MATLAB model simulating pit stop strategy decisions for the Daytona 500. Models fuel consumption, strategy comparison, and caution period decision logic.
- Fuel consumption and pit window calculation for a NASCAR Cup car
- Two-strategy comparison: 6-stop vs 5-stop across 200 laps
- Caution period analysis — quantifies time saved pitting under caution vs green flag (48 seconds at Daytona)
- Full race fuel map showing fuel levels, pit stop timing, and caution windows across all 200 laps
- Strategy B (5 stops, 35-lap stints) saves 13 seconds over Strategy A (6 stops, 30-lap stints) in pure pit time
- Pitting under caution saves approximately 48 seconds vs pitting under green flag — the dominant strategic factor
- At caution lap 45, both strategies had sufficient fuel to extend stints, recommending staying out for track position
- MATLAB
Built as part of a motorsports engineering portfolio targeting NASCAR, IndyCar, and IMSA strategy engineering roles. Caution period modeling is specific to NASCAR and directly reflects real crew chief decision-making at superspeedway events.
Eliazar Alvarez — Mechanical Engineering, UTSA