What Consists Of A Nascar Pit Crew

The various positions and what consists of a Nascar Pit Crew

Just like a racing vehicle, we at AAMCO believe every vehicle should be ready for every situation. This means keeping your vehicle in tip top performing shape. This may mean you need a brake service, suspension service, or a transmission service. But when driving and living in the fast lane, it’s far better to be safe than sorry.

At AAMCO Colorado, we love cars and everything to do with them, especially racing. So when we often hear people question the importance of a Nascar Pit Crew, and what exactly their jobs entail, we can’t help but feel bad for these poor confused souls. Many believe a race is either won or lost due to the driver alone, but this is far from true, and we hope to not only dispel this myth, but also show why a greater appreciation for the crews themselves should be had by fans.

Nascar Pit Crew Positions
During a nascar race, only seven crew members are allowed over the wall at any time and they can only begin once their vehicle has completely stopped. But there are more than seven positions total, which are vital to any driver. The crew can consist of the following, but also any other position a team feels it needs filling.

• Tire Changers – This is a two man position where one covers the front set of tires while the other the rear. These guy shave to be quick and accurate because as you can well assume, if one of the four tires was not properly replaced, that can spell danger and disaster during a race.
• Tire Carriers – This position entails the carriers to bring the replacement tires over the wall to be used and to remove the old ones. Two carriers accompany the two tire changers making the actual changing of the tires a four person job.
• Jackman – The jackman hauls around and uses the twenty pound jack. They are well known for their size, speed, and strength. The jackman lifts either the left or right side of the car to allow the tire changers and carriers to do their job.
• Gas Man – The gas mans job is as the title would hint towards, and that is filling up the vehicles with gasoline. The gas man must be strong as often the gas cans themselves can weigh over 80 pounds, and they must be held high to let the gasoline flow quickly. So it helps for the gas man to tall as well to make this easier.
• Catch Can Man – Often there is a lot of extra gas that doesn’t make it into the gas tank when refilling is occurring. So the catch can man holds what is called a catch which collects the gas and diverts it back into the fuel tank. They also hold the empty cans for the gas man when they switch to a full one.
• Window Tear Off – This is a special position, where an eighth man is allowed over the wall to remove a plastic covering which is used on windshields during times of poor weather.
• Tire Catchers – Inside the pit wall, two tire catchers are assigned to retrieve the used tires that are rolled toward them by the tire carriers.
• Spotter – The spotter is the only position in a pit crew where the member does not work on the actual track, but rather sit up high above the media booths. A drivers vision is extremely limited and they need a spotter to alarm them of any dangers that may be unseen, or potential moves that can be made. All spotters from every team must be placed in the same area to assure fairness.
• Crew Chief – The general, commander, and chief for any crew. They make all final decisions and instruct the driver during pit stops. They also oversee all work performed on a vehicle leading up to a race.
• Technologist – Most crews of a technologist, which among other duties, ensure the aerodynamics is as best can be. They also spend much of their time testing a vehicle and making changes that may reduce drag, weight, etc.
• Meteorologist – As the name may amply imply, the meteorologist watches the weather for any changes and how that may affect a race. If its hot, cold, moist, etc, there are changes that can be made to help the driver and vehicle perform optimally.

As can be well assumed, a Nascar pit crew is vital to the success of the driver. Without one you cannot have the other, and without the crew, a driver cannot do their job. Not only is success dependent upon them, but the safety of the driver as well. It is often overlooked that success is not achieved by individuals alone, but the flawless work of multiple individuals working in unison.