Anatomy of a Five Star Sprint Car Body: Key Panels & Components Explained
When it comes to sprint car performance, every detail counts: bars, spacing, stagger, and all adjustments matter. But without the right sprint car body panels, all the adjustments in the world won't matter. A sprint car body isn't just a place for sponsorship stickers; it's a key performance component that directly impacts airflow, tire traction, and overall vehicle dynamics.
This guide breaks down the essential components of a Five Star sprint car body kit, showing how the right panels can make all the difference between leading the pack and being left behind.
The Core: Material Matters
Oversized panels designed to fit Maxim, Triple X, Schnee-Lawson, JR-1, J&J, DRC, Spike & more. These are three engineered material options built around the same refined sprint car shape and fitment approach - just tuned for different performance and cost targets.
| Feature
|
Fiberglass Composite
|
Cup Carbon Blend
|
Prepreg Carbon Fiber
|
| Ideal Class / Program
|
305 / Budget-Focused
|
360 / High-Volume Racer
|
410 / Performance-First
|
| Complete Package Price
|
$1,828*
|
$3,229*
|
$5,043*
|
| Weight Profile
|
Heaviest Option. Provides a planted, stable feel for predictability.
|
Mid-Range. Meaningful savings over fiberglass without the premium cost.
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Ultra-Light (<18 lbs). Maximum response and tuning flexibility.
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| Material Tech
|
Advanced composite with Kevlar-reinforced mounting points.
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NextGen Cup Car Blend. Kevlar/Aramid used throughout with flame-retardant materials.
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Aerospace Autoclave Cured. Class A cosmetic look with unmatched stiffness-to-weight.
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| Durability Focus
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Impact & Scrub. Best value durability with the most economical replacement path.
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Abuse Tolerant. Superior impact resistance built for weekly racing contact.
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Stiffness. Maximum rigidity to minimize deflection for aero consistency.
|
*Pricing subject to change.
Front End & Side Geometry: Controlling the Air
The first point of contact for air on your sprint car is the front end. If your front panels aren’t working with the airflow, the rest of your setup may as well become dead weight.
The Sprint Car Nose & Hood
Your sprint car nose is the primary source of front downforce. It captures air and directs it over the front tires, with the hood guiding airflow over the engine bay. A flat, rigid hood design helps prevent “ballooning” and keeps airflow smooth, ensuring that your top wing remains undisturbed.
| Feature
|
Lap Time Benefit
|
| Integrated Dished Nose Design
|
Minimizes aero wash in traffic, ensuring consistent grip when track conditions change.
|
Shop Sprint Car Hoods & Noses
The Sprint Car Side Panels
On dry, slick tracks, side bite becomes crucial. The side panels act like sails - when the car pitches sideways, these panels push the car down into the track, improving cornering performance.
Five Star side panels are crafted with contoured shapes that maximize surface area, while maintaining smooth airflow towards the tank.
| Feature
|
Lap Time Benefit
|
| Smooth, Flat-Surface Contouring
|
Helps maintain car rotation without overloading the chassis.
|
Shop Sprint Car Side Panels
SAFETY & Visibility
Visors & Deflectors
Visibility and safety go hand in hand. Five Star’s Polycarbonate Cockpit Deflector is built for racers who demand both. It deflects dirt, rocks, and debris to maintain clear vision on dirt tracks while also providing an added layer of protection for the driver when it matters most.
| Feature
|
Result
|
| Cockpit Deflector munts to the dash in front of the driver
|
Increased protection and visibility for the driver
|
The Verdict: Which Package Fits Your Program?
- 305 / Budget-Focused Program: Fiberglass Composite
Strong, consistent, and built to take abuse - without forcing compromise on the rest of the race budget.
- 360 / High-Volume Racer: Cup Carbon Composite Blend
A clear step up in weight and durability with a professional finish and proven material pedigree.
- 410 / Performance-First Program: Prepreg Carbon Fiber
When you’re chasing every advantage, top-side weight is a penalty. This is the package built to minimize it.
Don’t let bodywork cost you speed.
Build your custom sprint car body package
Frequently Asked Questions
The nose and hood drive front downforce and airflow management, and the side panels influence side bite by adding surface area that helps load the car when it yaws in the corner.
A properly fitted tail tank cover reduces vibration-related cracking, while optical-grade polycarbonate windows/visors with mar-resistant coatings stay clearer longer under roost, clay, and wipe-downs.
The front-end pieces see the most roost and contact, so choosing impact-tolerant materials and tight, vibration-resistant fit helps reduce cracking and replacements.
The Five Star Advantage
When it comes to sprint car bodywork, fitment is everything. If your panels don’t fit properly, you’re wasting valuable time and potentially compromising your setup.
Five Star bodies are engineered to fit universally across all major chassis brands: Maxim, Triple X, Eagle, and J&J - minimizing the need for drilling and grinding. That means less time in the garage and more time in the staging lane.
Stop fighting with your sprint car bodywork. Start using it to stick your car to the track.
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