NASCAR Technician and Pit Crew Training: Where Motorsports Passion Meets Automotive Education

There aren’t many places better than UTI Mooresville for NASCAR Technician and Pit Crew training to start pursuing an automotive career.²⁴ Known for its strong industry ties and hands-on training, UTI Mooresville offers a leading education in automotive technology.¹⁸

With our programs, no prior experience is necessary. Our training approach is designed with student success in mind.

What is a NASCAR Technician?

A NASCAR technician is a specialized automotive professional responsible for the maintenance, repair and optimization of race cars. Unlike standard automotive technicians, NASCAR technicians focus on high-performance vehicles designed for competitive racing, requiring an in-depth understanding of advanced mechanical systems and aerodynamics.

What is a NASCAR Pit Crew?

A NASCAR pit crew consists of a team of skilled individuals who perform rapid vehicle servicing during races. This includes tire changes, refueling and mechanical adjustments, all executed in a matter of seconds to minimize the vehicle's time off the track. Pit crews are essential to a race team's success, as efficient pit stops can significantly impact race outcomes.

What Does a NASCAR Technician Do?

NASCAR technicians are tasked with a variety of responsibilities to ensure race cars are race-ready and compliant with regulations. Key duties include engine tuning and maintenance, which involves fine-tuning engines for optimal performance and conducting regular maintenance to prevent failures.​ There’s also a chassis setup where the technician adjusts the car's suspension and alignment to suit specific track conditions and driver preferences.​ They also have to keep aerodynamic adjustments in mind and modify bodywork to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and downforce.​ Finally, they also run diagnostics and make repairs when necessary, using advanced diagnostic tools to identify and rectify mechanical issues promptly.

What Does a NASCAR Pit Crew Do?

NASCAR pit crew members have specialized roles during pit stops, each contributing to the swift servicing of the vehicle:​

• Jackman: Raises the car to allow for tire changes.​
• Tire changers: Remove and replace tires using high-powered impact wrenches.
• Tire carriers: Transport new tires to the car and remove old ones.​
• Fueler: Refuels the car with precision and speed.​
• Utility members: Perform tasks such as cleaning the windshield and providing the driver with necessary supplies.​

Each member's performance is crucial, as pit stops can be the deciding factor in a race's outcome.

Read: The History of NASCAR: Inspiring Motorsports Legacy

Benefits of Becoming a NASCAR Technician or Pit Crew Member

Passion into a profession

Transforming a love for cars and racing into a career allows individuals to engage daily with what they are most enthusiastic about, leading to greater job satisfaction and fulfillment.

Hands-on technical work & problem-solving

Both roles involve practical, hands-on work that requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills, offering a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Team environment

Working in NASCAR necessitates collaboration and teamwork, fostering strong professional relationships and a sense of camaraderie among team members.

Contributing to success

Technicians and pit crew members play a direct role in a race team's performance, providing a sense of accomplishment when the team succeeds.

Travel opportunities

NASCAR teams travel extensively for races, offering members the chance to visit various locations and experience diverse environments.

What Can Students Gain from NASCAR Technician and Pit Crew Training at UTI?

At UTI Mooresville, we believe in practical application. One of our automotive instructors, Darrell Hoffman, proudly notes that in the advanced NASCAR elective, "They build actual race engines that are going to the racetrack and performing at the racetrack. We have all different series that we do engines for and we have over 100 wins out of this room that students have built engines for."²⁴ This elective is available to a select group of students who complete the automotive core training.

The quality of training offered at UTI Mooresville has been recognized beyond our classrooms and labs. Brad Burns, service manager at Leith Mercedes-Benz, has previously hired our graduates because of the quality of our program. "We find that students that go through the NASCAR Tech* program are so much better prepared and qualified than other programs we work with. We just really feel like it sets them apart from everyone else," he says.

UTI Mooresville equips graduates with skills that can be used in technician roles across the country. As UTI grad Madison Conrad puts it, "You’re ready to go as soon as you graduate school."

