The Path to Wheel to Wheel Racing

[acbot]

Originally published at: https://diyrobocars.com/2017/05/01/the-path-to-wheel-to-wheel-racing/

In the past 5 months we have seen performance improve greatly in our 1/10 scale “fastest lap” race format. When we started out cars were traveling about 1 m/s with the most recent races we see cars traveling at 3 m/s, with the fastest human drivers averaging around 8 m/s. With the next set of…

[chris]

Two thoughts:

1) I assume pole position is the inside lane. For some cars that do line following, it's actually better to be on the outside lane, so when you "look ahead" you don't accidentally cut off the corner. Can acceptance of pole position be voluntary?

2) I can see the case for disqualifying collisions now, but eventually I assume that "aggressive tactics" may be part of a winning strategy (see Mario Kart). Open for discussion later?

[acbot]

Good thoughts on both... I had intended Pole position to determine seed in a ladder and not starting position. Should starting position be random? That way no advantage? Giving decision to the higher seed car seems to double advantage the faster car.

As for collisions being good - definately a discussion down the road. The only reason for the collision rule now is that I want successful car detection to be a priority. I think detecting opponents and making the decision to collide is pretty interesting

[chris]

Maybe you could make starting position be like the coin flip at the start of a tennis game. Winner gets to choose what side they start on. Could be inside or outside -- their choice.

[acbot]

That is good... It gives drivers a roughly 75% chance of getting the side they want, but still means they have to design for both...