NASCAR To Reduce Pit Crew Numbers In 2017?

NASCAR and teams are currently considering a move that would reduce the number of pit crew members allowed over the wall during pit stops, a move that could happen as soon as next season.

Currently in NASCAR there are six pit crew members allowed over the wall during a pit stop, come next season that number could be reduced to five.

A recent article from Motorsport.com talks about NASCAR’s aim to remove one pit crew member from going over the wall as early as 2017. The article describes the purpose of the move as two-fold; one it would be a cost-cutting move for mid-level teams and two it would be a safety benefit for teams.

The cost-cutting initiative could go into effect as early as 2017.

It would be up to each team’s discretion how to choreograph the pit stops. However, under a full fuel stop, the most likely scenario would feature the elimination of one tire carrier. In the evolution of NASCAR pit stops, most team incorporated two tire carriers in the mid-90s.

The current proposal to limit crew personnel over the wall is twofold: As a cost-cutting measure for mid-level operations. Second, as a safety initiative to eliminate additional bodies on pit road.

The immediate impact of such a move by NASCAR would be that pit stops would take more time. Taking away a body during a stop means that it will take longer to accomplish the stop and as a result the 11-second stops that JGR teams have become known for might become 12 or 13 second stops.

Aside from pit stops taking longer (which really isn’t an issue since they will take longer for every team across the board) there really isn’t any downfall to this potential change. Less bodies on pit road is always a plus as not a season goes by where someone isn’t hit or almost hit on pit road. Add in the fact that this move helps the smaller teams financially and it’s a win all the way around.

Of course it will be interesting to see how the move (should it take effect in 2017) impacts the choreography of stops. It will also be interesting to see which teams adapt to the change quicker as there is sure to be a bit of a learning curve if it does go into effect.