http://www.angelfire.com/ak2/intelligencerreport/pitstop1.html ====================================

"Open Mike Night " sounded like a lot of fun until i found out i was going to an Autopsy

Incredible... Wheels torqued to FT

The rules stated 'only four pit crew allowed to work on car.' - didn't say anything about the driver, he could have jumped out, knocked off the other wheels spinner, had a leak, then run round and tightened up the first wheel, and adjusted his mirrors, waved at the crowd, fluffed up his silk scarf, and in true 'Terry Thomas' style, been away and with an advantage!

Now that's just not a fair comparison...

1. No one cleared the drivers windscreen so they didn't do as good a job
2. Indy rules still only allow for a small number of pitcrew over the wall (I think it's 5 + driver so one for each wheel & refuel) - they take about 10 secs for a pitstop instead of 2-3.

It is impressive how fast the wheel changes are, to be fair to gramps generation the modern one was only a tyre change, the 1950s one included refuelling. But I am sure it would not make a huge difference. Tom

Current Drive
2011 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography - Santorini Black - Ivory Leather

Previous Drives
2004 Model Vogue Td6 (Touchscreen) - Java Black - Parchment Leather
1994 RR Classic 3.9 V8 Soft dash - Niagara Grey - Grey Leather
1972 Series III SWB Safari - Green (Hand Painted) - Black Plastic

very true, but the windscreen is now jus a peel off visor. -and no 50's 'oil goggles' with the smiling victor!
yes indy cars still have a limit on personnel, but, in similar fashion, the nascar guys, it has evolved into a panic pit stop, as they franticly work on car., with only a traditional trolley jack, 5 wheel nuts per wheel, whilst assistant passes drink, and washes screen with superlong squeegee from behind wall. -exciting stuff!

the real heros in the 50 ies, no HANS, no monocoque around their body, no safetybelts and an helmet without jaw protection, a petroltank that was just that, 5 to do the pitstop and only one guy changing the knockoff wheels by hand, instead of 23 man, hydraulics and every safety feature you can imagine.

I have been to these races as a child and I was so impressed about the speed, the sound, the bravery and the horrible accidents, that I decided not to become a racedriver. the thing I really wanted, when I was a kid.