*From October 2024 – April 2025, members of the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) family of schools, including MIAT College of Technology, NASCAR Technical Institute, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute and Marine Mechanics Institute, were rebranded as UTI.

Hands-on, real-world training¹⁸

UTI Mooresville offers practical training that mirrors real-world scenarios, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the demands of the industry.

Accelerated programs to jump-start your career training

The 15-week specialized NASCAR Technician & Pit Crew Training program offers efficient, in-depth training aimed at preparing students to pursue a career in the racing industry.²⁴

Insider knowledge from industry experts

Students learn from experienced instructors who provide valuable insights into the industry's nuances and expectations.

Training with industry-aligned tools and technology

The program includes training on engines, fabrication, welding, aerodynamics and pit crew essentials, utilizing equipment and technology that can be found in the industry.

Gaining a universal skill set

The skills acquired are transferable across various automotive and racing disciplines, broadening career opportunities.

Real Grads, Real Results

Alumni like Joel Fudge speak highly of their experience at UTI. “I didn’t have the background or knowledge prior to working on cars so to step into an environment that laid the groundwork for my learning and developed my ability for working on cars—it was truly a full-on experience. And the fact that it was hands-on at that, created a different challenge but a rewarding challenge to overcome.”¹⁸

But it’s not just the curriculum, which is built with the help of leading brands, that prepares our graduates to enter the industry. It’s our dedicated and passionate instructors.

Graduates like Madison Conrad attest to the quality of our program. "My experience at NASCAR Tech* was incredible," she shares. "All the instructors were so helpful. They have so much knowledge in production cars, as well as dealerships, their own shops, as well as racing. So, I really got something from everybody."

Another proud graduate, Nicholas Albrecht, attributes his smooth transition into the field to the supportive faculty and engaging labs. "I enjoyed the lab time. I enjoyed all the faculty that was around because a lot of them are very helpful and engaging. They have a lot of experience and that makes my transition easier," he says.

*From October 2024 – April 2025, members of the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) family of schools, including MIAT College of Technology, NASCAR Technical Institute, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute, and Marine Mechanics Institute, were rebranded as UTI.

Common FAQs About NASCAR Technician and Pit Crew Training

How do you become a NASCAR technician?

To become a NASCAR technician, you'll typically start with formal training through a specialized program like the one offered at UTI Mooresville.²⁴ This program equips students with industry-relevant knowledge and hands-on training with high-performance vehicles. After completing training, aspiring technicians often pursue entry-level roles to gain experience.

What courses are required to become a NASCAR technician?

To qualify for the NASCAR specialized training program, you must first complete UTI’s core automotive program. You can take the core program at any UTI campus and then transfer to the Mooresville, NC, campus to complete the NASCAR elective.

How long does it take to become a NASCAR technician or pit crew member?

The NASCAR Technician & Pit Crew Training program at UTI can be completed in just 15 weeks after finishing the core Automotive Technology program, which takes about 51 weeks to complete. In total, students can be ready for the industry in just over a year.

How hard is it to become a NASCAR pit crew member?

Breaking into a NASCAR pit crew takes skill, physical conditioning and discipline. Crew members must be quick, precise and able to perform under extreme pressure. Many start by working with local or regional racing teams, developing their skills through experience, and supplementing their formal training. UTI’s program provides a strong foundation, including pit crew training that covers essential techniques used in professional racing.²⁴

How do pit crews work so fast?

Speed and precision come from rigorous training, constant practice and specialized roles. Each pit crew member focuses on a specific task—whether it’s changing tires, jacking the car or fueling. By drilling these routines, often in under 12 seconds, crews become highly synchronized.

From Passion to Profession, Train for a NASCAR Career Today!

At UTI Mooresville, we don't just teach you about cars—we instill a passion for them. Our hands-on training is designed to build your skills and confidence as you prepare for a career in the automotive industry.¹⁸ Are you ready to ignite your automotive training? Rev up your engines and join us at UTI Mooresville. Request more info to learn more today!