How NASCAR Teams Really Work Behind the Scenes
When NASCAR announced in July 2025 that it wouldn’t return to Chicago, Illinois, for the 2026 season, it left many fans wondering how race teams adapt to changes like this. While the thrill of race day is easy to see from the stands or a TV screen, most of what makes a successful race happen occurs long before the green flag drops. Here’s a closer look at how NASCAR teams work behind the scenes.
Crew Roles
Drivers might get the spotlight, but there’s a full team behind every successful race. On pit road, NASCAR limits pit crews to five over-the-wall members: two tire changers, one tire carrier, a jackman, and a gasman. Each member has a specialized role that shaves fractions of a second off pit stops.
Behind the scenes, the broader team includes the crew chief, who leads overall strategy, while engineers, mechanics, and specialists handle everything from suspension setups to tire data. Hauler drivers, engine tuners, and various support staff round out the broader team, all working together to make race day possible.
Communication Keeps Everything Moving
Precision timing would fall apart without seamless communication. Spotters guide drivers through high-speed traffic, warn them about hazards, and navigate the chaos of restarts. The crew chief, meanwhile, stays in constant contact with the driver to adjust race strategy on the fly.
ICOM radios keep racers safe during events by alerting drivers to car trouble or track incidents. Teams run full communication tests before each race to make sure everyone—from the garage to the spotter stand—is synced and ready.
Logistics That Never Sleep
Even when the race ends, the work doesn’t. Pit crews take on other jobs during the week, such as fabricators or welders, to ensure everything stays race-ready.
Logistics teams coordinate everything from hotel reservations to the route each hauler takes to avoid delays. They inventory tools, tires, and food, and reset them so the next event can start without a hitch. These unsung roles don’t get much attention, but they’re vital to keeping the team running smoothly.
Track Conditions and Setup Decisions
No two tracks are exactly alike. Asphalt ages. Weather shifts. Elevation changes impact tire grip. That’s why crew chiefs start analyzing track data weeks, sometimes months, before races. They’ll adjust everything from suspension setup to gear ratios.
Teams also monitor conditions during race weekend. A sudden drop in temperature or cloud cover can prompt adjustments, such as rebalancing tires or tweaking air pressure to maintain optimal grip. Data analysts support these decisions using real-time telemetry and simulation software, guaranteeing the car performs at its best.
Timing Isn’t Everything, but It’s Close
Understanding how NASCAR teams work behind the scenes reveals the fine balance between preparation and adaptability. Even small changes on race day in communication, tire pressure, or strategy can alter the outcome.
With the recent pause of the Chicago Street Race, it’s clear that behind-the-scenes efforts ripple through the sport in unexpected ways, shaping the future of NASCAR for years to come.