What? Dover?

Question

OK so i was watching a re-run of some Dover races, and i heard one of the commentators say that the Dover pit road only has 42 pit stalls instead of 43!! what's up with that? what do you think?? do drivers have to share stalls?

Answer 1

Yes... There are 2 teams that share a pit stall there... I rememeber them talking about it a a few weeks back.

Answer 2

the commentator was absolutely correct. Dover's infield is apparently too small for 43 pits, it barely fits 42. so, the person that qualifies last does not get their own pit. honestly, i don't know how they pick the driver that has to share, maybe a lottery? but, it is true. only 42 pits at dover!

Answer 3

d**n its been like that since they built it

where you been

oooohohhh kids

Answer 4

I've been there several times, and it's true. The thing is, someone normally crashes out or goes to the garage early anyways, so normally only one person will occupy it by the end anyway.

Answer 5

yes, the two teams who qualify 42nd and 43rd share a stall until any team drops out of the race. at that point, one of the teams moves to the vacated stall (assuming they weren't the ones who dropped out of the race). but until that happens, if say a caution comes out and both drivers are on the same pit sequence (both on the lead lap or both not on the lead lap), one comes in and pits with the first bunch of drivers, the other comes and pits with the second bunch of drivers.

in 2006, jimmie johnson (who was leading the points) had to share the stall with scott wimmer driving the #4 car, who qualified 43rd. jimmie spun and nearly wrecked during qualifying (an amazing save) and essentially qualified 42nd (he was locked in the top 35 and i don't believe he finished a qualifying lap).  the #48 team offered to do the pit road work for both teams until another stall cleared, and then during the race, johnson pitted first (having started higher in the order) and wimmer had to wait one more lap to come in - and they ran out of gas on that lap (lap 118). it was a disaster. finally hermie sadler had problems and dropped from the race and they didn't have to share anymore.

here's the lap-by-lap from that race: http://www.nascar.com/2006/races/lapbyla...

i found this in a description of that race:

"A NASCAR spokesman said that means the first stall that opens, the 48 will either have the option to stay where it is, or move to the other pit box. Until then, the cars must alternately pit since they won't fit in the stall at the same time."

http://www.nascar.com/2006/news/headline...

Answer 6

Thats odd..I have seen 43 cars race at dover before..I wonder if the commentator didn't have his facts straight. It would be impossible to 'share' a pit stall.

Answer 7

It's true....I've been there on numerous occasions...but the fans don't really notice it!