Eric Slade, the spotter for former World of Outlaws champ Dave Blaney, also spent time as an open-wheel racer. Despite his lack of stock car experience, Slade says the methods are the same. You don't need to give the driver information overload. But drivers with less Winston Cup experience, such as Blaney, sometimes need more coaching and direction over the radio. Just keeping his mind up so he can perform his best.
Spotters also play a part in the strategy of the race.
The majority of spotters are full-time employees of the teams. While Dickerson constructs chassis and Slade builds shocks, owners such as Bill Davis and Roger Penske are regulars at the spotter's stand. When Reeves was offered a full-time job with another team, Park insisted that Dale Earnhardt Inc. create a job for Reeves so he could remain as the team's spotter because the communication between the two was so strong. Dickerson says the most rewarding part of his job is watching Labonte make it through the smoke unscathed. The further you are up the ladder or the closer you are to the front, the more the adrenaline starts pumping.