The NASCAR Cup Series Championship heads to Phoenix this weekend, putting teams and their over-the-wall pit crews in the spotlight, as Hendrick Motorsports looks to capture another title with drivers Kyle Larson and William Byron. The importance of every pit stop is magnified, with the focus keyword NASCAR Cup Series Championship at the center of the action, as teams prepare for potentially decisive moments on pit road.
Experienced Teams Return to the Championship Stage
Hendrick Motorsports and their drivers, Kyle Larson and William Byron, are no strangers to the intensity of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship, with both competitors and their supporting crews drawing from experience in previous high-pressure events. This familiarity extends beyond just the drivers, reflecting a culture of preparation among crew chiefs such as Rudy Fugle and Cliff Daniels, as well as among the pit crew members, who have grown increasingly significant in the single-lug-nut, Next Gen era of the sport. The critical nature of a skilled pit stop has never been more evident than during the most recent races, where split-second decisions and flawless teamwork can determine the outcome.
Pivotal Pit Stops Define Season Moments
Earlier this week, during a must-win scenario, the Hendrick Motorsports crew showcased their precision and composure under pressure. After William Byron overtook Ryan Blaney late in the race, a caution led to a crucial pit stop with under 20 laps remaining. The No. 24 team delivered, getting Byron out of pit road in the lead—a position he would not relinquish, securing their spot in the Championship Race for the third consecutive season. For the team, these moments of excellence on pit road have come to define their recent campaigns.
Rear-tire changer Orane Ossowski reflected on the team’s approach to these tense situations:
“You’re always watching and scenario-wise, you’re not just assuming, ‘OK, we passed (Blaney). The race is over, we won,’”
— Orane Ossowski, Rear-Tire Changer
“You’re assuming it’s going to come. That’s the way I view it. I assume there’s going to be a caution, so the whole time, you’re not already celebrating in your head, you’re focused on, ‘I’m going to do a pit stop in the next 20 minutes.’ That way, when it pops up, you’re ready. You’re already locked in. So, that’s the whole thing, staying locked in the whole time. You can relax when you take the white (flag). That’s how I view it.”
— Orane Ossowski, Rear-Tire Changer
This disciplined mentality underscores the approach of key pit crew members as they prepare for any circumstance that may arise during the championship decider.
Historic Championship Moments on Pit Road
The ability to execute under pressure is nothing new for the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team either. Fueler Brandon Harder recounted the crew’s pivotal role in the 2021 championship, when Kyle Larson came down pit road following a late caution with a title on the line. Delivering their fastest stop of the year, the No. 5 crew helped propel Larson to clinch the championship. Harder emphasized the heightened demands in today’s racing landscape, noting the evolution of pit stops and the increased pace brought on by NASCAR’s move to a single-lug wheel.
“They all matter. That one really mattered,” — Brandon Harder, Fueler
“It was a great deal we had. But it’s totally different now. We’re in a totally different ball game now with the single lug and things are so much faster and the guys are great. It’s just evolved and I’ve been fortunate to be a part of some special moments.” — Brandon Harder, Fueler
The stories of both Harder and Ossowski highlight the emotional and technical stakes faced by teams as they line up for the most important stops of their season.
Championship Weekend in Phoenix: What’s at Stake
As the NASCAR Cup Series Championship contest unfolds in Phoenix, all eyes remain on the pit crews, whose rapid work on pit road can convert opportunities into victories and cement legendary moments for their respective teams. For Hendrick Motorsports, both the No. 5 and No. 24 crews enter the weekend not only with a legacy of achievement, but also with the hunger to add another chapter to their storied history. Their performance will not only influence the race outcome, but could also set new standards for what is possible under extreme pressure in the Next Gen era.
Fans and teams alike understand the gravity of every pit stop, especially as championship dreams can hinge on seconds gained or lost behind the wall. With intensity and anticipation building, the upcoming showdown in Phoenix will test preparation, focus, and teamwork at the highest level, as Hendrick Motorsports and its talented crews aim for NASCAR Cup Series Championship glory.
