[Billfred]

Perhaps it's time for FIRST robots to start using R/C car-type suspensions. You can adjust those things all day long...toe-in, camber, shock positioning, those were the days.

I have to agree--the channel (now that I realize it's channel) would probably be a little flimsy, given the robust trend lately. Perhaps some bracing would be in order? If that channel in the front or the back takes a few too many hits, then you're looking at no support to keep the sides from just ker-flumping inward. (I experienced the same phenomenon when one of my bed's rails at home warped. Ask my brother--we spent half an hour jumping on it to make it look half-decent...and even then, we had to prop a busted computer under the bed so that it'd hold my weight.) That wouldn't be too good in the middle of a match.

As for the weight distribution...I dunno. It would depend on your appendages du jour, but I think you might do well moving the battery back (more into the screen looking at that shot), and moving your RC to the other side. Or move the battery to the other side of the CIM motors and slide your RC inward some. That might help out, especially if the channel does give way. You don't want a good whack doing something to your RC.

Just my random blathering. With a few tweaks, that design should...what's the Chappelle's Show quote...SPIT HOT FI-YAH!