Lee,
You have absolutely NOTHING to apologize for. The knowledge and experience you can bring to this site about racing is more than appreciated.
It is us that should be apologizing to YOU for the feeling of unwelcome you received.
Please know that this site was founded as a racing site and has since evolved into a site to share not only our auto passions, but our lives. With that, the CR 'Culture' has changed a little over the years and internet personalities with it. Some people may come off has harsh or rude or mean on here yet, when met in person, are the total opposite.
Please know that what is said on here is often said in jest, and that no real meaning should be applied to the words. We can all be a little rough sometimes and not understand that others not well versed in online forums do not always realize that what is said online is not meant to be taken seriously.
I personally hope that you stay around and share your knowledge with us. Look around the site, see that there is a lot of fluff and offhanded remarks, but that there is also a wealth of knowledge that needs replenished by individuals such as yourself from time to time.
Welcome back to Columbus Racing and I look forward to seeing you at events this year.
-Marc