NASCAR pit stop guns could be standardized

NASCAR is considering a way of leveling the pit stop playing field

NASCAR is always looking for ways to level the playing field. That isn’t always related to the cars themselves.

It’s rumored that NASCAR is looking to level the speed of pit stops. How would they do that exactly?

Mandated pit stop guns.

Paoli Pit Stop Gun
Paoli Pit Stop Gun

There’s a rumor that the sanctioning body is looking to mandate a specific gun for use in NASCAR pit stops. The rumor is that NASCAR would hand out the lug nut gun, making it the same for all teams.

Currently, pit stop guns have become part of team development. Teams like Joe Gibbs Racing and others have been putting a research and development program into pit guns. Faster guns equals a faster pit stop.

But, the smaller teams aren’t able to do that. So, as soon as the gun is put the lug nuts, the smaller teams are at a disadvantage.

NASCAR pit stop rule changes
BRISTOL, TN – AUGUST 19: Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Bass Pro Shops/Ducks Unlimited Toyota, pits during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 19, 2017 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images)

When asked about the pit gun change, NASCAR issued the following statement to Jeff Gluck:

“NASCAR is working on a number of initiatives to enhance both the performance and safety of our sport. One of the many competition initiatives considered is the future of pit equipment.”

We will provide an update on some of the initiatives at the end of the 2017 season.

-NASCAR

“We will provide an update on some of the initiatives at the end of the 2017 season. In the meantime, our focus remains on the exciting championship battles that are playing out across all three national series.”

Paoli F1 pit stop gun
Paoli pit stop guns used by the Force India F1 team

Paoli is rumored to be the company producing the guns. They produce the guns for the Formula 1 teams. F1 teams, featuring a single lug nut can change all 4 tires in sub 2 second pit stops.

It’s rumored that NASCAR would hand out the guns on a week to week basis, then collect them all at the conclusion of the event. Similar to the way tires are issued.

This is not the only possible pit stop change on the discussion table at the NASCAR R&D Center. Back in August, news broke that they are considering a removal of the NASCAR jackman.

Related: NASCAR jackman no longer needed?

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