What Is a Race Car Switch Panel?

An automotive switch panel allows the driver to take control of multiple functions and systems during a race. From activating headlights to altering fuel mixture, these control systems can make all the difference for success on track.

JEGS offers a selection of switch panels in various configurations and designs to meet the unique requirements of your vehicle. Browse this collection today to discover an ideal option!

Lighting Systems

Race car switch panels allow drivers to manage all aspects of their racecar’s power systems. Equipped with switches and buttons that can be activated by drivers to power various components such as fans or fuel pumps, as well as lights such as headlights, taillights, and turn signals, it gives them complete control of lighting adjustments during races.

Race car switch panels feature switches connected to various systems in the vehicle, such as brakes, engine, and fuel systems. When activated by the driver, these switches close a circuit, allowing electricity to flow to those systems connected by each switch – for example, when starting headlights, it opens it and turns them on!

Race car switch panels serve an integral purpose by allowing drivers to manage or monitor the fuel mixture for optimal performance during races. Furthermore, these switch panels may feature gauges or displays that display information such as the speed and oil pressure levels of their race car.

Switch panels in race cars can also control additional vehicle features, such as emergency flashers or sirens and communication devices that allow drivers to interact with other racers and their pit crew during races. Some switch panels have built-in radios or intercom systems so drivers can easily communicate with their team during competitions.

Switch panels are essential for any race car, enabling drivers to manage power systems that keep their vehicles running during races. JEGS provides high-capacity switch panels that can be mounted inside the dash or roll bar to give drivers complete control over ignition, fuel pump, and accessories – each labeled so drivers can quickly find what they need when it’s time to hit the track!

Engine and Fuel System

As part of racing, a driver may need to switch on specific car systems during races. He might turn on headlights at night if racing happens during daylight hours, or adjust fuel mixture levels for optimal engine performance. A switch panel serves this function and may include switches for the cooling system and brakes.

Switch panels in race car chassis not only power and control various systems but can also be used for other purposes, including activating emergency flashers or sirens. Some switch panels even include features that enable communication with pit crew members or fellow racers on the track.

JEGS offers switch panels featuring anodized aluminum or carbon fiber vinyl finishes with premium-quality toggle switches that illuminate when activated, perfect for fitting behind a dashboard or race car cockpit. They’re often wired using similar circuits found on stock fuse panels in vehicles, including ignition, accessory, and run circuits. Furthermore, many applications utilize insulated spade connectors to connect these switches to vehicle wiring.

These 20 amp switch panels contain switches rated for 20 amps. Each switch comes equipped with lighted rocker switches and heavy-duty automotive blade fuses mounted at the bottom of its housing for easy testing and replacement, and all functions of each switch have been clearly labeled on their faces for quick identification.

Closest to the red “ignition” switch should be connected to switched ignition power wire(s), fuel injector power, and coil pack power (on GM vehicles, these will typically be pink). Green switches placed further from the red button should connect with accessory circuits that activate when starting up your car.

Brakes

Brakes are essential for any car, and race cars require even more. When drivers use their brake pedal to create force many times greater than Earth’s gravity pull, this can cause tires to lose traction and stop rotating, forcing the race car brakes to convert this energy into heat that will bring the car safely to a stop.

Racing brake systems must be carefully tailored to generate heat quickly to slow down a car while being able to withstand higher temperatures than standard street car brakes.

Racing brake pads tend to be constructed of more robust materials than street car ones and come equipped with an innovative cooling system after each use. Furthermore, race car calipers tend to feature lighter yet more robust materials and can even feature smaller bores to require less pressure during racing sessions.

Race cars feature multiple master cylinders to enhance the complexity of their braking systems, enabling drivers to easily and quickly change brake bias for each circuit on the track. This also lets them alter how their vehicle handles each course by tailoring each set of brakes independently. This gives race car drivers complete control over how their car feels at any moment on its journey across a track surface.

Race car rotors tend to be larger and crafted from lighter materials than those on street cars, helping a race car remain within its ideal weight range by saving unsprung mass and rotational mass. Furthermore, race-car rotors may also feature increased heat-resistant materials that better resist thermal expansion upon applying brakes.

At times, race cars’ ABS modules may be installed improperly, hurting their brake system operation. For instance, wheel speed sensors might rely on this module, and disconnecting it could result in them no longer functioning correctly. To avoid this complication, some racers utilize dedicated ABS circuits, which operate separately from all of their vehicle’s electrical systems.

Other Functions

Race car switch panels serve multiple functions during a race. Most importantly, these panels control lighting systems by closing circuits when drivers press switches to turn on headlights or tail lights. Furthermore, they also hold engine and fuel systems; when drivers press a button in them, it closes a circuit that lets electricity travel to headlights, which then light up. They may also control engine starting/stopping functions and tuning of the fuel mixture for optimal performance; some switch panels even come equipped with gauges/displays displaying engine speed or oil pressure information to drivers.

This control panel may also be used to manage other power components, like fans or auxiliary batteries, as well as emergency flashers or sirens, emergency flasher/siren switches, radio/intercom systems that enable driver communication with pit crew during races, and latching functions such as pushbutton switches that limit F1 car speed during pit lane maneuvers.

E-switch’s LP Series pushbutton switches are designed to resemble those found on F1 steering wheels and can be used for latching functions like this one. Lewis Hamilton uses one to enable DRS during races when trying to overtake other cars ahead of him; this feature reduces air resistance and accelerates faster, giving Hamilton an advantage against his competitors.

Other essential functions of a race car switch panel include starting the engine, shutting down its engine and fuel system, activating brakes, and starting/shutting off engine/fuel systems. Most race car switch panels also contain a master disconnect switch that enables track safety personnel to quickly shut off the car’s electrical system in case of an accident on track – available from vendors such as Allstar Performance, Moroso, or Longacre for easy access in the panel.