New NASCAR rule prohibits gasman from making adjustments while fueling car – Scene Daily
By Kenny Bruce
Monday, August 15, 2011
NASCAR wants the gasman to concentrate on fueling the car.
Jim FluhartyNASCAR Illustrated
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – Most race fans have seen it before. A gasman is re-fueling the car during a pit stop when he grabs a wrench and begins making an adjustment to the car through the rear window.
It’s a sight that won’t be seen any more.
Beginning with this weekend’s races at Watkins Glen, NASCAR instituted a rule change that limits the gasman’s duties while re-fueling the car during a pit stop.
According to a directive from the sanctioning body: The fuel handler must be in control of the fuel can at all times when fuel is being added to the car. The fuel handler will not be permitted to perform any adjustments or other pit-stop procedures while the fuel can coupler is engaged with the car-mounted adapter.
If a gasman breaks the rule under green-flag conditions, the driver must do a stop-and-go. Under yellow, the driver would go to the tail end of the longest line on the restart.
Series director John Darby said the move was made in an effort to improve safety on pit road
“If the fueler’s only responsibility is to fuel the car, he will do a better job and make fewer mistakes on pit road,” he said. “It takes a little more focus to make sure that the can stays engaged [during refueling] today.”
The rule is in effect for NASCAR’s Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck series.
Tony Gibson, crew chief for driver Ryan Newman, said the move wouldn’t have an impact on his team, “because we have our rear tire guy, James [Houk], set the wrench when he goes around the car.
“Once he slaps the tire on, he can reach up and make any adjustments that might be necessary. Same thing for the other side of the car. It might be different for some other teams, but it won’t affect what we are already doing.”