Drivers are touted as the most important feature of a successful team. But not enough credit is given to the pit crew in NASCAR's demanding sport. Each member must work in flawless fashion to complete the stop within the shortest time possible. Due to the fact tires can weigh as much as 70 pounds and a gas can up to 80 pounds, a job as a pit crew member can as be demanding physically as it is mentally.
NASCAR only allows 7 members over the wall during a pit stop. Crew members are not allowed over the wall of the pit lane until the car has come to a complete stop in their assigned stall. These members and their jobs are as follows:
Tire changers - There is both a front tire changer as well as a rear Tire Changer making two guys responsible for replacing 4 old tires during a stop. When the car pulls into the assigned pit stall, the changers first replace the tires on the right side, and then move to the left side so as to be free of the car when it pulls out. Often times Tire Changers are compared to short stops in baseball because of their quickness and eye-hand coordination.
Tire Carriers - The duties of these members of the pit crew are to bring the new tire over the wall to the Tire Changer, and move the old tire out of the Tire Changers' way. The crew member then holds the new tire in place while the Tire Changer secures the tire. There are two Tire Carriers that accompany the two Tire Changers.
Jackman - Well know for the their large size and strength as well as quickness to move around the car, a Jackman is required to haul around a 20 pound hydraulic jack. This jack lifts one side of the car off the ground to allow the tire changers to remove and replace the worn tires. The left side is first lifted then the right side.
Gas Man - Two can of fuel are usually emptied into the car during a four tire pit stop. Requirements for a Gas Can Man are height and strength. Gas cans usually weigh 80 pounds, and must be held straight up to allow the gas to flow more quickly into the tank.
Catch Can Man - The Catch Can Man holds what is called a catch can that collects the overflowing gas and diverts it back into the fuel tank. He also holds the empty gas can while the Gas Can Man switches to a full gas can. Once the fuel has completely flown into the tank, the Catch Can Man holds the empty gas can over his head to signal the crew chief the "all clear."
Window Tear Off - Sometimes NASCAR will allow an eighth person over the wall to tear off a plastic cover that is stuck to the windshield. This will only be allowed during inclimate weather.
Tire Catchers - Inside the pit wall, two men are designated, during the pit stop, to catch the used tires as they are rolled towards the pit stall by the Tire Carrier.
Spotter - The only member of the pit crew that does not work on pit road is the Spotter. A Spotter sits at the highest place of the track, usually above the media booths. Because of safety measures in the car, a driver is extremely limited in his vision. A Spotter has full view of the track and will be able to quickly see any problems that occur, or alert the driver to approaching cars. The Spotters from every team are placed at the same part on the track to ensure equal vision for every team.
Crew Chief - Perhaps the most well known member of the pit crew, the Crew Chief makes the final decisions and instructs the driver in pit stops and driving tactics. The Crew Chief will oversee the testing and mechanics of the race car in the weeks leading up to the race. Basically the Crew Chief is the manager of the specific team.
Other members of the pit crew include the Technologists that specialize on the car's aerodynamics, and Meteorologists that study approaching weather functions just to name a few.
As you can see, a pit crew team is important to the safety and success of a driver. Without them, no driver can win a race. The next time you see a driver win a race because of an excellent pit stop, remember the men behind the scenes.