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Assembling a Nascar pit crew is not as easy as it sounds. Each team is looking for the one person on the crew that could make the difference in winning a race. With that in mind one should look for innovative, energetic, mechanically inclined individuals that are of a competitive spirit.

The pit crew are just part of the team that ensures their driver gets in and out of the pits in timely fashion. Hundredths of a second could win or loose a race. The crew members that are allowed to go over the pit wall will have to be quick and thorough as they take lug nuts and tires off and put them back on.

The people you will need in putting together a solid pit crew:

1) One front tire changer. Responsible for taking off and putting on the front tires of the race car.

2) A front tire carrier. Responsible for caring the tire and cleaning the front grill and tear offs on the wind shield as well as getting the used car tire back to the wall out of harms way.

3) One rear tire changer.Responsible for taking off and putting on the rear tires of the race car.

4) A rear tire carrier. Responsible for carrying the new tire to and the old tire from the rear of the race car. He also has to make the adjustments to the sway bars when introducing wedge in to the rear of the car by adding turns on the wrench or adding or taking away spring rubber.

5) Gas man: Responsible for filling the tank of the race car and catching any excess spillage.

6) The jack man: responsible for clearing the cars tires from the pavement so the tire changers can replace tires. He is also responsible for letting the driver know when to leave the pits with the fall of the jack once tire change is complete.

Crew Chief: Responsible for communication with driver and pit crew. He lets his crew and driver know what changes are to be made on any given pit stop. He keeps up with elapsed times and fuel mileage. Trouble shooter for problems that may occur during the race.

Spotter: He talks to the driver during the race and relays information to his location around other drivers to keep the driver from running in to someone. The spotter also relays information as to when accidents happen and where the are located on the track.

Before pit stops happen it is up to the crew to ensure that all air wrench tools work and are ready. Tires have the right amount of pressure in them per crew chief's specifications and have all tools ready for adjustments. Preparation is the key to having a sufficient pit crew. Good communication and knowledge of what needs to be done to the race car will ensure a timely efficient pit stop.

Learn more about this author, Rex Coker.
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