As the kick-off event to NASCARs all-star week in Charlotte, NC, the Nextel Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman focuses attention on drivers seven-member pit crews. Good, timely work in the pits can win or lose races, and Wednesday nights second annual competition at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena in Charlotte, N.C., is a time for those crew members to shine. A total of 24 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup pit crews will compete for an overall grand prize of $70,100. Each of the seven over-the-wall pit-crew positions will compete for a $10,000 prize.#9- Kasey Kahnes pit crew is the defending overall champion. The event begins at 7:00pm/et. All tickets are $10; all seats are general admission. Pit crews eligible for this years competition include all those from teams qualified for the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge all 2005 event winners and any additional winners through May 15. Also eligible are the winner of the 2005 NEXTEL Open, #25-Brian Vickers, and the fan vote winner from the 2005 NEXTEL Open, #1-Martin Truex Jr. If there are no new event winners, the remaining positions go to the highest-ranked teams in the car owner standings who arent otherwise eligible for Saturdays all-star event. This year, those are the pit crews for #31-Jeff Burton, #42-Casey Mears, #38-Elliott Sadler and Raybestos Rookie of the Year candidate #11-Denny Hamlin. Prize Money: $70,100 to the winning team; $10,000 to each pit-crew position champion.(NASCAR PR)(5-16-2006)
