He understands the dangerous elements of his job, knows the feeling of that 3,400-pound car grinding to a halt against his body. Still, he heads to the track 38 races a year. Poised on the wall, tingling to jump the split-second before the car hits the stall, crew members are thinking only about the mechanics of the next 15 seconds. Injury crosses one s mind only when it happens. For pit-crew members, safety often is beyond their control.
Crew members do all they can to be well-conditioned and prepared for a race.
They eye the cars that will be pitting on each side, adjusting their positions if it is a driver known for cutting in early. When it s time for the stop, though, crewmen focus only on their task. With 15 seconds to jack the car, change the tires and fill the tank, there is no time for doubt. Whatever s happening around you is just going to happen. Tracks with tight pit roads create more danger.