What tools do NASCAR mechanics use?

NASCAR mechanics rely on a blend of precision shop equipment and fast, rugged pit-road gear: pneumatic wheel guns (Cup’s single-lug and Xfinity/Trucks’ five-lug), long-reach floor jacks, nitrogen systems, dump cans for fueling, torque wrenches, laser alignment and setup tools, shock and brake dynos, welders and composite repair kits, laptops for the spec ECU, and specialized fixtures for the Next Gen transaxle and independent rear suspension. These tools are tuned to NASCAR’s 2025 rule set, which includes a single center-lock wheel nut in the Cup Series, composite body panels, a spec optical inspection regime, and limited in-race data.

Where the work happens: garage vs. pit road

NASCAR teams split their toolkit between two environments with very different demands. In the shop, mechanics emphasize measurement accuracy, repeatability, and component life-cycle management to build reliable speed over a race distance. On pit road, the priority is execution in seconds: tire changes, fueling, quick repairs, and adjustments under pressure while staying within strict safety and equipment rules.

Core shop and garage tools

Measurement and setup instruments

These tools create a consistent baseline for alignment, suspension geometry, and chassis setup so the car handles predictably across a race run.

• Setup plates, scales, and corner-weight systems to balance the car and set ride heights.
• Laser alignment/toe systems, camber/caster gauges, bump-steer gauges, and digital angle finders for precise steering and suspension geometry.
• Pull-down rigs to load the chassis and simulate aero/suspension deflection at speed.
• Spring raters and shock dynamometers to characterize and match spring and damper behavior.
• Brake dynos to verify caliper, rotor, and pad performance, particularly important with larger 18-inch Cup brake packages.
• Precision measuring tools (calipers, micrometers, torque wrenches, thread gauges) to confirm tolerances and fastener preload.

Together, these instruments let crews quantify how small changes affect balance and tire life, reducing guesswork before the car ever sees the track.

Fabrication and body/chassis repair

Even with spec components in the Next Gen era, teams still repair and adapt parts quickly, especially composite body panels and bolt-on chassis pieces.

• MIG/TIG welders, tube notchers and benders for brackets and repairs to steel components.
• Composite repair kits (panel-bond adhesives, resin, fillers), riveters, clecos, heat guns, and plastic/composite-specific sanders for Cup’s composite body panels.
• Bandsaws, shears, belt sanders, die grinders, and deburring tools for precise fitment.
• Fixture tables and jigs to align bolt-on suspension and body components.

These tools keep cars structurally sound and aerodynamically consistent, even after contact or debris damage.

Engine, drivetrain, and brake service

Mechanics maintain and verify the health of engines, the Cup transaxle, independent rear suspension, and braking systems under strict rules.

• Leak-down and compression testers, borescopes, and fluid analysis tools for engine health checks.
• Drivetrain service tools for Cup’s Xtrac-style transaxle and half-shafts (alignment pins, seal installers, torque fixtures, CV boot tools).
• Hub and bearing tools, press fixtures, and torque-angle tools for single-lug hubs (Cup) and 5-lug hubs (Xfinity/Trucks).
• Brake bleeders, pressure/vacuum tools, rotor runout gauges, and pad bedding rigs.
• Cooling system vacuum-fill tools and power steering bleed kits for reliable fluid management.

This equipment helps teams detect issues early and keep driveline and braking systems precise under heavy loads.

Electronics, software, and communications

With limited live telemetry, NASCAR teams focus on reliability and post-session analysis using standardized control units and track data.

• Laptops and interfaces for the spec McLaren ECU, data logging downloads, and calibration under NASCAR rules.
• Battery and charging carts, harness diagnostic tools, multimeters, and oscilloscopes for electrical troubleshooting.
• Radio systems, headsets, and intercoms for clear pit-to-driver and crew communications.
• Timing/scoring feeds and SMT-style data (throttle, brake, GPS-based traces) for strategy and driver coaching.

Electronics tools ensure the car’s control systems remain compliant and dependable while providing actionable data within NASCAR’s constraints.

Safety, quality control, and inspection

Because NASCAR uses strict pre-race inspection, teams mirror many of the same measurement philosophies in-house.

