[Gdeaver]

Karthik,
Thank you for your post. It's what I tried to point out earlier but, you said it better. The kit base alone is not enough to survive a physical game the 2006 comp turned into. The kit frame is a beginning. How it's added to and reinforced can be the difference between success and failure. In 2006 bumpers were introduced. Not all teams took advantage of them. If the bumpers are allowed again for 2007, I would encourage both kit and custom teams consider their use. The strength of the plywood bumper frame should not be ignored. In fact with the proper type of plywood the 2006 bumpers can be considered a structural element. Better yet a major structural element that is not part of the weight budget or size limitation. If the bumpers are back, this opens the possibility of incorporating the bumpers into the frame design and eliminating some material and weight with out sacrificing strength. I would try to avoid home center plywood. Grade B/BB 3/4" 15 ply Baltic Birch would be a good choice.