How Fast Are Pit Stops? NASCAR Chicago Street Race Explained

Pit stops are some of the most coordinated moments in a NASCAR race, but what exactly happens and how fast are they really?

Four new tires and twenty gallons of fuel are added to a vehicle in about the time it takes to tie its shoelaces. Plus, other cars speed by while the team members complete these tasks in the blink of an eye.

Here’s a look at everything you need to know about NASCAR pit stops, including roles, crew member speed salaries and more:

What is pit lane in NASCAR?

Every track on the NASCAR circuit has a pit lane, which is an area off the racing surface where cars run at reduced speeds before stopping for adjustments.

The length of the pit lane varies by track, but you typically enter the pit lane just before the start-finish line and exit just after. On the pit lane, drivers are required to drive at a reduced speed, between 30 and 55 mph, depending on the size and width of the pit lane at a given track. The pit lane speed for Chicago is set at 40 mph.

The pits are located inside the pit lane, with each driver having their own “pit” or “box”. Crew members from each team sit in their box throughout the race, waiting for their driver to stop to change tires, refuel, and make adjustments.

What is a pit stop in NASCAR?

Pit stops occur throughout a NASCAR race when drivers need more fuel, new tires, or have suffered tire damage.

Drivers drive down the pit lane at the posted speed limit, then return to their pit box and come to a complete stop. The car must be stopped in its pit box so that the team can begin working on it. Team members must stand on the inside pit wall as they approach the car, and are only allowed to jump into the pit box when the car is one pit box away from the entrance, for safety reasons.

During a pit stop, the pit crew performs a number of tasks. They are allowed to change zero, two or all four tires. The refueler is responsible for refueling. Teams can also make adjustments to the car, which can take longer.

In addition to car maintenance, pit crews also tend to the driver by removing the windshield tear-off, which is basically a giant clear sticker that covers the entire windshield. Crews will remove the windshield tear-offs throughout the race so that the driver has a clear view of the track. Pit crews may also hand the driver cold water bottles through the window, if needed.

What are the positions for a NASCAR pit crew?

As in any other sport, NASCAR crews have designated positions with specific roles. Here’s a full breakdown:

Leader: If you’re looking for a “head coach,” this is it. The crew chief sits atop the pit box and essentially runs the show – deciding on car setups, pit stops, and frequently talking to the driver over the radio.

Car manager: If the team manager is the main coach, the car manager is the main assistant. Car managers work with the team managers on all the above tasks, as well as supervising the mechanics and ensuring the car passes the technical inspection.

Tire changer: There are two tire changers: one who changes the two front tires and one who changes the two rear tires. As the car approaches the box, the tire changers run to the opposite side of the car and get into position to change the first tire. Using a tire changer gun, they loosen the lug nut, then remove the old tire, put on a new one, and tighten the lug nut before going around the car to repeat the process on the other side.

Tire rack: Only one tire carrier is allowed to cross the wall. Teams each have their own choreography, so the carrier will sometimes carry one or two tires at a time. The tire carrier may also be tasked with helping to remove the old tire or place the new one.

Jackman: The jack’s role is to wedge the car while the tires are being changed. This position is crucial because the jack cannot let the car down until both tires on a given side are completely changed. If the car is lowered too early, the tire changer may have difficulty securing the tire. As soon as the jack lets the car down, it is the universal signal to the driver that he is free to drive away.

Refueler: During a pit stop, two full cans of racing fuel can be added to the car. The gas tank is located on the side closest to the wall, so the refueler only has to take a few steps to fill the car with fuel. Once the first can is empty, another full can is passed over the wall to finish the job.

Utility: Six crew members are allowed to go over the wall during a pit stop, but the sixth – a service man – is not allowed to perform any maintenance on the car. This position is only allowed to tear off the windshield and give the driver bottles of water through the window.

What is the average speed of a NASCAR pit stop?

Pit stops have gotten faster in recent years as crew members have become more athletic and stops more choreographed. Additionally, the Next Gen car, introduced in 2022, has just one lug nut on its tires, compared to five on previous NASCAR vehicles.

Through the first 16 races of the 2023 season, average pit stop times range from 10.518 seconds to 14.879 seconds, according to Fantasy Racing Cheat Sheet. Pit stop times continue to improve each week, with several crews recording sub-10-second stops last Sunday at Nashville Superspeedway.

How Much Money Do NASCAR Pit Crews Make?

Crew members’ salaries depend on their position.

According to Sportskeeda, a service crew member earns $500 on race day. That salary increases with each position, with tire changers and haulers earning $1,500 per race, and jacks and pit crews earning $3,000 per race. With 38 race weekends throughout the season, that provides plenty of opportunities for pit crew members to earn money.

Team members can also earn cash bonuses. Denny Hamlin, who drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, has publicly stated that he gives his team cash bonuses for winning. There is also a Pit Crew Challenge before the All-Star race, which awards the team $100,000 in bonuses to share.

Where is the pit lane for the NASCAR Chicago street race?

The pit lane for the 2023 NASCAR Chicago Street Race was located on South Columbus Drive, along a two-block stretch across from Buckingham Fountain.

The drivers pulled over to their right to join the pit lane, just after the exit of the 12th and final turn of the course. As they left the pit lane, the drivers approached the entrance to the first turn.