Far more than mere prelude, the third annual Nextel Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman shines a worthy spotlight on some of the Nextel Cup Series’ most important participants team crew members. On Wednesday, May 16, 24 pit crews will battle for team and individual position titles at Charlotte Bobcats Arena. It’s the third consecutive pit crew competition, which spotlights often-unsung personnel. This year, crews’ work will play a role in Saturday night’s 23rd annual Nextel Cup All-Star Challenge at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Teams will pick their pits for the event based on the finishing order of Wednesday’s Challenge. A quick reminder: Seven team members are allowed over the wall to service a car on pit road. On Wednesday, this year’s 24 eligible pit crews will compete for a grand prize of $70,300. Each individual position champion will receive a $10,000 prize. Martin Truex Jr.’s #1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet pit crew is the defending champion. This year’s Nextel Pit Crew Challenge features two significant format changes the addition of a seeding round and a call-out round. For more info on my 2007 Pit Crew News page.(5-15-2007)
