Part 2: Pit crew strengths and weaknesses for Chase

11 years ago

This is the second 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.

Stewart-Haas Racing No. 4 Chevrolet for Kevin Harvick

Pit Coach: Joe Piette Jr.
Front Changer: Ira Joe Hussey
Front Carrier: Todd Drackulich
Jackman: Mike Casto
Rear Changer: Daniel Smith
Rear Carrier: Mike Morneau
Gas Man: Justin White

Strength: This group was the old No. 14 team last year before being moved over to the No. 4 to help win a championship. It was also the No. 14 group when Tony Stewart won his championship in 2011, so to say this crew is Chase-ready is an understatement. This team is loaded with veterans and has tons of championship experience.

Weakness: Minus front changer Ira Joe Hussey's nappy beard, I don't really see a weakness for this team. Keeping everyone healthy is key.

Hendrick Motorsports No. 88 Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Pit Coach: Chris Krieg
Front Changer: David Mayo
Front Carrier: Dustin Linebeck
Jackman: Nick Covey
Rear Changer: Devin DelRicco
Rear Carrier: 'Rowdy' Harrell
Gas Man: Matt Tyrrell

Strength: This team has been part of two wins this year and has experienced pitting under pressure. Its driver is one of the best guys to pit for, and the team needs to use that as confidence during the Chase.

Weakness: This team lost three of its best crewmen last year when they went to the No. 19 team. This crew has been up and down all year and caught a lot of slack at Bristol for a loose wheel. Veterans Nick Covey and David Mayo will have to step up and play a major role in the Chase if this group wants to be considered elite.

Stewart-Haas Racing No. 41 Chevrolet for Kurt Busch

Pit Coach: Joe Piette Jr.
Front Changer: Shayne Pipala
Front Carrier: John Bernal
Jackman: Sean Cotton
Rear Changer: Coleman Dollerhide
Rear Carrier: Dwayne Moore
Gas Man: Rick Pigeon

Strength: This team is the turnaround crew of the year so far. First quarter, it was a decent pit crew but not elite; the last two quarters, this group has gotten it together and turned into a top-three team on pit road. One of the strongest crews heading into the Chase.

Weakness: Making sure the crew is happy with its equipment. I have been told equipment played a major role in problems early on -- and also has been a reason for its success late.

Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 Toyota for Carl Edwards

Pit Coach: Mike Lepp
Front Changer: Clay Robinson
Front Carrier: Kevin Harris
Jackman: Trey Burklin
Rear Changer: Kip Wolfmier
Rear Carrier: Matt Ver Meer
Gas Man: Kenneth Purcell

Strength: This was the hottest team early this season. It has continued to be good and has loads of talent -- three of the six crewmen were brought over from the No. 88 in the offseason, and two came from the No. 5 car.

Weakness: It's a whole new group with a whole new driver -- hasn't hurt them yet, but you never know what Chase pressure will do.

For more pit crew news, visit PitTalks.com