A NASCAR race lasts about one-and-a-half to four hours. With endurance and precision needed in the marathon-like 400 lap-race, mistakes that can lessen a lap time by even just tenths of a second must be minimized.
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| Image source: trekearth.com |
This is how important a pit stop can be.
Drivers come off the oval and enter the pit lane an average of six to eight times every race, depending on the length of the track, the number of laps, and how the vehicle handle the heat of the race.
During a pit stop, the fuel tank is refilled, the amount of which is based on what strategy the team is employing. Putting in too much can decrease the amount of pit stop needed but increase the car’s weight; refilling with a few will do the opposite. The tires can also be replaced as treads can be worn out by the miles of riding on the asphalt. If needed, some other minor repairs or tweaks can be performed on the car.
All of these are done simultaneously and as quickly as possible. With the littlest delay on the pits spelling the difference between finishing first or tenth, a stop should not take more than 12 seconds.
In the chaos, any semblance of control is needed. This can be achieved not only through an efficient strategy but also by having the pit crew train as hard as possible.
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| Image source: accesswdun.com |
My name is Steve B. Liefschultz, a part-time web developer and a full-time NASCAR fan. If you’re looking for someone to discuss the races and the sport with, follow me on Twitter.
