Friction drives

[Billfred]

Originally Posted by newbee

I'm looking for clarification. If I use a friction wheel to drive the surface of wheels provided in the kit, there is a possibility that the friction wheels will somehow change the characteristics of the regulite wheels themselves. Is this grounds for disqualification?

I quote part of <R06>:

The surface tread of the ROVER WHEELS may not be modified except
through normal wear-and-tear. Specifically, the addition of cleats, studs, carved treads,
alterations to the wheel profile, high-traction surface treatments, adhesive coatings, abrasive
materials, and/or other attachments are prohibited. The intent of this rule is that the ROVER
WHEELS be used in as close to their “out of the box” condition as possible, to provide the
intended low-friction dynamic performance during the game

There's no definite answer on this one--if your drive mechanism left residue or exceptional wear on the wheels that altered its characteristics appreciably, particularly towards the direction of a higher coefficient of friction, other teams would definitely have grounds to approach the inspectors about it. Don't leave yourself open to it--test it, have the data ready if anyone asks, and be ready to switch to something else if it doesn't pan out for you.