Photo Courtesy of Paul Kuhn.
Behind the Scenes with the Texaco/Havoline Pit Crew
Dodge SaveMart 350 - Infineon Raceway 6/27/06
Professional NASCAR drivers face extremes every time they suit up and take to the track. Extreme speed, heat, G-forces, pressure, risk, fatigue and even celebration are all elements which drivers come to expect every race weekend. Driver of the No. 42 Texaco/Havoline Dodge, Casey Mears, is no stranger to these severe elements, and neither is the team which supports his winning efforts – his pit crew.
As a freelance writer within Chevron’s Global Marketing team and an avid motorsports fan, I was fortunate enough to attend the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at Infineon Raceway near
Strolling down pit road filled my senses with the smell of race fuel, the sweet taste of evaporated antifreeze (ed. I know, I know, race cars don't run antifreeze, but let's pretend), the whirring sounds of air-powered tools, the colorful sight of team uniforms, and the feel of the hot summer sun baking the asphalt. I found the Texaco/Havoline pit highlighted by the shining star of Texaco, which adorns everything from wheel covers to toolboxes, and introduced myself to a pit crew member.
Just Another Day in the Office for Rich Macco
While some pit crew members scurry about preparing for the start of the race, Rich Macco, the rear tire changer for the No. 42 team, appears calm and collected in his day job as he sets up the Charger’s race wheels.
“We glue the lug nuts onto the rim with a superbond weather strip adhesivie,” says Macco, an eight year NASCAR pit crew veteran. “That way, when the car pits, all we have to do is hit the lug nuts with an impact gun, and they’re on.”
In a race which can be won or lost by hundredths of a second, every trick which can shorten time in the pits is utilized. Even changing a transmission, which can be a major undertaking for a normal car, can be swapped in less time than a typical oil change.
“At a track like Infineon with lots of turns and gear changes, transmissions can blow,” says Macco. “We have a spare tranny which can be changed in 10 to 15 minutes.”
As I stood amazed by his comment, wishing I had that speedy service with my own mechanic, I noticed a curious tool which sat near Macco – a reciprocating saw. In addition to his role as a pit crew member, Macco is also a custom fabricator at
“With all the bumping out there, body panels get crunched. Sometimes we just have to cut them off with the Sawzall.”
Pit crew members bring more to the team than just the ability to fuel, change tires and do some basic wrenching. Craftsmen like Macco are essential to creating quick fixes and innovations in a pinch to get the car back on track when disaster inevitably strikes.
Different Tracks – Different Demands
Because Infineon Raceway is a 10-turn road-style course with elevation changes and tight corners, the demands put on the Texaco/Havoline Dodge Charger are different than at more traditional four-corner
“Today is all about fuel,” says Macco from behind his reflective sunglasses. “Infineon doesn’t eat through tires as much; so when Casey pits, it will primarily be for fuel.”
Surprised by Macco’s comment, I asked why a twisty course like Infineon doesn’t wear out more tires than a less turn intensive track like Daytona.
“Because with all the turns, tires wear more evenly out here,” responded Macco. “The worst kind of track for tires is an oval with low corner banking. The constant left turning and G-forces put on the tires wear them quickly and unevenly. In a typical race, we’ll go through six to 12 sets of tires. Today we might go through only two.”
Given the low need for tire changing, barring any disasters, it seemed Macco and his crew would have a relatively easy day at the office.
“Today will definitely be an easier day for the pit crew,” confirmed Macco. “Any heavily banked speedway and raceway like Infineon is less abusive on the crew. Flat tracks are the worst.”
After thanking Rich for his time, I proceeded to my seat for the start of the race. Unfortunately, the day was anything but easy for the Texaco/Havoline team as Casey Mears was involved in a wreck on the very first lap.
Although Casey was able to get rolling again, his extended pit stop to repair the monstrosity of body damage put him well behind the field. There was no doubt Macco was busy with the Sawzall and duct tape. Despite the early setback, through determination, skilled driving and quick pit stops, Mears, Macco and the Texaco/Havoline team fought doggedly from dead last to finish in the top 20.
For more on the Texaco/Havoline race team, check out www.texacohavoline42.com.
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