On Friday, May 16, pit crews will compete in the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear at North Wilkesboro Speedway, as part of NASCAR All-Star Race Week activities.
The mechanics who typically work outside the spotlight will have their chance to shine. Fans will get an up-close look at the speed and precision required to execute a perfect pit stop.
Photo By Nascar Media
Significant format changes for 2025
The event will not only recognize the best crew but will also set starting positions for both the Open and qualifying races of the NASCAR All-Star Race. Teams will execute four-tire changes with maximum efficiency.
This year, all teams entered for the weekend - both All-Star and Open entries - will participate. The modified structure begins with Open cars setting their race grid, followed by All-Star teams determining their starting positions for the qualifying heats.
The format includes an initial fast lap, followed by a second lap where drivers must enter one of two designated pit stalls for a four-tire change (no fueling). After completing the stop, they'll accelerate to the checkered flag. The total time from start to finish will determine qualifying, with the fastest earning pole position for Heat Race 1 and the All-Star Race.
Photo By Nascar Media
Back-to-back champions eye three-peat
The Joe Gibbs Racing crew aims for a third consecutive victory. Blake Houston (front tire changer), Jacob Holmes (tire carrier), Derrell Edwards (jackman) and Peyton Moore (fueler) won in 2023 with Ty Gibbs and in 2024 with Christopher Bell, posting a 13.223-second stop. Bell, already qualified for the All-Star Race, will again have this experienced crew.
This event showcases pit crews' work. We want to keep the trophy at JGR for many years.
We're ready to defend our title for the third straight year at North Wilkesboro
Cash prize and evaluation criteria
The crew with the fastest penalty-free stop during qualifying will win the Pit Crew Challenge, receiving a special trophy featuring a jack and impact wrench plus a $100,000 prize. Timing lines are positioned one box before and after the designated pit areas to ensure accurate measurement. Results will also determine pit stall selection order.
A renewed legacy
The Pit Crew Challenge has a long NASCAR history. It began in 1967 at Rockingham Speedway, continuing there until 2003. In 2005, it adopted a bracket-style format at Charlotte's Spectrum Center during All-Star Week. After being discontinued in 2012, it returned in 2023 as part of the revived North Wilkesboro short track.
It's good for the guys to have their moment. Every week they face high-pressure situations without recognition - they're just expected to perform
Upcoming Races
Drivers Standings 2026
| POS | PILOTO | PTS | ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyler Reddick | 186 | |
| 2 | Bubba Wallace | 116 | |
| 3 | Chase Elliott | 114 | |
| 4 | Ryan Blaney | 100 | arrow_up4 |
| 5 | Shane van Gisbergen | 90 | arrow_up11 |
| 6 | Joey Logano | 90 | |
| 7 | Daniel Suarez | 87 | |
| 8 | AJ Allmendinger | 86 | arrow_up10 |
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