DIRECT LINK TO THE GAME DESCRIPTION:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jsmPPo6Fbr...%2BOff.jpg
Sorry, some people had problems viewing that, so I decided to give a direct link
The platforms at the end do go down. There are two starting areas for each alliance, one is right next to that ramp, and one is on the ramp, you drive forward off the ramp to get onto the field (you actually start off the field). You also get a bonus at the end if you end up on those platforms (which will spring back up and you have to pull down to get up

)
Sorry for the wierd data links everyone.