Automatic Racing Shifters

When using a factory shifter during racing, it is often easy to miss a shift or accidentally move the shifter too far and into the wrong gear. A race shifter helps to prevent this from happening by not allowing the shifter to move into a different gear unless the driver unlocks the gear position by a lever or other mechanism. This helps prevent damage to the engine or transmission, as well as allow the driver to focus more on winning the race instead of shifting properly.

It is easy to understand racing shifters and how they work. The main function of a drag racing shifter is to prevent the transmission from going into a different gear than what the driver intended. This is accomplished by requiring the driver to perform an additional action when shifting to unlock the gear the transmission is in. As different brands and patents on mechanisms vary, each shifter slightly differs in operation. In general, moving the shifter and transmission between "park", "reverse", and "drive" requires a handle or trigger to be squeezed or pulled. When the shifter is put into first gear, shifting into second gear usually requires "bumping" it with your hand. The shifter can't accidentally go into third gear / "drive" until it completes the shift. This is due to the ratchet mechanism. The racing shifter also has a safety switch, which prevents the engine from starting unless the shifter is in park or neutral position. Another micro switch connects to the reverse / backup lights to turn them on when the shifter is in reverse gear. The handles on the shifters can vary from a "T-handle", to a ball or pistol grip design. These handles can include a button to activate a transbrake, nitrous, or other function when depressed. Racing shifters can be designed to fit in a factory console or include a universal base, which can be modified to fit most vehicles.

A JEGS expert is ready to answer your questions and help you find the racing shifter assembly that you need for your street or drag race vehicle.