15 Pit Crew Moments That Changed the Outcome of a Race
Pit crews don't just change tires—they change the entire course of a race, with moments that make or break championships.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 6 min read
In NASCAR, a pit crew’s speed, precision, and decision-making can be the difference between victory and defeat. Some moments are so crucial that they completely alter the outcome of a race. These 15 unforgettable pit crew moments stand out as game-changers, proving just how much can be won or lost in just a few seconds.
1. 2008 Daytona 500 (Tony Stewart)
Kim Phillips on Wikimedia Commons
Tony Stewart’s crew made a bold decision to switch to fresh tires during a late caution in the 2008 Daytona 500. The decision gave Stewart the grip needed to charge ahead during the final laps. His crew’s quick thinking helped him finish strong, and although he didn’t win, the strategy set him up for a competitive season. This moment showcased how important tire strategy can be at the Daytona 500.
2. 2012 Sprint Cup Championship (Brad Keselowski)
Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia Commons
In the 2012 season finale, Brad Keselowski’s pit crew made the key call to stay out under caution while others pitted. This kept him in the lead during a critical moment and put him in a position to win the race. Keselowski’s pit crew was flawless throughout the race, giving him the consistency needed to secure his first Sprint Cup Championship. It was a perfect example of how a crew’s decision can make or break a title run.
3. 2006 Talladega 500 (Jimmie Johnson)
Zach Catanzareti on Pexels
During the 2006 Talladega 500, Jimmie Johnson’s crew made a quick tire change that helped him gain positions when it mattered most. The stop was performed in under 13 seconds, a blistering time that put him ahead of key competitors. Johnson used his track position to maintain the lead, ultimately winning the race. It highlighted the importance of speed and precision in high-pressure moments.
4. 2011 Martinsville (Kyle Busch)
Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia Commons
Kyle Busch’s pit crew performed an extraordinary stop during the 2011 Martinsville race, changing all four tires in just under 13 seconds. This swift service helped him regain critical track positions and allowed him to stay in front as the race progressed. Busch went on to win the race, and the stop was a key factor in maintaining his momentum. This moment solidified his crew as one of the best in NASCAR.
5. 2014 Daytona 500 (Dale Earnhardt Jr.)
Sarah Stierch on Wikimedia Commons
Dale Earnhardt Jr. won his second Daytona 500 in 2014, and his pit crew played a pivotal role. Their impeccable tire changes and fast decisions throughout the race kept Earnhardt in a competitive position. A flawless final stop helped him maintain the lead during the closing laps, ensuring his victory at the sport’s most prestigious race. This win was a testament to the power of teamwork and precision under pressure.
6. 2003 Coca-Cola 600 (Matt Kenseth)
Zach Catanzareti on Wikimedia Commons
During the 2003 Coca-Cola 600, Matt Kenseth’s pit crew made a game-changing call to take just two tires during their final stop. This strategic move allowed Kenseth to gain valuable positions and keep his competitors at bay. The decision proved to be key in the final laps, where Kenseth held off challengers to secure the win. It showcased how a crew’s strategy can be just as important as the driver’s skill.
7. 2000 Pocono Race (Jeff Burton)
Roland Balik on Wikimedia Commons
Jeff Burton’s crew performed a nearly flawless tire change during a caution in the 2000 Pocono race, allowing him to jump ahead of the pack. The fast and efficient stop gave Burton the track position he needed to hold off his competition in the final laps. Burton went on to win the race, and the stop was one of the key moments that sealed his victory. This performance exemplified the importance of teamwork during high-stakes moments.
8. 2015 Michigan International Speedway (Carl Edwards)
Mauricio Campino on Wikimedia Commons
Carl Edwards’ crew executed a perfect late-race pit stop at Michigan in 2015. The quick tire change gave Edwards fresh rubber and the advantage he needed to pass competitors and take the lead. His crew’s flawless execution allowed him to pull away in the final laps and claim victory. This pit stop was critical in ensuring that Edwards maintained control and secured the win.
9. 2009 Las Vegas (Kurt Busch)
Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia Commons
In the 2009 Las Vegas race, Kurt Busch’s pit crew made the call to change to fresh tires during a late caution, a move that helped him regain track position. The fresh tires allowed Busch to power past his competitors on the restart, putting him in the lead for the final laps. Busch’s crew’s quick thinking and precise tire changes helped him win the race, proving how important a crew’s strategy is in the closing stages.
10. 1993 NASCAR All-Star Race (Dale Earnhardt Sr.)
Darryl Moran on Wikimedia Commons
Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s pit crew played a pivotal role in his 1993 NASCAR All-Star Race victory. They executed a flawless stop with a quick tire change and perfect fuel strategy. Earnhardt’s crew gave him the edge he needed to maintain his lead and secure the win in the All-Star event. This moment is remembered as one of the best pit crew performances in NASCAR history.
11. 2017 Texas Motor Speedway (Martin Truex Jr.)
Morrison_2001 on Wikimedia Commons
During the 2017 Texas race, Martin Truex Jr.’s pit crew made an extraordinary stop under pressure. Their swift and flawless work allowed Truex to stay ahead of the competition and maintain his lead late in the race. Truex went on to win the race, and the crew’s performance was a huge factor in ensuring the victory. This moment demonstrated how important a fast and efficient pit stop is in NASCAR’s most critical races.
12. 2008 Bristol Motor Speedway (Kyle Busch)
Zach Catanzareti Photo on Wikimedia Commons
At the 2008 Bristol Motor Speedway, Kyle Busch’s crew performed a nearly flawless pit stop under green-flag conditions, which was critical on the tight, short track. The quick work allowed Busch to maintain his lead and gave him the edge in a race full of intense action. His crew’s ability to execute under pressure helped him claim the win in a race where every second mattered.
13. 2004 Talladega 500 (Jeff Gordon)
U.S. National Guard on Wikimedia Commons
In the 2004 Talladega race, Jeff Gordon’s pit crew executed a fast and precise tire change that allowed him to maintain his position. Their speed in the pits helped him jump ahead of several competitors, giving him an edge as the race progressed. Gordon’s crew played a key role in securing his victory at one of the most challenging tracks in NASCAR.
14. 2005 Darlington Raceway (Tony Stewart)
Kim Phillips on Wikimedia Commons
During the 2005 Darlington race, Tony Stewart’s crew decided to switch to fresh tires during a caution, giving Stewart the grip he needed to charge forward. This pit stop allowed Stewart to take the lead in the final laps and hold it, securing his victory. The crew’s precise timing and strategic decision-making helped Stewart win in a race known for its challenging conditions.
15. 2013 Coca-Cola 600 (Kasey Kahne)
Zach Catanzareti on Wikimedia Commons
Kasey Kahne’s crew made a crucial two-tire change during the final pit stop in the 2013 Coca-Cola 600, giving him the advantage to pass the competition. This strategy paid off as Kahne surged ahead, ultimately securing the win in one of NASCAR’s longest and most demanding races. The crew’s ability to make quick, strategic calls in a high-pressure environment was a key factor in Kahne’s victory.