A few years ago I realized something. I was still a fairly fresh NASCAR fan and I went to my first race at Phoenix International in April of 2006 for the Basha’s Supermarkets 200 and the Subway Fresh 500. My sister and I were really excited and so we went all out with tickets to the entire race weekend and pit passes.
While walking around the pits, we saw a lot of drivers. Many of them were really nice and sweet, stopping to sign autographs for us through the fence but what really got me was the crew members. They were so nice (and I admit, many were cute). The way they treated the fans in the pits was amazing to me. We were all like gold. They were sweet and funny and posed for pictures and beamed from the attention. They really are the unsung heroes of NASCAR.
I loved walking around and talking to the pit crew guys. They were so willing to chat and laugh with us.
Every week, these guys jump out in front of these cars, risk their limbs and sometimes their lives to do what they love and keep their drivers in contention. Yet they receive little to no recognition for what they do. The Pit Crew Challenge is their time to shine.
I just love to watch these men do what they do. They finally have the spotlight and can show off. I think a lot of them probably really appreciate the event that gives them their moment in the spotlight.
Another thing I have come to love is how (most of) the drivers beam with pride over their pit crews. Today, during Showdown qualifying, Jimmie Johnson had an awesome stop and an awesome qualifying run. Instead of taking all or most of the credit, he went and high fived each one of this pit crew members. Now, granted, I am not a Johnson fan by any means, but to see just how much he really appreciates his crew warmed my heart.
I just have to say to all the past, present, and future NASCAR pit crew members- you guys are the stars!
@NASCARGirl14
http://www.nascargirl14.blogspot.com
Aaron says
Well put. I think people how slow the cars are on pit road compared to race conditions and lose track of the fact that they’re still doing as fast as we do on the highway and these guys are jumping out front of those cars to do this stuff.