• Portable CMM/laser scanning arms to verify body and suspension points align with CAD and rules baselines.
• Torque auditing tools and paint/marker systems to visually confirm critical fasteners haven’t moved.
• Non-destructive inspection aids (dye penetrant, borescopes) for crack detection.
• Fire safety equipment, spill kits, and PPE management to meet garage safety standards.

By catching deviations early, teams reduce inspection surprises and improve reliability through the race weekend.

Pit road equipment and tools

Tire changing and wheel hardware

Pit stops revolve around fast, repeatable tire service, which differs between the Cup Series and the lower series.

• Pneumatic wheel guns powered by nitrogen: Cup uses center-lock single-lug sockets; Xfinity and Trucks still use five lug nuts per wheel.
• High-strength sockets, extensions, and anti-mar sleeves to protect wheel faces and ensure clean engagement.
• Pre-staged lug hardware (Cup single nut; Xfinity/Trucks five nuts) managed in trays and holsters for speed.
• Gloves and knee protection for changers to maintain grip and positioning under time pressure.

Standardized, well-maintained wheel guns and hardware management are critical to sub-10–12 second stops in modern NASCAR.

Lifting and car control

Getting the car up and down safely—and at the right height—affects both speed and consistency.

• Long-reach, quick-lift aluminum floor jacks with reinforced wheels for fast approach.
• Jack posts/jacking points integrated into the Next Gen chassis for predictable lift locations.
• Wheel chocks and stop blocks to stabilize the car in the stall.

These tools let the jackman lift the car in one or two strokes and give changers clean access to the wheels.

Fueling

Fueling remains a manual operation in NASCAR, with a focus on flow rate, safety, and coordination with tire changes.

• Self-venting dump cans with dry-break couplers delivering Sunoco Green E15 to the fuel cell.
• Fuel probes, strainers, and calibrated scales to measure volume and manage stint strategy.
• Aprons, fire-retardant gear, and spill containment for safety compliance.

The fueling crew coordinates timing with tire changes to minimize total stop time while ensuring full, safe transfers.

Tire and wheel management trackside

Teams handle dozens of tires per weekend, each requiring identification, pressure control, and balance.

• Nitrogen bottles with high-flow regulators and digital inflators/bleeders for precise cold pressures.
• Tire balancers and valve core tools; durometers and pyrometers to assess compound behavior and temperatures.
• Barcode scanners and labeling systems to track Goodyear sets and their run history.

Accurate pressure and balance management can be worth tenths per lap over a long green-flag run.

Trackside maintenance and quick repairs

Minor damage is common, so pit carts carry compact tools to keep the car competitive after contact.

• Cordless impacts and drills, rivet guns, adhesive tapes, shears, and fast-curing panel-bond for body patching.
• Replacement crush panels, ducts, grille screens, brake cooling hose, and splitter/rear fascia hardware.
• Fluids, funnels, and quick-connect brake bleed kits for emergency service.

Smart triage and lightweight repairs can salvage track position and points even after mid-race incidents.

Specialized rigs and facilities

Beyond day-to-day tools, top teams lean on laboratory-grade equipment and simulation to refine performance under NASCAR’s testing limits.

• Pull-down and K&C (kinematics and compliance) rigs to map suspension behavior under load.
• Shock, brake, and engine dynamometers for controlled component development and verification.
• Wind tunnel hours and CFD within NASCAR’s allocation rules to verify aero baselines.
• 3D scanning and CAD/CAM workflows to ensure spec conformity and repeatable builds.
• Driver-in-the-loop simulators using SMT-style data and team models for setup exploration.

These resources help teams arrive at the track with proven packages, reducing reliance on scarce practice time.

How rules shape the toolbox in 2025

NASCAR’s current regulations define much of what mechanics can do—and therefore what they use—to prepare and service cars.

• Next Gen Cup car: single center-lock lug, composite body panels, rack-and-pinion steering, larger brakes, and a rear transaxle with independent suspension—driving the need for new sockets, hub tools, composite repair kits, and driveline fixtures.
• Series differences: Cup runs single-lug 18-inch wheels; Xfinity and Trucks continue with five-lug steel wheels, changing pit gun technique and hardware management.
• Standardization: many pit guns and critical components are NASCAR-specified, emphasizing maintenance and consistency over exotic custom tools.
• Inspection: the Hawkeye optical scanning system at the track and similar shop measurements push teams toward precise metrology and quality control.
• Data limits: no live telemetry to the pit box; mechanics rely on logger downloads and NASCAR-provided data feeds, shaping the electronics toolkit.

