[dtengineering]

The laws of physics actually impose much lower speed limits than c, or even Mach 1.

Consider that the robot has to navigate a corner at each end of the track. A high traction wheel will have a co-efficient of friction of about 1.3. This limits the speed in the corner... or at least the speed that can be maintained through the corner without skidding into the walls.

It also limits the accelleration of the robot down the straights, and requires the driver to slow the robot before entering a corner (assuming that straight speed exceeds the maximum cornering speed.)

Some fairly simple kinematics calculations should allow teams to calculate the theoretical top speed and fastest lap time possible for a robot.

By the way, I note Squirell's reference to NASCAR... but isn't this more like NASACAR?


Jason