Along with the Next Gen car, NASCAR is also introducing a new pit gun in 2022. A pit gun is a tool that takes off the wheel during a pit stop. So, just as pit stops are crucial in NASCAR (looking at you, Kyle Larson), so are pit guns.
So, are the new pit guns any better?
Maybe.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It’d be more appropriate to say that the new pit guns are different; the tool looks and functions vastly different from the one it’s replacing. During the recent testing of the Next Gen car, Richard Childress Racing tire changer explained the new guns are certainly heavier than the previous ones. It’s because of the new, bigger socket in front of it.
“These are tremendously amount heavier than last year’s.”
“You gotta be pretty strong to hold this gun,” he said.
How does the new air gun work on the #NextGen car?@RCRracing tire changer @_JThom4s explains. pic.twitter.com/VS5s1imzbY
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 18, 2021
And the new pit guns also cause a ‘different sound’ when in use, which may not be a functional factor, but it is a factor in the overall experience for NASCAR enthusiasts.
Talking about functionality, does the new pit gun result in faster pit stops?
Yes and no.
You see, the new pit gun will result in faster tire changing, but the refueling procedure and fuel flow rate remain the same. So, whatever is gained on the putting on new rubber will be insignificant because of filling in more juice.
As one can imagine, NASCAR fans didn’t have the most welcoming reception for the new pit guns on Twitter.
NASCAR is losing its character. Sometimes "Character" shouldn't be sacrificed for progress. In my opinion, this pit gun takes away part of the excitement & skill from the pitstop. These new generation cars remind me too much of the old SCCA & IMSA Trans Am cars. Sad. Oh well.
— Dennis Johnson (@dentiki) November 18, 2021
Nascar continues to disconnect from what fans really want and what makes sense. My car has 5 lugs per wheel how is this like what’s at the dealer?
— DH11Fan (@DH11_Fan) November 18, 2021
so they will be able to water flowers AND change tires?
— ash (taylor’s version) (@ashleypantera28) November 18, 2021
Why is the new NASCAR pit gun the way it is?
NASCAR announced a departure from the previous five lug nuts to a single lug nut from 2022 onwards. This might be a revolutionary idea in NASCAR, but in other motorsports like F1 and IndyCar, a single lug nut wheel has been the norm for years.
While many would attribute the decision of a single lug nut to increase the pit stop time, but it’s to accommodate the new larger aluminium wheels that five lug nuts simply wouldn’t work in.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
RCR driver Austin Dillon described how the pit stops have become faster, but the fuel rate flow will also have to evolve for the greater good.
“Stuff’s happening, really quick. So, I think at some point the fuel flow will be a topic. You’re either going to have to have a really good gasman or we’re going to have to have some faster flow,” Dillon said as reported in Racing News.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It seems as though NASCAR will have to be quick on their feet in order to make the best use of the new wheels, the new pit gun and the new car if they’re to fulfil the promise of a step-up in the ‘Next Gen’.
Also Read: NASCAR Still Positive About Next Gen Cars Despite Crash for Austin Dillon
