The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series All-Star weekend has seen the return of the pit crew challenge for the second consecutive year since 2012. The exhibition-style weekend aims to shift the focus from the team’s drivers to crucial members on the pit road who allow a team and driver to execute their desired races out on the track.
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One of the many different events that lead up to the newest format of the NASCAR All-Star weekend, the pit crew challenge consists of a competition in which the team’s crew can execute a 4-tire pitstop along with refueling in the shortest time possible.
The work begins! #AllStarRace Qualifying and the Pit Crew Challenge are happening now! pic.twitter.com/dySRMyBbib
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 18, 2024
While refueling is mocked for the challenge, drivers still have to head out on track for one full lap before heading to the pit road, following all pit road rules such as maximum speed, etc. After stopping in their designated pit box, the driver is required to leave his box and pit road and complete another lap of the track. The total elapsed time of the activity determines which team wins a cash prize of $100,000.
Which teams have won the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge in the last five appearances of the format?
Joe Gibbs Racing has managed to sweep the All-Star Pit Crew Challenge ever since the format’s return last year. The #54 crew at JGR won the challenge in 2023 with Ty Gibbs behind the wheel of the #54 Toyota Camry TRD. This year’s challenge leading up to Sunday’s race has been swept by the #20 team with driver Christopher Bell from Coach Gibbs’ racing outfit.
Fast. Very, very fast. @CBellRacing's crew wins the 2024 @Mechanix_Wear Pit Crew Challenge! pic.twitter.com/lGYZLEuiUp
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) May 18, 2024
The 2012 edition of the challenge was won by 7-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. The #48 crew at Hendrick Motorsports managed to blitz the field during a time when the California-based driver was at the peak of his career in the sport with Hendrick Motorsports.
The 2011 and 2010 editions of the same challenge saw a return of Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin and the #11 crew, followed by the #31 crew from Richard Childress Racing in 2009 which saw Jeff Burton at the wheel of the racecar at the time.
Meanwhile, the sport prepares to go live from the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway for this year’s running of the All-Star Race this Sunday. The event goes live at 8:00 pm ET.
