Fans of NASCAR should expect exciting developments as the sport prepares for a significant technological advancement in 2026. A state-of-the-art digital dash display, which will debut in the NASCAR Cup Series, is one of the most anticipated innovations. This new package, which is part of a larger partnership with McLaren Applied, aims to transform how drivers and teams use race data, improving efficiency, safety, and performance. They claim that teams will have access to the most cutting-edge technology ever seen in NASCAR, providing crew chiefs, engineers, and drivers with the means to achieve unprecedented performance. Introducing the PCU-510.
A new interpretation of the “Digital Dash” The “PCU-510” represents a significant advancement in the technology that NASCAR teams use, not just a straightforward update. The 12.3-inch screen on the new digital dash will be comparable in size to the PCU-500N unit, but it will have a greater resolution of 1920 x 720 pixels. You can see the change in screen quality right away. The PCU-510 will use IPS (In-Plane Switching) technology, which will provide a wider viewing angle and brighter colors than the TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display used by the existing PCU-500N. What implications does this have for teams? In essence, drivers receive greater fidelity information that is clearer and more accurate, which facilitates real-time performance tracking and strategy adjustments during a race.
Resolution is only one aspect of it, though. A crucial feature for enhancing safety and awareness on the track, the PCU-510 will now support composite video input for rearview cameras, giving drivers a crisper, real-time view of what’s occurring behind them. The PCU-510’s introduction is only one element of a larger plan as McLaren Applied assumes a more significant position in NASCAR. McLaren has been actively involved in shaping the future of NASCAR’s electrical systems behind the scenes, and the 13th season of the series will be in 2025. The TAG-400N, which has completed over 4 million miles of racing without experiencing any issues, has been used by NASCAR since the implementation of electronic fuel injection (EFI) in 2012.
Although McLaren has shown itself to be a trustworthy partner, the emphasis now is on even more accuracy and flexibility. The TAG-510 and EIU-510 are part of a completely new electronic control platform that McLaren will introduce as part of its push toward 2026. These new technologies will function as the central data-logging unit and the controls for the engine and chassis. The TAG-510 is a major improvement over the TAG-400N, employing high-performance, contemporary parts to enhance data analysis and engine tune. The TAG-510 will assist teams in getting even closer to maximizing engine performance thanks to its larger logging memory and increased data processing capacity.
There is more to it than the PCU-510 digital dash. The TAG-GT package, a full suite of racing electronics from McLaren Applied, is intended to manage everything from engine management to vehicle control and data collection. Included in this package are the EIU-510 for engine management, the TAG-510 for chassis control, and ATLAS GT, a data analysis tool designed to help teams maximize their performance in each race.