Nascar seeks to keep racing competitive and equal and therefore strategy takes on increased importantance when attempting to gain an advantage that will ultimately provide a win. Pit strategy beings with selecting a pit. In some racetracks, the size or layout of pit stalls means selecting the right pit stall could provide a real advantage.
Teams select pit stalls in the order that that the car qualified for the race. The fastest qualifier not only starts the race in the pole position (the inside of the first row), but also is the first to select a pit stall.
If qualifying is canceled (rained out) then race order and pit selection is determined by owner points. When the race is one of the first five of the season, owner points from the previous year are used. Teams who are in the top 35, based on the owners points being used, that have been entered for the race and attempt to qualify are ordered based upon points. Remaining teams can make the race and be ordered based upon various scenerios. Additional information can be found here:
http://www.jayski.com/teams/qualifying-rules.htm
Typically, the first pit stall offers the advantage of being able to exit the pit stall without needing to clear another car, merging with pit traffic, or managing speed before crossing the pit road exit line. When pitting during caution laps, the race off pit road (to the exit line) determines a car's order for the restart.
As selections are made, decisions have to be based on other factors. Some pit stalls have additional space around them, such as openings for access to the garage area. The rules could be a factor, for example if a pit stall is behind the start finish line, the car must reach that line before the lead car reaches that same line on the track to keep from losing a lap to the leader. Cars pitting in front of the start finish line need to pass the pit road exit line before the lead car reaches that same line on the track to keep from losing a lap to the leader. Being close to these lines enable teams to get out of their stalls at the last possible second without losing a lap. Also rules for pushing a stalled car must be considered.
Sometimes, guesses about the performance of teams that have selected pits before and after remaining pit stalls should be considered. Pits inbetween these teams may yield similiar advantages if the team is out of the race early or not able to pit at the same time, such as when lead lap cars pit first. The distance of a pit stall to resources which may be needed during the race could also be a consideration.
Ultimately, pit selection is just one of many decisions that may help or hinder a team's chance for a win.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
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