Racing helmets have undoubtedly come a long way over the years. The days when only drivers wore protective headgear are long gone. Today, pit crew members are also required to wear helmets, shielding them from debris on the track and potential contact with the car. Each helmet includes a visor, which enhances visibility during pit stops while also protecting the crew’s eyes.
Thanks to significant advancements in technology, Joe Gibbs Racing recently shared a video on social media, showcasing how their pit helmets are tailored to meet the specific demands and conditions of each racetrack.
Pit crew members are often the unsung heroes of racing teams, executing precise race strategies that give drivers a competitive advantage. While drivers typically take the spotlight, the crew’s rapid tire changes and refueling are vital to success. Armed with the right equipment, including helmets, pit crews perform under intense pressure, where every second counts.
To illustrate the evolution of pit helmets, Joe Gibbs Racing used social media to demonstrate the customization options available to their crew. In the video, the narrator explains, “We customize our NASCAR pit helmets.
The tinted visor for day races can be replaced with a clear visor for night races. The clear visor is equipped with an LED light on the top, which connects to the helmet. A button on the top activates the light. The visor is then screwed down, and a battery is attached to the back to power both the light and the front-facing POV camera.”
Unlike pit crews in Formula 1 or IndyCar, NASCAR teams must leap from the pit wall and sprint into oncoming traffic when their car arrives.
This requires incredible speed, precision, and efficiency in high-risk situations, making top-quality safety gear, especially helmets, a necessity. Even with the Next-Gen car’s single lug nut, crew members must loosen it in under a second. It’s a fast-paced, high-stakes performance with little room for error, where the proper visor and lighting can make all the difference in a sport where every detail matters.
Joe Gibbs Racing, a team known for its high standards, fields top drivers like Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell, who regularly compete for Cup Series victories. By equipping their pit crews with customizable, state-of-the-art helmets, they provide a crucial advantage. Earlier this year, Hamlin’s No. 11 team recorded the fastest pit stop of the season, completing a four-tire change in just 9.34 seconds.
Christopher Bell’s No. 20 crew also impressed, logging the fastest legal pit stop before the All-Star race, earning a $100,000 prize, and securing the top pit stall at North Wilkesboro. These accomplishments wouldn’t be possible without the right gear.
Joe Gibbs Racing Reveals How Pit Crew Helmets Are Customized for Different Races.
