Changes (Engine), or, When Rules Were Different

A couple of weeks ago on Thee Goat Roadeo, Bobby commented about back when teams changed complete engines during a race. Teams got very good at this with times in the 20 minute range or less if I am not mistaken.  Some of you youngsters may be unaware this occurred.  Although these pics were not taken during a race I believe they accurately depict how it was done.  As I recall the total time was in the 30 to 45 minute range and there was no rush.  Any of you old timers with particular knowledge of the tricks used to get the times so low, please share with us.

First pic – Junior and crew working on Cale’s car on pit road. 

Car is moved behind the pit wall.  Engine hoist brought out.

Truck is moved around in front of car.  Engine hoist in position.

New bullet slides out of compartment on truck.

Old engine comes out.  Crew removes parts that stay on car.  Other crew preps new engine.

Old engine on ground, new bullet ready to load.

Hook it up.

Drop it in.

Nice photo sequence, Woody. I defintely remember.

Still blows my mind. The best I could ever do (in the shop with everything we needed)…with two helping was 4 hours….between races….a day apart. We thought that was really fast.