Presenting the Earnhardts

Getting the car set to go in the shop is only part of the battle.  Getting the car right at the track is a different story.  Weather conditions dictate how the car will handle under practice and race conditions.  Hot weather brings out the oil in the track causing slick conditions.  Cloudy cooler days will probably tighten the car up.  All the preparation in the shop is only a starting place.  The crew has to make changes as practice or the race goes on.  The crew also has to get the car in and out of the pit in a matter of seconds.  That includes tires, fuel and adjustments.  Races have been won and lost based on crew performance and pit strategy.  Imagine making an adjustment to the suspension, changing 4 tires and adding 20 gallons of fuel in 16 seconds or less.  Today's crew member has to be an athlete himself.  Coordination, teamwork, strength and leadership are what a pit crew is made up of.  The crews of Dale Earnhardt and Mike Skinner are top performers at the track.