[Sean_330]

In my honest opinion, driver skill is more important than any other factor. Team 1197, the team I am with this year, has a freshman driver. While he is the youngest person and only freshman on the team, he did demonstrate the most skill during driver practice and when he drove the edu-robot. If a middle schooler wants to drive the robot, i think he should be judged by the same factors that any other potential driver is such as driving skill and dedication to the team. Too often teams get caught up in the whole senority debate and lose sight of whether their driver is really the most qualified individual.

Second, I do not think team's will look down on you because of your driver's age. I have been on 2 teams and told both of them that they should let their robot do the talking. Therefore, if you are competetive, your robot will speak for itself and you will not be looked down upon. Furthermore, it is not gracious professionalism to look down on another team simply because of driver age.

Anyway, that is just my opinion. I hope you get the best driver!