Far more than mere prelude, the third annual NASCAR NEXTEL Pit Crew Challenge presented by Craftsman shines a worthy spotlight on some of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series’ most important participants — team crew members.

On Wednesday, May 16, 24 pit crews will battle for team and individual position titles at Charlotte Bobcats Arena. It’s the third consecutive pit crew competition, which spotlights often-unsung personnel.

“You can’t win a championship without a team effort,” said crew chief Robbie Reiser, whose driver, Matt Kenseth (No. 17 DEWALT Ford), won the 2003 series title and the 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge. “And it takes everybody throughout the year to do that. And not only all of the work they do in the shop but the work they do over the wall is a key ingredient to making that all happen.”

This year, crews’ work will play a role in Saturday night’s 23rd annual NASCAR NEXTEL Cup All-Star Challenge at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Teams will pick their pits for the event based on the finishing order of Wednesday’s Challenge.

A quick reminder: Seven team members are allowed “over the wall” to service a car on pit road. On Wednesday, this year’s 24 eligible pit crews will compete for a grand prize of $70,300. Each individual position champion will receive a $10,000 prize.

Martin Truex Jr.’s No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet pit crew is the defending champion.

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