[CENTURION]

So, this may sound extremely n00bish of me, but I can't seem to see the advantage of a drop-center 6 (or 8) wheel drivetrain over other types.

I understand the point of dropping the center wheel: to reduce friction by making the robot rock so that two wheels are off of the ground. But I can't see why you wouldn't you just have a 4-wheel drivetrain, only 4 wheels are going to actually be touching the ground anyway.

We went with a 6 wheel drive this year, but we lowered the friction by putting omniwheels on the corners of the robot.

Is there some secret purpose that you could enlighten me of?