Comments on: You Want My Picture?

By: Ryan

Ryan — Fri, 08 May 2009 13:47:45 +0000

I am not sure how other fans feel, but I think it’s very cool to get to meet and see some of the crew of any driver in any series. Even though you are not the main attraction, your still part of the show. I have had the chance to be on pit road during a race last spring at AMS. Seeing pit stops on tv is one thing, seeing them live in person was something that just blew me away. All of you guys have an important role on the team, thus the word team. Yeah maybe Mark or Tony or Dale drive the car, but if you guys didn’t fix it and perform the pit stops, they would not finish the race!! So to all the crew guys, my hats off to you!!! You Rock!!

By: Jerry

Jerry — Fri, 08 May 2009 04:37:27 +0000

As a former rear tire carrier, I can relate whole heartedly. But as a former rear tire carrier, I know how much work you guys put in, the time and effort required to be among the best, and the dedication and love of the sport that you all share. I know some get nice paychecks, but I know most would do it for free. I know I did, when I got to carry tires for Morgan Shepherd at the TMS race a few years ago. Most fun anyone could have.

As a fan of this sport since I was a child, I appreciate all of the teamwork. And the ability to talk to all of the crew guys is amazing. Our sport is very interactive, and I believe that is why it is so popular. Yes, we are all just regular guys/gals. Remember, smile pretty for the camera, because we all appreciate the work that you guys do.

By: Bryan

Bryan — Thu, 07 May 2009 21:23:01 +0000

The most talented actor or actress is nothing without a great supporting cast. That’s what the Pit Crew and “the guys back at the shop” are. All of the driving talent in the world doesn’t get fresh tires on, fuel in and adjustments made to the car.

In my opinion, you guys are just as important to the race as the driver. I would definately want pictures and autographs from everyone on the team.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Thu, 07 May 2009 20:37:02 +0000

My dad’s favorite picture from a race is of him posing with the pit crew from Mark Martin’s AAA team.

Same race, one of the members of our group (a Harvick fan) couldn’t make the race because his wife was in the hospital. We took at #29 hat down to his pit box, explained the situation, and within 3 minutes everyone in a Goodwrench uniform, and then some others from RCR, had signed the hat.

In neither situation was the driver anywhere near pit road, but the fact that these groups of people took 3 minutes out of their busy day to talk to a couple fans meant the world to us.

By: RaceMonkey

RaceMonkey — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:09:53 +0000

As others have said, more and more fans are realizing how much of a true team sport Nascar truly is. For example, no matter how great Denny Hamlin did at Richmond, it was a pit stop that doomed him. You guys are the Offensive Line so that the quarterback can throw the pass. Kenseth fans are well aware of how great his pit crew has been in the past. Having nicknames like the “Rainbow Warriors” and “The Killer Bees” helps the overall team feel as well.

Often times when fans are trolling pit road before a race, it’s the crew that’s out there preparing the pit, glueing on lug nuts, whatever it takes. So yes, you guys are often closer to the fans these days than the drivers. It should come to no surprise when the fans embrace that, after all it was the proximity and availability of its stars that drew many fans to Nascar. Sadly this aspect seems to have decreased as popularity increased.

Also this is something that Fox has helped dramatically. Even though I ripped them a new one in one of my recent blog posts, this is something they’ve done a really good job with. They put you guys on camera. They introduce you to the world. You’re on TV!! So now fans have names and faces to go with the people they normally only see helmets on.

Congratulations for you. You should take these requests as a huge compliment from fans and remember just how important you and what your represent are to them. And always smile for the camera.

By: Stacy

Stacy — Thu, 07 May 2009 19:05:09 +0000

As already previously stated by others, I am interested in pit crew members for several reasons:
1. You are the reason the driver has a chance to win;
2. You are possibly a future crew chief;
3. You are more accessible (and sometimes more friendly) to the fans; and,
4. You work just as hard at obtaining, and keeping, your job as the driver does.
Keep up the good work and always remember you are the “back bone” of the team.

By: Simmy

Simmy — Thu, 07 May 2009 18:10:14 +0000

If you compare the drivers to rock stars, you guys are the band. You may not be holding the microphone, but you’re on the stage and that’s intriguing. There’s no show without you and the rock star isn’t a star without a whole load of talented support.

I would guess the majority of those that admire you guys and request autographs, pictures, conversation, etc., just realize that this is a TEAM sport. They respect you as part of the team and as others have mentioned, I’m sure you all come off as more approachable.

Consider it the best of both worlds, you get a touch of the celebrity life when you’re on track and you can still walk around in the outside world unharassed … by strangers anyway. Those who know you will probably continue to harass at will.

By: Robyn

Robyn — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:57:04 +0000

As previous people said, you are part of the team and probably the closest any of the fans will get to their favorite driver. When I am online with my friends during the race, we cheer. Not only for our driver, but for the pit crew too. What you do back at the shop and at the track allows the driver to do what they need to do.

Of course it works both ways too. When we hear that you have messed up, it’s always, uh-oh xxxx is going to get it.

By: windowlicker

windowlicker — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:40:19 +0000

I agree with everyone here. I think part of the reason may be the overwhelming awesomeness of someone being in the pit area for the first time. My first pit experience was at Richmond & all I did was hang around Ward Burton’s pit box staring at the guys doing their job & trying to stay out of everyone’s way. My mom, like me, was gawking around like a tourist & was in the way of a CAT crew member trying to get a dolly load of tires to the pit. I grabbed her arm to get her out of his way & told her if she’s going to hold anyone up, don’t hold up this guy (we had our CAT gear on). He stopped & talked to me for a bit then reached into his pocket & pulled out a greasy rag that contained five lugs that he said were hot off the #22. I thought this was the coolest thing in the world & have the lugs proudly displayed on my wall. Yes, I framed the lugs & greasy rag.

My friends call this the story of Licker’s nuts.

So I don’t find it unusual for fans to be really excited by being in the pits & wanting to take in all they can from the experience. It’s an every day event for you T.C. but a once in a lifetime opportunity for some people.

Nowadays though, I prefer to drink beer in a field before races instead of going to the pits.

By: Neon

Neon — Thu, 07 May 2009 17:37:19 +0000

Bobby#7Fan…I kinda figured out a while back that you are a “Robby” Gordon fan and I am as well. I thought the same way about him having seen him race in the CART series and then meeting him in Daytona years back. But he was very approacheable and a regular guy. I don’t think he gets enough credit in CUP, the guy can drive. He just needs to put it all together consistently, on a smaller budget than most.
Drivers wouldn’t get very far w/o speed chariotts built by and serviced by the you crews on the road and at the shop.
TC and Journo-I hope to never see an autographed photo of either of you, the honest inside perspective would be lost forever. Stay anonymous!