Pit Crew Duties

Racing pit crews are teams of individuals with a high degree of specialized automotive experience who contribute to the performance of race vehicles. Pit crew members perform maintenance on racing vehicles during races at top speed and with great precision and attention to detail. Race vehicles make an average of six to eight pit stops per race, and the average length of their pit stops can play a critical role in where a race car driver comes ultimately finishes.

  1. Pit Crew Specialist

    • Racing pit crews are comprised of various individuals with specific job responsibilities, such as the Front Tire Changer, the Rear Tire Changer, Gas Man, Gas Catch Man and Tire Carriers. Additional specialists include the Head Engine Builder, the Fabricator, the Truck Driver, the Gear and Transmission Specialist and other various mechanics.

      Aside from the mechanical crew, the pit crew includes the crew chief who is commonly referred to as the pit boss or coach. The crew chief oversees the actions of the other team members. The crew chief also informs the pit of what needs to be done during each stop and makes the decision to replace crew members as needed. Other duties of the crew chief include informing each crew member of his duty, guaranteeing that the pit is working as a team and directly communicating with the driver.

    Primary Duties

    • Tire Changers utilize airguns to remove old tires and fit new tires. The average tire change takes 6 to 8 seconds per tire. Tire Carriers provide new tires and clear old tires from the pit area. The Jack Man is responsible for utilizing an air jack to raise the car for tire changes and using a rolling jack to lift the car. The Fueler and the Gas Catch Man are responsible for fueling the race vehicles. Because of the combustible nature of the fuels used, Fuelers must wear a full face helmet and a fire suit.

    Training Required

    • Pit crew professionals are required to have some previous training in a vocational education institution and also may be required to have an associate or bachelor's degree. Job-related experience is also a requirement to earn a prestigious pit crew position. Specific pit training can be earned through attendance at a NASCAR training facility such as the Crew School located in Asheboro, North Carolina. Crew members earn an average salary of $72,000 per year, but may make additional bonuses with increased speed in the pit. With bonuses, pit crew members can make as much as $100,000 per year.