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A typical IndyCar pitstop is around 7 seconds these days. That is slow compared to F1, but unlike F1, IndyCar heavily restricts the number of crewmen over the wall to 6. This allows one man on each tire, plus the fueler and a jackman. IndyCars also require refueling at each stop, which is what really makes the stops longer compared to F1. Unlike in NASCAR, the team members can start over the wall when a car approaches (so you don’t get the stupid “men on the field early” penalties). They will also set out the new tires in advance (remember that both NASCAR and F1 have men who’s only job is to move tires on and off the car, where IndyCar the wheel gun man must also remove and install the tires).
On top of plugging in the air hose for the built-in air jacks, the jackman will also move away the right rear tire once it has changed and help push the car when service is complete. Rear tire changers will also help push (remember, IndyCars don’t have on board starters, so stalling really kills a pit stops!). Both front tire changers will clear the radiator inlets of debris. The inside front tire changer (at Indy this would be the left front) will also make any wing changes the driver requests, while the outside front changer will be the one who releases the car. All of these jobs in F1 would normally have a single man to each, so IndyCar teams have quite a lot to juggle all at once!
Unfortunately for Helio, his team would be de-throned in Round 2 by the Schmidt-Peterson Motorsports team of James Hinchcliffe. Helio, always the gentleman, was all smiles and thumbs up despite the loss.
Cheering on Graham Rahal’s team was this trio who were almost ignonito because they weren’t surrounded by 10,000 horsepower of nitromethane fury! Graham is of course married to Courtney Force, who is the daughter of 16-time NHRA champion John Force. John, Courtney, and John’s wife Laurie, were in the pits watching Graham compete. Wonder if the Force’s gave any tips to Graham about cutting a good light?
The finals of the 2017 PSC were between SPM’s James Hinchcliffe and Team Penske’s Will Power. Hinch was actually driving his teammate Jay Howard’s 77 car as his own was down with the blown engine. Unlike in years past, the final round of the PSC would be a best of 3. Power’s team fired the first shot and took Round 1.
