‘The IT Guru Who Catches Tires’ – Shanna Rinaldo Explains Her Unique Career Trajectory to NASCAR Legend

Shanna Rinaldo has carved out a unique niche that blends technology and racing. As a Trackside Network Engineer for RFK Racing, Rinaldo is responsible for ensuring that the team’s communication systems run smoothly during race day. But her role doesn’t stop there; she also catches tires for the pit crew, showcasing her versatility and passion for the sport.

With a background in IT and a love for racing, Rinaldo’s career trajectory defies traditional boundaries, proving that success can come from unexpected paths. In a conversation with Brandon Smith, Lean supply chain consultant, Fastenal, she shares insights into her dual roles and the challenges she faces in this thrilling environment.

Shanna Rinaldo’s journey into NASCAR began in a classroom. Growing up in a family that valued education, she pursued a degree in Information Technology, believing it would provide her with a stable career. However, her passion for racing simmered beneath the surface. Attending races as a child ignited her interest in the sport, and she dreamed of one day being part of it.

After completing her degree, Rinaldo took on various IT roles while staying connected to the racing community. Volunteering at local tracks and engaging with teams helped her learn more about motorsports. It was during this time that she realized how her IT expertise could enhance race operations.

Rinaldo’s big break came when she joined RFK Racing as a Trackside Network Engineer. This role allowed her to combine technical knowledge with her passion for racing. “Monday through Friday sitting at a desk was never really my favorite,” she recalls. “So I was looking for something different.”

While her technical role is demanding, Rinaldo also embraces the physicality of being part of the pit crew by catching tires during pit stops at RFK Racing. “I try to be proactive and double-check things,” Shanna explained her process behind the IT side of things. “Sport has always been a big part of my life. It’s just kind of ingrained in me,” she further added, explaining the tire-catcher side.

Shanna Rinaldo finds immense fulfillment in her dual role within NASCAR, particularly in the competitive environment of the sport. “I think the competition side of things [is the most rewarding],” she explains. Witnessing the tangible results of her efforts is a significant motivator. In her first year with RFK Racing, she experienced the thrill of seeing Chris Buescher win three races in just five weeks.

This success not only validated her contributions but also reinforced her passion for both IT and pit crew responsibilities. The adrenaline of race day, combined with the satisfaction of knowing her work supports the team’s performance, makes her involvement in NASCAR truly rewarding. Shanna Rinaldo’s journey at RFK Racing demonstrates that combining passion with expertise can lead to fulfilling careers, no matter how unconventional they may seem.

Speaking of unconventional, the option tire situation is slowly ramming up, and one of RFK’s crew chiefs has been very vocal about it.

Ryan Preece and co. eyeing podium at Martinsville

Ryan Preece has been a short-track star for fans. Currently, he stands 12th in the matter of overall speed and performance this season, according to NASCAR Insights. Fans are siding with Preece as last season, after 11 runs at Martinsville, he finished in the top 10 for the first time. This might be his season on the Paperclip! After all, his crew chief, veteran Derrick Finley, is very happy about the tire wear situation and feels that the team can capitalize on it.

At Phoenix, Ryan Preece flashed across the field with superhero antics! With his softer, high-grip “option” Goodyear tires, the #60 car charged from the 33rd place to 10th in the first 11 laps. Insane, right? We eventually saw it fade away, but the 15th-place finish with 34 laps led is his personal best. Preece said, “So a 15th, that wasn’t phenomenal, but certainly with the situation that was playing out with being off sequence, you know what, after the past three weeks, it’s been a real kick in the nuts.” And, this is the reason why Finley feels so positive about the tire choices.

Preece applauded how their tire strategy played out, saying, “And if you look at it, the way this race played out, we used a set early. We were taking our lumps. Luckily had a caution. Then we used them off sequence, wished the caution didn’t come out. And then those last two, three runs, there were cautions, and you were wondering, ‘when’s that red going to give up?’ And to be honest with you, it gave up on some of them. So that was a lot of fun, and I applaud Goodyear and everybody in NASCAR for doing this because it’s taking a risk.”

While Preece felt it was fun, the experienced Finley had a different reason to like those tires. He told NASCAR.com, “I do like the fact that it [tires] mixes up. All the teams have gotten to the point where they play their statistical game, where everyone has their races mapped out, and everything’s pretty ho-hum, and what it does do is it adds that sense of, ‘hey, there’s something new you can do. There’s something different you can try.’ So, from that aspect, I enjoy it. It brings back more of the old school that way.”

No matter what it actually is, let’s see if RFK Racing stands up to the pressure at Martinsville and performs. Do you think owner-driver Brad Keselowski could have his shot? Let us know in the comments.