Every second in pits is time lost on the race track. Nowhere is teamwork more important in the American Le Mans Series than in pit lane. Pit stops in the American Le Mans Series play a significant role in the race’s outcome due to the unique style and specific rules that trace back to the history of Le Mans-style racing.

The variations of pit stop strategies combined with ever-changing conditions on the track give the American Le Mans Series the most exciting pit stop sequence in all of U.S. motorsports.

What happens during a pit stop? We’re glad you asked…

1.  Race car enters pit box, stops and turns off engine.

2.  In refueling stops, fuel must be added and completed first. If there is to be a driver change, it may begin during the fueling process. No other service/work can be done to the race car until fueling is completed.

3.  Once fueling is completed, the air jack is plugged into the race car and the tires are changed.

And all this takes place in less than a minute!

POINTS TO REMEMBER

The race car’s engine must be turned off every time it enters the pit box.

The fueler plugs into one side of the race car while the fuel vent crew person is on the other side of the car. In the GT1 and GT2 class race cars, fueling and venting are both completed by one person.

Two tire changers, one for both sides of the car and each sporting an air gun, remove the front tire lug nut (center lock wheel) and then proceed to the reAr of the race car to remove the back lug nut. The tire changer replaces the rear tire and tightens the back lug nut. Simultaneously, the helper puts a new tire on the front of the race car before taking the old front tire back over the pit wall. The tire changer then moves back to the front and tightens the front lug nut before carrying the old back tire over the pit wall.

RULES OF THE (PIT) ROAD

• Maximum pit lane speed during a Series race is 60 kph (37.3 mph).
• A pit crew supervisor is permitted over the pit wall just prior to a scheduled pit stop to signal and stop the race car in the pit box.
• The pit crew supervisor may talk to the driver or pit crew members (mechanics) during a pit stop but is not allowed to perform any other function.
• Aside from the pit crew supervisor, all other team members and equipment must remain behind the pit wall until the race car has come to a stop in its designated pit.
• All pit crew members must wear full fire suits and safety clothing.
• After the race car has come to a complete stop, up to four (4) pit crew members are allowed over the pit wall to service the race car.
• Not considered part of the over-the-wall crew, the pit crew “dead man” operates the lever on the fuel tank that allows fuel to flow through the hose and into the race car. The “dead man” can stop the flow of fuel should there be any type of problem.
• The only way a driver (entering or leaving the race car) can service or perform any work on the race car during a pit stop is if he/she is considered one of the four servicing pit crew members.
• A single crew member who mans the fire extinguisher also is allowed over the wall.
• Outside of the team, specific industry representatives who are examining car equipment such as tires and/or other components are allowed over the wall during a pit stop.
• Only the driver is allowed to restart the car before it leaves the pit box.

AMERICAN LE MANS SERIES PIT STOP FACTS

• American Le Mans Series racing tires typically weigh approximately 20-25 pounds each.
• Four tires are changed in six to 10 seconds.
• The fuel capacity of Series cars varies among fuel types and classes. Diesel-powered LMP1s can hold a maximum of 81 liters. All P1 cars powered by E10 have a maximum capacity of 90 liters (as do GT1 and GT2 cars) while cellulosic E85-powered cars hold up to 110 liters. LMP2 cars can have a maximum of 80 liters.
• Racing fuel is added in 20-25 seconds.
• Two pit stops are typically made during the Series’ sprint endurance format races (2:45). In longer Series races such as the 12 Hours of Sebring, race cars will usually pit about every 55-65 minutes.