Page 21 - Nitro Madness Magazine Fall 2017
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BOTTOM END: event. The clutch assistant will help worked for one of the big 3 teams
This seems to be one of the get the clutch and components off and he was an “Intake Manifold
first crew jobs if you have fairly the car after a run, get everything Specialist.” I was confused. “You
good mechanical skills. You will cleaned up and organized so that change the burst panel and O-ring
be responsible for removing the both clutch guys can get the clutch between rounds?” That was before
engine safety items, oil pan, pistons installed and adjusted properly. The the new style 2 piece intake that
and rods after a run. Next step is clutch assistant will also grind all might require a dedicated guy to
to check the main bearings and the new and used discs so that they inspect & service! More specialized
inspect the crankshaft for cracks. can be used to create new packs. If jobs include people that build spare
If all looks good, the cylinder you want to be a clutch specialist, racks (rods/pistons), short block
head guys will push in a new set then the clutch assistant spot is the builders, cylinder head specialists
of pistons and rods and you torque perfect place to start. to service the heads, supercharger
everything back up, install the oil specialists and then just general
pan and diaper and refill the engine CAR CHIEF: people for cleaning parts and
with oil. Most bottom end guys also After being involved in the sport keeping everything tidy.
build the spare short blocks that and understanding all facets of
are in the trailer which is a pretty the organization, the car chief is I tell people that are interested
big job in itself. the person that oversees the crew that working on a big team that it is
and makes sure that mechanically kind of like looking at an iceberg.
CLUTCH: everything is assembled properly. All you see at the track is a small
There are usually two people that He is also the guy that will jump portion of what they actually do.
do this job, the clutch specialist in and fix any Racepak computer It’s a job that requires a lot of
and an assistant. In my opinion, issues or problems with the cars’ dedication and the ability to get
this is one of the most important clutch or fuel management. Car along with others. It’s also at an
jobs on the team and if you are chiefs need to understand how extremely quick pace at times.
good at it, one of the highest a car is plumbed and wired and You will be on the road or at the
paying crew positions. This job be able to trouble shoot these shop for 250+ days a year, so if you
requires extreme precision and areas. The Car Chief is usually are married or in a relationship,
organization. Setting up all the responsible for the supercharger it better be a strong one! It’s a
lever heights to within a few and ignition maintenance. great sport to work in and you will
thousands of an inch, making make many new friends along with
sure all the discs and facings are These are common positions learning about team work. It’s hard
cut flat and to spec and the actual that you will find on most teams. work but can be very rewarding.
assembly of the unit takes time Some teams have people that are You can earn a good living doing
and patience. The clutch packs even more specialized. I remember something you love. If you are
are usually put together before the getting a resume from a guy that Continued on page 23
Fall 2017 Nitro Madness Magazine 21
