so that's why the starts were so f'ed up! I should have asked, but I was worried about what happened to Bill and Greg when i got out of the car. I am so glad they are both all right. The wreck looked bad from where I was.
On the first start, the field was moving so fast that us back markers thought the race was on (couldn't see the tower) and we got on it. By the time we realized it had been waved, we were coming up on the front half of the field FAST. I got forced off track by a bimmer trying to stop without hitting anyone!
Same with the second start, we were moving fast going through 10, and again, I had to assume the race was on (couldn't see the turn 10 flaggers behind me, and no way to see the tower).

After that, I was fighting the car, and ended up running with the ITB cars for the most part. During my short stint with some ITA folks, I overcooked turn 1 and watched them take off while the dust settled... Live and learn. At least, I now have my novice permit signed off!