Okay, so I got a response back and it will put everyone's concerns to rest but first I guess I need to make a disclaimer. I may take on an "official" role when I volunteer to be either a tech inspector, the rookie director, or a starter but I have no official capacity outside of those events at which I volunteer and I certainly have no official capacity whatsoever when I post here on these forums. I know all you guys know that but apparently some have taken issue with my involvement in this discussion. So, just to be totally clear, I am in no way representing the SCTA or the Board of Directors. I'm a racer just like you guys... I just happen to sometimes wear a couple of different hats that say SCTA on them but all those hats are off now. It's just me, Nathan, being Nathan and these are my thoughts and comments, not the SCTA's or the Board's. Clear?
Alright, with that out of the way I can tell you, unofficially, what I was told via email from an official: Yes, second round is supposed to be staged in line up order. I think the pre-stage group was a little rusty on what was supposed to happen considering that we had such a long break since our last event. At least one of my rookies got busted for coming to the staging lines "out of order", which they're allowed to do because rookies don't run in starting order sequence, so again, another "rusty" moment. Apparently the Board is entirely aware of the problem and discussed the matter at the last board meeting and has said that there will be a resolution in place for the next event. I did not attend the meeting (getting to Irwindale on a Friday evening from anywhere is murder); these are my unofficial comments based on what an official told me in an email.
So there you have it. I unofficially hope that this answers everyone's questions and I'm glad, as I'm sure you all are as well, to know that the Board will be taking care of the situation. If you guys need further clarification on any particular matter please refer yourselves to an official official, of which I am not!
BTW, Tom, good idea on the bullhorn. I have one that I use for rookie orientation at Bonneville. It's available for their use.