Written by Mark Mcalary
Track Day 03rd December 2024
The team had a productive and successful day of testing, focusing on acceleration, endurance, and autocross runs. With multiple drivers present, each had the opportunity to refine their skills and contribute to valuable data collection as the 2024 FSAE competition approaches.
The primary focus of the day was acceleration testing, which aimed to help drivers develop a deeper understanding of throttle control. This was particularly important given the use of an electronic throttle system. The system utilises sensors to determine how much power the vehicle receives. The accumulator stores the power, while the ECU processes the driver’s input (e.g., 50% of 80 Nm) and sends the adjusted request to the motor controllers, delivering precise power output to the motors.
Multiple attempts were made across different track locations to account for uneven surfaces, providing drivers with diverse conditions to enhance their control and familiarity with the system.
Endurance and autocross runs were completed without any major issues, allowing drivers to gain valuable experience and providing the team with insights into vehicle performance across varied scenarios. The day’s testing confirmed the car’s reliability and readiness for competition.
One unexpected incident occurred when the team’s marquee flipped over due to strong winds, resulting in damage. Despite this, the team maintained focus and completed the session with all planned activities successfully conducted.
The day was a success overall, as the team continues to make steady progress in refining both driver skills and vehicle performance, setting a strong foundation for the upcoming competition.
