Thanks for the tip JimboZA
I will have to check that out. I was pretty surprised that this thing wouldn't run on a 9V or 4AAs because it ran on 3AAs with the original circuit. I figured it was the motor driver gobbling up power, but wanted to be sure.
I went and did a dumb thing, not paying attention, and smoked my PING sensor, so this project is on the shelf until I get a new set of eyes....
Might try a IR distance sensor this time, or maybe two, give me a wider range of view and more options.
I have lots of ideas for this project, cool ways to take this very simple code and make a really nice driving automaton out of it. Pretty bummed I burned out the distance sensor just as I was getting things to work....
That's what I get for trying to run a test in a hurry before I have to leave for work.
Live and learn eh?
Since I am now down to buying new parts, might as well give that Pololu 2130 a shot and see if I can't reduce the power pack needed in the first place. Make this thing semi-smart and semi-efficient 
Thanks again!
N8