Driver Skill

[Kevin Ray]

We have a dedicated driving mentor who happens to be a former team member who now works for our sponsor. He built a dedicated robot for driver training only--it's a beast! All students who were interested in driving had to try out. There was a driving test after a short familiarization period. This was a way to filter out those who "You NEVER want to drive behind on the highway!" The rest were given a longer period to practice and drive. We are down to at least 4 potential drivers who each have over 2 full hours of drive time on the robot. All through this drive time they are given challenges and routes to drive and are assessed by the mentor. He also creates a highly stressful environment during various testing times. This, we feel most accurately simulates what driving conditions will be like at regionals and St. Louis (positive thinking).
The most important trait can't be taught, however; thinking on your feet and being able to assess the game as it plays out. Coaching can only go so far. In '06 we had a driver who could win a match driving a potato--he was amazing, and yes, he drove it like he stole it. We've tried to teach others since him to react, respond and drive like he did but we realized, and most coaches I think will agree, that kind of driver doesn't come around every year. When you get one though he will make you able to get a win with any robot you give him.