NASCAR Announces Pit Crew Rule Changes for 2018

In a change said to improve parity in the sport, NASCAR Executive Vice President Steve O’Donnell announced that pit crew numbers in NASCAR’s three national series will be reduced from six to five in 2018.

Part of a “multi-layered change,” there will also be limits on NASCAR’s organizational and road crew team members.

The organizational category includes competition directors, team managers, technical directors and similar positions. Teams with one- or two-car operations will be allotted three roster spots for organizational personnel, while teams with three or four may have four.

The road crew category includes crew chief, car chief, mechanics, engine tuners, tire specialists and similar positions. The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series’ limit is 12.

The team’s refueler will also no longer be allowed to perform duties other than fueling—such as helping with tires or chassis adjustments—during timed pit stops.