PIT CREW

Each team is allowed seven men over the wall to service the race car. A pit crew consists of a front tire changer, front tire carrier, rear tire changer, rear tire carrier, jack man, gas man, catch can man. Occasionally NASCAR will allow one additional man over the wall to clean the windshield if conditions warrant.

PIT ROAD

The area that parallels the racetrack and offer access to the pit stalls. All pit roads have speed limits mandated by NASCAR. If a driver exceeds the speed limit he will be held in his pit box or stall for a penalty. (This upsets crew chiefs) Pit road can be a very dangerous place to work sometimes.

PIT STALL or PIT BOX

The area along pit road that is designated for a particular teams use during pit stops. The pit stall area for a team is determined by where the teams qualify. The fastest car has first choice. The second fastest etc. All work on the race car must be done within the white lines of the pit stall. No equipment such as a wedge wrench or catch can can leave the pit stall. If a tire rolls out of a pit stall during a pit stop NASCAR enforces a strict penalty.

PIT STOP

A time during the race when the driver brings the car in for servicing. Usually fuel and tires. Cup cars have twenty two gallon fuel cells (except at Talladega and Daytona where they are only allowed eleven gallon fuel cells) which are filled by two gravity flow eleven gallon gas cans. (About 85 pounds when full) Seven men go over the wall and change four tires, add fuel, give the driver a drink, clean the grille and make minor adjustments in an average of 14 seconds. Many races are won or lost by the speed and skill of the pit crew.

POLE POSITION

First place on the starting grid for the race. Usually the first position closest to the inside of the racetrack.

PUSH

(Also referred to as tight or "understeer.") 'Push is when the tires are turned in the corner but the car keeps going straight. Imagine yourself on an icy road. You may turn the steering wheel to turn the car but it still wants to go straight. When this happens the driver has to get out of the throttle. It also causes the front tires to wear abnormally.