Most race fans never know their names but they have one of the most dangerous jobs in all of racing... the pit crew. In 2018, according the NASCAR, each of its premier racing divisions will see major changes at the track on both sides of pit road wall. In an attempt to level the playing field, NASCAR will limited the size of each team's crew on pit road as well as other positions in the pits.
To establish parity among Monster Energy Cup, Xfinity and Camping World Truck teams, the stock car racing sanctioning body is restricting the number of team members traveling to each race. According to NASCAR officials, the rule change is one of the simplest ways to reduce the cost of racing in a way that is equal for all teams in each of the upper-level divisions of stock car racing.
Crew Member Changes for 2018 in NASCAR
- Monster Energy Cup
- Pit Crew Members going over the wall are reduced to five from six.
- Organizational Crew (team manager, competition director, etc.) limited to three people for teams with two or less cars and four people for larger teams.
- Road Crew (crew chief, engineers, etc.) limited to twelve team members.
- Xfinity Series
- Pit Crew Members going over the wall are reduced to five from six.
- Organizational Crew (competition director, team manager, etc.) limited to one person.
- Road Crew (crew chief, engineers, etc.) limited to seven team members.
- Camping World Trucks
- Pit Crew Members going over the wall are reduced to five from six.
- Organizational Crew (competition director, team manager, etc.) limited to one person.
- Road Crew (crew chief, engineers, etc.) limited to six team members.
Although NASCAR admits that the pit stops might be a little slower for the upcoming season in each division, it should help less-funded teams become more competitive. In addition, teams will have to become more innovative in how they get the job done at the track. Another rule change that could impact the time a car spends in the pits impacts the fueler. In the past, the team member fueling the car could help pass a tire to the tire changer or screw in a round of wedge in the rear suspension. Those tasks will no longer be allowed.
Photo courtesy of dreamstime.com.
