[FIMAlumni]

Since looking forward decided to highlight 1189, 217, 3641, and 862 in his post I figured I would do a write up on the four of them as well.

1189: The Gearheads are currently ranked 17 in FIM. Howell and Centerline finalists, 1189 is a HP fed arm bot capable of making stacks of 3 with RCs and placing them on top of existing stacks. Expect them to team up with a fast stacker that isn't great with RCs to compliment each other.

217: The Thunder Chickens are currently ranked 27th in FIM. Waterford finalists and Livonia Quarter-finalist, 217 is a HP forklift type stacker that makes stacks of 5 with a RC and noodle. 217 was ranked 3rd at Livonia and valued the fast canburglar of 27 to pair up with. Unfortunately the alliance ended with more cans than stacks. 217 will continue to improve and will be a force to reckon with.

3641: The Flying Toasters are currently ranked 31st in FIM. Gull Lake Semifinalist and Livonia Finalist, 3641 is another forklift type stacker with a built in rear loading ramp. Creating stacks of 6 with RC and noodle, expect 3641 to seed very high as they do not rely on partners to put up big points or gather RCs.

862: Lightning Robotics are currently ranked 23rd in FIM. Howell Semifinalist and Traverse City Finalist, 862 is HP forklift type stacker creating stacks of 3 with a RC. 862 hasn't competed in 20 days and will likely have some new things to show off at Bedford as they practice for MSC.

As with the teams mentioned above, all of these teams are competing in their 3rd event and are already pretty much into states. This "practice" event will be a great time for driver practice and fine tuning new mechanisms. I predict that 1 alliance will score over 200 points and miss the finals here at Bedford.