Bringing Back the Excitement of Pit Stop Competitions
The pit crew is a crucial component of NASCAR racing. They work together to ensure that the driver makes a quick pit stop and gets back on the track as soon as possible. On Friday night at North Wilkesboro Speedway, the NASCAR the Pit Crew Challenge took center stage. It was a high-octane competition that brought back the excitement of the pit crew challenges from the 1980s and 1990s. It was a competition that showcased the skills and talent of these unsung heroes of the sport.
Each team performed a four-tire pit stop without refueling. They had to battle intense competition and pressures as starting positions for the next day’s All-Star heat races and the All-Star Open were on the line.
The No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota pit crew emerged victorious in the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge, with an impressive 13.012-second stop. The stop included the time it took for No. 54 Toyota to come into the pit stall and to exit after the work was complete. The crew of front changer Blake Houston, rear changer Michael Hicks, tire carrier Jacob Holmes, jackman Derrell Edwards and fueler Peyton Moore performed flawlessly and earned Gibbs the pole position for the NASCAR All-Star Open.
Daniel Suárez's No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet team also showcased their skill, earning the pole position for one of the Saturday night heat races. Their strong performance in the Pit Crew Challenge ensured Suárez's qualification for the main event.
Even the best pit crews are prone to making mistakes, and in this qualifying format, those mistakes had consequences. The No. 22 Team Penske team incurred a penalty for a loose wheel, costing Brad Keselowski a top starting spot in the following day’s heat race. It’s a reminder of the importance the pit crew plays to the overall success of the team.
The NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear was an exciting event that brought back the spirit of the pit crew challenges of the past. It showcased the talent, skill, and teamwork, and it reminded us of the contribution that the pit crews make in NASCAR. With a majority of the season still ahead, watch for some of these pit crews to have a dramatic impact throughout the summer and into the playoffs, working to propel their team to victory lane.
Born To Race
