RELATED: Meet the 16 Chase crew chiefs
This is the first in a series of four pit crew analysis pieces NASCAR.com will roll out this week as we preview the 2015 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. For more pit crew news provided by PitTalks.com come back throughout the Chase.
Hendrick Motorsports No. 48 Chevrolet SS for Jimmie Johnson
Pit Coach: Chris Krieg
Front Changer: Cam Waugh
Front Carrier: R.J. Barnette
Jackman: Andrew Childers
Rear Changer: Calvin Teague
Rear Carrier: Ryan Patton
Gas Man: Brandon Harder
Strength: This crew has already been a part of four wins this season. Pressure should not be a problem because it has been pitting up front all year. Chemistry is also a major plus. A change at the jack position was made midseason last year, and since then the team has stayed the same.
Weakness: The only weakness we could find with this group could be that it is young. According to our numbers, this is one of the youngest pit crews in NASCAR. That could be a plus or minus, depending on how one looks at it.
Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 Toyota for Kyle Busch
Pit Coach: Mike Lepp
Front Changer: Nick Odell
Front Carrier: Brad Donaghy
Jackman: Jeff Fender
Rear Changer: Jake Seminara
Rear Carrier: Kenny Barber
Gas Man: Tom Lampe
Strength: The group has been together with the same driver since 2008. Chemistry is great and they understand each other extremely well. Plus, they always seem to step up when the pressure is on.
Weakness: They haven't been as consistent this year as years past. Not saying they have had a bad year, but this year has had more ups and downs than years past.
Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 Toyota for Matt Kenseth
Pit Coach: Mike Lepp
Front Changer: John Royer
Front Carrier: Joe Crossen
Jackman: Bailey Walker
Rear Changer: Chris Taylor
Rear Carrier: Richard Coleman
Gas Man: John Eicher
Strength: This is a very good pit crew with changers who have been together for a few years. They are used to winning races and understand what it takes to compete at the highest level and gain spots during races.
Weakness: Changes were made in the offseason and even more recently a few weeks back. New to the team are rear carrier Richard Coleman and jackman Bailey Walker. Seeing how this team's chemistry plays out will be a big part of its success or failure.
Team Penske No. 22 Ford for Joey Logano
Pit Coach: Trent Cherry
Front Changer: Thomas Hatcher
Front Carrier: Dylan Dowell
Jackman: Ray Gallahan
Rear Changer: Zach Price
Rear Carrier: Eric Groen
Gas Man: Kellen Mills
Strength: Each team member believes in the people around them. This group was totally rebuilt a year ago and has been on fire since then. It works well with the driver, crew chief, and organization, and it is no stranger to pitting in big-time situations.
Weakness: Staying focused the entire Chase. There are a lot of young crewmen on this team and it can't afford any mistakes due to inexperience.
For more pit crew news, visit PitTalks.com.