Anatomy of a Pit Stop

Imagine filling up your car and changing all four tires in less than 15 seconds. That's exactly what happens during a pit stop. As a race progresses, cars need to be refueled and worn tires need to be replaced. That's when a pit stop is needed.

Because seconds are so critical in a race, fast pit stops are important -- all it takes is one bad pit stop to move a potential winner to the back of the pack. NASCAR allows seven team members over the pit wall to service a car during pit stops.

1
Tire Carriers -- Starting on the right side of the car and repeating the process on the left side, two tire carriers (one each for front and back tires) carry new tires over the pit wall and hand them to the tire changers.

2
Jackman -- The jackman carries a 20-pound hydraulic jack and raises the car on both sides (first right, then left) to allow the tires to be changed.

3
Tire Changers -- First removes and replaces right rear tire using an air-powered impact wrench to loosen and tighten five lug nuts holding the tire rim in place. He then moves to the opposite side of the car to change the left rear tire.

4
Catch Can Man -- This crew member holds a can that collects overflow from the fuel cell as it is being filled and signals the rest of the team when the fueling process is finished.

5
Gas Man -- The gas man fills the car's fuel cell with two 12-gallon cans of fuel (81 pounds each).

6
Support Crew -- Behind the pit wall, other crew members help by passing fuel and tires and collecting items used by the "over-the-wall" crew.

7
Extra Man -- Occasionally, an eighth man is allowed to clean the windshield or assist the driver as needed.

8
NASCAR Official -- Each crew is supervised by an official who watches for rules violations and helps maintain safety.