech session before the first school each year. people come here and we walk them thru the driver school thing. we tell you what you need to do before the event, what to do the morning of, where to go when you get there, where to put your stuff and all the other things that are annoying to figure out on your own. It's a fun event, with some good racing stories, etc... unfortunately you missed it this year.

I saw it, but didn't realize how bad I needed it! Too bad. I love going to your new digs - like a kid in a candy store.