I honestly dont think theres a right answer for wether to enter the champs as your first event.

I know alot of people who did, and ended up with a totally wrecked bot. However their learning curve was so much quicker, and by next year they had a really solid entry. Compare that to those who just do whiteboards, and because they never really test the robots they can take alot longer to make a solid entry - though they get a years of roboting out of it.

At some point, you will probably enter the champs. Even with a whiteboard bot itll have weaknesses and may get damaged. It really depends on the money you have, and the kind of person you are.

You may be able to just do the testing day, though best to ask the coopers as youd need special access.