Tire slip angle estimation system and method

A slip angle estimation system and method for estimating a vehicle tire slip angle is disclosed. The system comprise at least one tire (12) supporting a vehicle; first and second strain sensing means (14) affixed to opposite respective first and second tire sidewalls (16) of the tire (12) to operably measure a tire strain in the respective first and second sidewalls (16), wherein the first and the second strain sensing means (14) are configured to each generate a sidewall strain signal indicative of strain present within the respective tire sidewall (14); and a tire slip angle estimation means (20) for calculating a tire slip angle based upon a comparison of sidewall strain signals from the first and the second strain sensing means (14).