CONCORD, N.C. – Pit stops are one of the most vital components of a NASCAR race and pit crews can make the difference in whether or not a driver gets to victory lane.
How do these athletes go about preparing themselves for the weekly tests they will face at the track over the course of a nearly 10-month season?
A new series from Hendrick Motorsports, "Refueled presented by AdvoCare," offers a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication and discipline of the organization’s pit crew athletes and staff. The first full episode dropped on Tuesday, March 7, and you catch watch the full episode below.
"The bonds and relationships that are made during these times are critical," head pit coach Jonathan Carvin said. "To know that those guys have gone through hard things together. They’ve been through it with our staff and we’re just looking to be the toughest pit crew out there on pit road."
The series kicks off with a look at the group’s preseason work leading into the biggest race on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, the DAYTONA 500. The organization has eight wins in the prestigious event.
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Additional episodes will cover different aspects of life as a pit crew member, how these athletes train for extreme heat, preparing for reverse pit stops on road courses and much more.
"It’s a long season," assistant pit coach Jacob Claborn said. “How grueling it is on the body. These guys have to take care of themselves for over 30 weeks."
The production will also follow a member from each of the four teams. Get to know the featured pit crew members, who cover a variety of different positions on pit road and have a wide range of experiences in the sport.
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Blaine Anderson
Anderson is the front-tire changer on the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. Hard work and determination to be the best on and off pit road is what Anderson brings to the table after joining the No. 5 team in the middle of the 2022 season. He joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2019 as a backup crew member.
John Gianninoto
In his years on pit road, Gianninoto converted from a jackman to the now fueler on the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet. The veteran is in his 11th season and was part of the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series championship-winning pit crew with driver Chase Elliott. He also serves as an asset to help upcoming jackmen and the coaching staff, assisting in the pit crew recruitment process.
Ryan Patton
Patton is the tire carrier on the No. 24 RaptorTough.com Chevrolet, entering his 11th season. Prior to being on the No. 24 pit crew, he worked on the Nos. 48 and 88. His leadership throughout the department is highlighted not only through his words of encouragement to fellow members but through his action to be a helping hand in any given situation.
Allen Holman
Holman joined the No. 48 Ally Racing pit crew ahead of the 2022 playoffs. The 2023 campaign marks his first starting year for the Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, native with the team. His drive and resoluteness to be the best on pit road carries through in his approach.