[EricH]

I'd actually put the 6WD on 254/60 in 2004. That year saw the first set of twin robots in FRC--the only thing different was the color. (It also saw massive debate on collaboration such that two or more teams built the same robot.) Their joint drivetrain became known as the West Coast drive for some reason. 980 might have had something to do with it by winning IRI, but how much influence they had is unclear.

And as for the '04 KOP pneumatic wheels being poor performers, I think it appropriate to say, "to each his own", and then go use said wheels to climb a 6" step autonomously. (And then, 15 seconds later, have no further need for them...)