Thanks for all of the feedback guys. If it were just me in the car using it, I would go with a touch pad in a heart beat...however, this is strictly for judging purposes and as such, I need to make it as simple and fool proof as possible...thus the reason I am looking for buttons.
Unfortunately, when I only have a few seconds to show the judge how to use the car I need to make it quick and simple.
Though the ideas posted are all really cool and well executed!