The fastest pit stop in NASCAR history, as recorded after the 2023 Texas race, was an impressive 8.45 seconds. This remarkable feat was achieved by a team that, unfortunately, is shutting down at the end of this season. Until a post by JGR’s official account noted, “@StewartHaasRcng @TeamHendrick correct us if we’re wrong but 8.39 comes before 8.45 and 8.49.”

Watching the NASCAR Cup Series races is as thrilling as it gets, and witnessing drivers like Chase Briscoe, Chase Elliott, and Christopher Bell last season in Texas added to the excitement. With every second of the race being an experience fans wouldn’t want to miss, the nail-biting suspense of who would come out on top kept everyone on the edge of their seats.

Each team in NASCAR employs its own unique strategies and methods to ensure the quickest possible revival of their cars before sending them back onto the track. Briscoe’s near-record-setting pit stop time of 8.45 seconds was impressive, but the pit stop masters, Joe Gibbs Racing, had their own statistic to share, as the team closely yet technically approached the pit stops.

Joe Gibbs Racing has revolutionized its approach to pit stops through the power of science. By leveraging data collected from their pit crew members, the Joe Gibbs Human Performance Institute (JGHPI) has formalized new methods to enhance pit stop efficiency, setting the standard for the future of NASCAR.

The team has customized its pit stops with a slight tweak in the method. By using cutting-edge technology that facilitates better and enhanced pit stops, the team is not only changing the game for NASCAR but could potentially save precious time while the driver takes a pause. However, this strategy itself could make or break the outcome of the game. The speed of science is on par with its drivers on the tracks.

It all began with Joe Gibbs‘ vision to give his team a competitive edge. The Joe Gibbs Human Performance Institute (JGHPI) studied the movement patterns of top athletes, analyzing factors like strength, agility, and balance. This data became the foundation for groundbreaking research in NASCAR. JGHPI developed a revolutionary approach to pit stops, creating training programs that maximize the crew’s performance.

But how does this technology function? Which is what many would wonder when it comes to pit stops. There should only be one traditional way. But JGHPI makes use of every piece of data that is collected and turns it into gold, or, as they put it, advanced computer algorithms that assess the data and construct a biochemical model of each driver. Kind of like drawing a blueprint to give them an understanding of every pit stop performance.

They are not messing around and instead have deployed a high-tech arsenal to analyze pit stops. Over 80 force plates and more than 40 high-speed cameras capture the crew’s movements in detail, allowing JGHPI to analyze their biomechanics (or how their bodies move). This innovative approach has paid off big time for Joe Gibbs Racing drivers like Denny Hamlin, who are reaping the benefits of these optimized pit stops.

JGHPI’s technology isn’t just transforming NASCAR; it’s finding applications in other sports as well. With this level of dedication to cutting-edge technology, it’s no wonder Joe Gibbs Racing remains a top contender!