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Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

Quick Change

Claudia Atticot

Auto racing roared into high gear on February 17 with the 50th running of the Daytona 500. In a thrilling finish, Ryan Newman won the big race in the last lap.

But all the cars would have come to a grinding halt if not for the speedy work of the pit crews. They make repairs, change tires and refuel cars all in less than 20 seconds! NASCAR pit-crew coach Lance Munksgard gave TFK an inside peek at what happens during a pit stop.

At a strategically timed moment, crew members jump "over the wall" and get to work. After completing each task, the crew member raises his hand to signal the jackman. When all the jobs are done, the jackman releases the jack so the driver can race away. A speedy pit crew can make the difference between winning and losing. Here's how it all works.

Next: Five Years of War