Objectives

One of the metrics used to determine the winning team for the Formula SAE competition is the acceleration of the race car.  To optimize the acceleration, the power provided by the drive train to the tires must be at a dynamically optimal level such that the wheels do not have an excessive level of slip. 

A skilled race car driver will be able to consistently have optimal or close to optimal launches.  However, as this skill is not prevalent in all drivers, an electronic assist system could play a large role in providing consistent performance for the vehicle regardless of the driver.

Motivation

Below are results from our testing that show the amount of wheel slip and the results of driver error.
From the charts, we can observe that the accelerometer records a much higher reading when less wheel slip is present, therefore reaching top speed faster.

Bad Launch, Overpower and wheel spin:

Bad Launch

Better Launch with almost no wheel slip:

Better Launch