[samir13k]

We have everyone go to our local regional, considering it is only a 2-3 hr drive. What our team does is have about 5-10 kids scouting from the stands, or walking around the pits. We also have a rotation for the students actually working in the pits. The drivers, a programmer, a mechanical person, an electrical guy, and 2 mentors are usually in the pits at a time. granted the fact that it is hard to stick to the schedule, it usually does not create a problem considering some kids stay out in the stands, and some go on the tours. As for nationals, it comes down to funding i would say. If you have enough funding, then you want to have everyone who has steadily participated go. You dont want to have to cut someone out in the opportunity. If you are going to a far away regional/national, then you probably want to take the top 8-10 students and 3 mentors. You would want to have your drivers and 1 student from each subgroup...plus scouts.