[Barry Bonzack]

Originally Posted by Looking Forward

KANSAS CITY:
Due to a lack of time, and mainly, a lack of information, KC is going to have to take one for the team. I hardly know any of these teams, and none of my sources knows much more. The lowest numbered team is 476, and only six teams are under 1000.
925 also looks like they can compete. Their roller-claw lift coupled with their mecanum drive is likely to lead them to contention. I expect them to be playing during the semifinals at least.

I'll fill in some of the gap.

After 8 teams from Oklahoma were in Kansas City last year, Team 476 is the only one that opted to attend both the OKC Regional and the KSC regional. Last year team 476 won four awards and also the Lone Star Regional Championship. Since 2006 they have received 3 Industrial Safety awards, and have won at least one award every season they have even competed(dating to 2000). They have been working diligently in Oklahoma to get legislature to pass a bill that granted $100,000 be used to start FIRST teams. They also are the leaders that helped the Oklahoma Regional to get off the ground. I am not sure which regional they have submitted their Chairman's too, but I expect them to at least get the Engineering Inspiration.

Team 935 and 1775 dominated the regional easily last year, 2165 and 1806 were the next best two robots but were unable to keep up in the finals. 935's drivetrain as stated looks very nice and very similar to lasts years which was the only mecanum bot on the field. I have no information on 1775 this year, and 2165 will not be at the Kansas City Regional this year.

That bring us to 1806, team SWAT. Last year they were the 2nd seed alliance captain after 935 picked 1775. for being in the 1800's, they build a very nice robot. This year they come packing with a forklift with a wheel to be able to hurdle. I am expecting them in the finals again.

Team 1448 is a team that knows how to design. They are most memorable for their HUGE tank treads in 2006, but last year their unique robot made it in the 2007 FIRST Design Book. They are another team that has won an award every year they have competed, dating back to 2004.