[Swampdude]

Well here's what I wanted to do but couldn't because the gigantic flag holder is in the way, although I'd love to see someone try it. Basically, if you could hold the ball at the end of a pole (about 4' long maybe) behind your bot, as you travel towards the bars (finish line), plant the front end of the pole in the carpet with a grippy foot on it, and you pole vault the ball using the bots inertia.
The bot itself is your best source of stored energy which can be transfered into the ball.