The net effect is a toolbox optimized for spec parts, strict inspection, and high-reliability pit service under time pressure.

What mechanics carry personally

Alongside team equipment, individual mechanics keep a compact set of essentials for fast access in the garage and on pit road.

• Personal torque wrenches, ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers, and hex/torx sets.
• Utility knife, zip ties, safety wire and pliers, and quick-measure tapes.
• Flashlight/headlamp, paint markers for torque witness marks, and gloves/PPE.
• Headset or earpiece tied into the team radio system for real-time coordination.

These personal kits speed up routine tasks and help mechanics react instantly to developing issues.

Summary

NASCAR mechanics pair precision shop tools—alignment systems, dynos, welders, composite repair gear, and metrology—with pit-road equipment built for speed: nitrogen-driven wheel guns, long-reach jacks, dump cans, and compact repair kits. In 2025, Cup’s Next Gen platform (single-lug wheels, composite bodies, and a rear transaxle with independent suspension) and strict inspection/data rules shape a modern, highly specialized toolbox focused on repeatability, safety, and execution under pressure.

What do you need to be a NASCAR mechanic?

To become a NASCAR mechanic, you must obtain post-secondary education in auto technology, such as a certificate or associate’s degree, and complete specialized NASCAR training through programs like the NASCAR Technical Institute. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or working your way up from a local race team is crucial. Networking and obtaining industry-specific certifications like ASE certification are also important to gain a competitive edge.
 
1. Get Your Foundational Education 

• High School Diploma: Opens in new tabStart by earning a high school diploma, as this is a prerequisite for post-secondary programs. 
• Automotive Technology Programs: Opens in new tabEnroll in a certificate or associate’s degree program in auto technology or a similar field at a vocational school or community college to learn the basics of automotive repair, maintenance, and diagnostics. 

2. Pursue Specialized NASCAR Training 

• Attend a NASCAR Technical Institute: Opens in new tabConsider attending a program like the NASCAR Technical Institute at Universal Technical Institute (UTI). These programs offer hands-on training focused on high-performance engines, chassis fabrication, aerodynamics, and other specialized NASCAR-specific skills. 
• Pit Crew Training: Opens in new tabSome programs also include over-the-wall pit crew training, which is a physically demanding but essential skill for some roles within a race team. 

3. Gain Relevant Hands-On Experience 

• Local Track Work: Start by working with cars at a local track to gain experience. 
• Internships and Apprenticeships: Seek out internships or apprenticeships with racing teams, performance shops, or automotive manufacturers to get practical, hands-on experience. 
• Work Your Way Up: It’s common to start at lower levels of racing and work your way up to the higher NASCAR divisions, like the Cup Series. 

4. Network and Get Certified 

• Networking: Building a strong network of contacts within the racing industry is essential for gaining opportunities. 
• Industry Certifications: Work towards obtaining certifications, such as those offered by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), to demonstrate your expertise. 
• Attend NASCAR Events: Visit NASCAR facilities and attend events to learn about the sport’s environment and connect with professionals. 

5. Be Prepared for a Difficult Industry

• High Competition: The racing industry is highly competitive and often favors candidates with strong connections and who have worked their way up from the bottom. 
• Patience and Persistence: Be prepared for a long process and don’t lose your ambition, as breaking into NASCAR can take time. 

How do NASCAR pit crews change tires so fast?

The job in theory is simple loosen the lug nut. Take the tire off and tighten the lug nut back down on the newly installed wheel. Then send your driver on their. Way.

What is the official tool brand of NASCAR?

Craftsman Truck Series (2023–present)
As part of the deal, Stanley Black & Decker also became the official tool brand of NASCAR.

What tools does NASCAR use?

That’s why an air gun or impact wrench is standard equipment for NASCAR crews. It uses compressed air to remove and replace lug nuts as quickly as possible. With their high-powered impact wrenches, NASCAR crews can change all four tires on a car in less than 20 seconds. Try doing that with a regular lug wrench!