Pit Stops

American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón races are often won or lost in the pits. Two pit stops are typically made during the “sprint” format races (2:45). In longer races, cars will usually pit approximately every 55-65 minutes.ALMS Full Pit Stop Sequence (Fuel and Tires)1. Race car enters pit box, stops and turns off engine.2. During refueling stops, fuel typically is added first. The fueler plugs into one side of the race car while the fuel vent person is on the other side of the car. In certain GT cars, fueling and venting are both completed by one person. A driver change may begin during the fueling process, but no other service or work can be done to the race car until fueling is completed. Fueling can take a mere 20-25 seconds.Note: The fuel capacity of cars varies among fuel types, classes and powertrains.3. During a driver change, drivers help each other in and out of the cockpit. The process includes fastening safety belts and plugging in helmet communications, telemetry, driver ID transponder and, if applicable, a driver helmet cam.4. Once fueling is completed, air jacks raise the car off the ground. The tires (approx. 20-25 pounds) are changed. Two tire changers (one for either side of the car) remove the front and then rear tire lug nut (center-lock wheel) with an air gun. Each tire changer replaces the rear tire and tightens the back lug nut. Simultaneously, a helper puts on a new front tire and takes the old front tire over the pit wall. The tire changer then returns to the front and tightens the front lug nut before carrying the old back tire over the pit wall. All four tires are changed in six to 10 seconds.5. When the tire change is complete, the air jacks drop the car to the ground. The driver starts the engine and exits the pits.ALMS Pit Stop Rules• Maximum pit lane speed during a Series race is 60 kph (37.3 mph).• A pit crew supervisor is permitted over the wall to communicate with team members, 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.• All pit crew members must wear full fire suits and safety clothing.• For LMP or GT teams, up to four pit crew members are allowed over the pit wall to service the race car. For LMPC and GTC cars, two crewmen are allowed over the wall at a time to change tires. The only way a driver can perform any work on the car during a pit stop is if he/she is considered one of the servicing pit crew members.• Not part of the over-the-wall crew, the “dead man” operates a lever on the fuel tank and can stop the flow of fuel should there be any problem.• A single crew member who mans a fire extinguisher also is allowed over the wall.• Industry representatives who are examining car equipment are allowed over the wall during a pit stop.• Only the driver is allowed to restart the car before it leaves the pit box. No external means of starting the car is allowed.