The Unsung Heroes of NASCAR

We see NASCAR drivers on television every week, but without the people behind the scenes the race would not happen. I am talking about the guys at the shop, the accountants keeping the books, the spotters on the roofs and the guys in the pits that make the magic happen, usually in under 14 seconds. There are many people that have to do their job before the driver gets a chance at taking green flag laps.

Let's start with the owner who has to find major brands to sponsor the team and then meet all their needs. The owner is just as important as anyone else in the team. Actually, many team members have important jobs that play a critical role that is needed for a successful race. I have a keen eye when it comes to looking at the full aspect of a NASCAR team. When they are showing drivers interviews I am studying the BBQ and the catering team behind them as they are talking on the television. I watch as meals are prepared for what is a small army at the track.

Back in the spring we went to the races as Martinsville. There was some bad weather, but the spotters stayed on the roof and did their job in very windy conditions as the Camping World truck series were practicing. These guys play a critical role, and even in practice they are really needed. I am sure they were cold and wet, and being in those conditions a few of them most likely caught a cold.

The guys back at the shop basically work on the cars and if the drivers don't wreck their cars, their job gets a little easier; not much, but a little bit. The people running the shop are always busy with travel plans and arranging the haulers, among other things.

Speaking of haulers, let's talk about the drivers that get the cars, crew and merchandise haulers to the tracks. These guys drive for crazy amount of hours for our enjoyment. They are really the unsung heroes because without the cars being delivered we would have no race. We all know about the pit crews and how they work so hard. These guys don't get their due, especially when their primary car wrecks in practice and they have to get out and set up the backup car. The crew chief that holds this all together is critical and they usually don't get their due either.

This is just a small sample of all that it takes to get a race team to the track. I hope you appreciate these guys as much as I do when you see your favorite driver on the track taking in laps.

Photo Credit: Vinny O'Hare

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