When it comes to the NASCAR season, it’s well-known that drivers and owners make the most money. However, what about the pit crew and support team members? Each NASCAR team has a range of pit crew members and mechanics who contribute to the success of the team. However, the average salary for these individuals depends on their role in the pit crew and the racing team they work for.
In this article, we’ll break down the different roles within a NASCAR pit crew and their salaries.
What is the Salary / Job Duties in a NASCAR Pit Crew?
Each individual in a NASCAR pit crew has a specific job and plays a critical role in the team’s success. Here is a breakdown of each role and their associated job duties and salaries.
Crew Chief
The crew chief is one of the most vital people in the pit crew team and understandably the highest-paid. They can earn over a million dollars per year and usually make around $10,000 per race, with the potential to earn an additional $2,500 in winning bonuses. During a race, the crew chief manages all of the team’s operations, from relaying pit stop strategy to ensuring that everyone has the necessary equipment for a safe and successful stop.
Jackman and Fueler
The jackman and fueler are the second-highest-paid pit crew members, with the potential to earn up to $3,000 per race. This translates to an annual salary of $300,000 per year. They can also earn an additional $500 per race if they’re part of a winning team. During a pit stop, the jackman uses a jack to lift the car so that the tire changers can easily replace the tires during the race. The fueler is responsible for refueling the vehicle quickly and precisely, avoiding delays or dangerous situations.
Spotter
The spotter earns around $2,500 per race, with the potential to earn an additional $500 for being part of a winning team. The spotter is the second most critical pit crew member as they keep an eye out for the driver. During a race, the spotter will look ahead of their driver and call out any passing opportunities or debris on the track. The spotter also keeps an eye on the flagman to report any signals aimed at the driver, such as penalty violations.
Tire Changers and Carriers
The front and rear tire changers and tire carriers all make $1,500 per race in base salary or $80,000 at the end of the year. They can also earn up to an additional $300 for winning. The tire changer operates the gun that twists bolts on and off, while the carrier brings the old tires onto the pit lane and returns old tires to the garage.
Utility Man
The utility man is the lowest-paid pit crew member, earning $500 for race day earnings, with rare winning bonuses. However, a good utility man can work their way up to being a tire changer, which can significantly increase their earning potential. This role involves tearing off the protective film on a stock car’s windshield and providing the driver with water during the race.
How Do You Join a NASCAR Pit Crew?
Becoming a part of a NASCAR pit crew is a highly competitive job, as only a few roles are available. Firstly, becoming an automotive expert is necessary, with engineering being a field of choice. NASCAR cars are highly specialized, and while general automotive knowledge can help, specialized training in aerodynamics or engines will help you go further. Once you have some experience working on race teams, you can apply to lower tiers of NASCAR as a mechanic or race engineer, working your way up to the NASCAR Cup Series, where you’ll start making a better income from your passion.