If assuming this years kit stays roughly the same as last years kit when it comes to the kit bot.
1114 kitbot on steroids is a great starting point and can get you a competitive bot. The extra parts needed for the kitbot will cost you ~$400 including shipping from Andymark and then that would leave you with ~$1100 to build the rest of the robot and if done properly $1100 can get you a competitive robot. You just have to remember to keep it simple and to build within your means.