Pit crew challenge a unique experience
Bob Pockrass
Bob Pockrass began covering NASCAR in 1992, primarily covering short-track racing and events. He has worked for Street & Smith's Motorsports Group since 2003.
CHARLOTTE - The NASCAR Sprint Cup Pit Crew Challenge might not ever be an event that fills the arena in Charlotte, although the attendance probably is about as good as some pro basketball teams there.
But just because this event doesn't sell out doesn't mean it's not a good event.
It's good for the teams, the crews, the drivers and their families. So even if only a handful of media outlets cover the event and only if friends and relatives of the crew guys come, it's a worthwhile scene.
Granted, it's not a real pit-crew competition in the sense that this is quite different than what these guys do on Sundays. Instead of being choreographed madness with all seven participants needed in sync on pit road, this competition breaks down the skill sets into front-tire carriers and changers, rear-tire carriers and changers, gas men, jackmen and catch-can men. At the end, the crewmen to push the car across the arena floor, much further than they typically have to do on a Sunday.
It really doesn't matter that this event isn't a true replica of what teams do on Sundays. It's just a nice event because crew members' wives and kids get to watch them compete without the race-day traffic and without the loud noise. They also get to see them much more up close than they do during a race weekend if they are in the stands.
It's great to see drivers bond with their crews at this event, cheering them on. They don't often get to see the crew perform as well they're typically inside the car.
You rarely see anyone angry after this event. You just see people having fun and competing. That's what sports is all about.
