Pit stops not only involve tire changes, gas fill ups and even windshield tear-off pulls but they also give the pit crews an opportunity to make adjustments to the vehicle to improve handling and to fix damage from accidents. Even with so much going on during a pit stop, most NASCAR pit stops are still in the 12 to 15 second range and as fast as 6 seconds for Indy cars.
However, when and how those few seconds are spent can make a real difference in how a driver finishes a race. Of course, if a car receives damage during the race, either as part of an accident or rub against the wall, the damage has to be assessed and repaired. If the pit stops time out well under a caution flag, the driver may not lose may positions.
When a car is in for service, taking an extra second or two to make an adjustment to the suspension or to the aerodynamics can make a real difference. Even a slight change can make a car that isn’t handling well and even losing positions on the track into a car that is capable of winning the race.
Also, especially in NASCAR type races, the number of tires a car takes on can make a difference in how much time is spent on pit road. A fuel-only stop, especially at the end of a race, may last only a few seconds but can mean a victory if other drivers gamble on their fuel mileage. However, a 4 tire stop may give a driver a handling advantage over drivers who only take 2 tires.
Another aspect of pit strategy is when to stop. This can be vitally important on road courses where pit strategies will vary and playing “odd man out” can actually lead to a win. Many road course races are run as fuel mileage events, providing the crew chief with multiple options when it comes to making pit stops. A “short pit”, or early pit stop can put a driver back in the pack, but as the pit strategies play out, could easily put that same driver in victory lane.
Today’s pit crews are highly trained athletes who spend hours virtually every day practicing pit stops to develop the fastest and most efficient way to get everything done that has to be done. That’s because, as a tool for strategy and getting the car back on the track as quickly as possible has become more important than ever.