| The popularity of NASCAR has skyrocketed, making | | | | graduates undergo extensive training developed by |
| it one of the most watched televised sports in the | | | | the respective racing teams they become a part of. |
| U.S. today. For fans and spectators, the thrill of | | | | For pit crew personnel in particular, the physically |
| watching drivers maneuver the track at speeds that | | | | demanding aspects of the position require a great |
| often exceed 200 miles per hour offers excitement | | | | deal of stamina. Every active racing team on the |
| beyond compare. For those in the industry itself, the | | | | circuit today incorporates physical conditioning as part |
| "behind the scenes" action is also fraught with victory | | | | of their training in order to increase stamina. Long |
| and defeat, which makes for a thrilling ride. | | | | periods of inactivity are intermittently infused with |
| Few who enjoy the sport from the outside realize | | | | moments where the crew must work as a cohesive |
| just how much preparation, innovation and time is | | | | unit, and with not a moment to spare. Additionally, |
| spent preparing engines, transmissions and the car | | | | they must be at the ready through every lap, from |
| bodies themselves for the long racing season. | | | | the first to the last. |
| Technicians work tirelessly to adjust, refine and | | | | For those who develop and diagnose performance |
| perfect every aspect of a car's performance while | | | | standards for the cars, minute adjustments and |
| maintaining strict adherence to NASCAR regulations. | | | | constant testing are commonplace. From the timing |
| Pit crews train together in order to maximize their | | | | belt and air intake to the aerodynamics measured in |
| speed and accuracy while minimizing the risk for | | | | wind tunnel testing, their mission is to give their car, |
| serious injury to both themselves and the driver they | | | | and consequently their driver, every possible |
| will assist. All in all, their combined efforts are more | | | | advantage. The efforts they make can mean the |
| likely to determine who will finish the season with the | | | | difference between a pole position or starting the |
| most points than anyone behind the wheel. | | | | race at a disadvantage. |
| These are no ordinary mechanics by any standard. | | | | So while fans of NASCAR are familiar with the |
| Most diagnostics and pit crew personnel receive | | | | victory lap and hoisting of the trophy, there is a quiet |
| specialty training at facilities designed for those | | | | celebration among the unknown faces that comprise |
| interested in working within the sport. These facilities, | | | | the racing team which spectators will likely never see. |
| such as the NASCAR Technical Institute run by the | | | | Without question, a win for the driver is also a win |
| Universal Technical Institute in a joint partnership with | | | | for the combined efforts of those who helped make |
| NASCAR, cater to both the industry itself and those | | | | a trip through victory lane possible. |
| who wish to be a part of it. Additionally, most | | | | |