That's a good question.  If a driver is not an athlete, then the pit crew should be.  Anyone who can change 4 tires, make adjustments to the car, and clean the windows in 30 seconds is definitly working...

It actually is pretty interesting to watch the Nascar pit crews. They can change four tires, give a full tank of gas, etc...etc...in just under 14 seconds!  They get as much respect as the drivers. The driver and car are the face of the team. The pit crew is science behind it. You try running 500 miles, leading the last 10 laps, and hoping that the past stop you made 43 laps ago was a good one because you didn't wait 1 second to put in 1 extra gallon of gas that you are going to need to complete the last lap!    Or to take 1 pound of air pressure out of the right front tire so your car stays lower in the turns. Or, you add 1 degree to the rear spoiler so your car sticks to the pavement ! It is all a science and the smartest team will win! As it is often said....
Many times a race in won or lost in the pits!

Doug, doesn't F-1 have that automatic thingy under the car that lifts it? Pretty cool. I guess there is no need for jack handlers! 

Quote:


Couldn't agree more. 

Very informative! Am I seeing this right, there are 3 guys to each wheel? How many total are involved in the pit crew? I think Nascar only allows 6. If another crosses the line, they will be penalized for having too many men on the car!
It is actually pretty interesting to watch the choreography that is played out among the pit crews. It is like a dance....a very fast dance. It is interesting to hear them say how they watch the videos of themselves after the race so they can see where they can gain a 1/4 second or so!

the F-1 crews also have more people changing the tires, which is why they can do it under 8s.