The EngineLab system allows us to do things otherwise nearly impossible with our cars. Not only is the system responsible for the core control of our highly modified engine setup, but also for all auxiliary functionality such as drive by wire, pneumatic shifting, automated clutch control, dual stage injection, active drag reduction, data logging, and two way telemetry. Having used 'fixed function' systems previously, these auxiliary features would have required additional, separate controllers, development of robust communication between them, and drastically increased debugging time. Instead, all features are unified, sharing all necessary data, and packaged into a single, lightweight, rugged system. The system is so flexible that we also use it as the supervisory controller for our electric car. Thus two very different cars are able to share identical hardware and interfaces, greatly reducing the learning curve and speeding the debugging process. Anything from a minor parameter tweak to a completely new control function can (and have been) implemented in the field, even mid-starting grid.

The EL system has allowed us to develop controls for our car that we wouldn’t be able to achieve otherwise. The flexibility of the system allows us to develop, test, and execute control strategies with rapid turnaround time. We are also able to make modifications quickly, enabling us to handle situations track-side. The versatility of the system allows us to find various forms of solutions for problems and improve upon them. The all-in-one system also allows for data logging, contained in a robust lightweight package with no limitations.