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Charlotte, NC – Team Penske is implementing a further adjustment to the pit crew servicing the No. 12 Ford Mustang, driven by Ryan Blaney, as they aim to rectify ongoing performance issues on pit road. The latest change, announced ahead of this weekend’s prestigious Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, sees a new rear tire changer join the team.
This marks the second significant alteration to Blaney’s pit crew in recent weeks, underscoring the organization’s commitment to finding the optimal configuration for the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion. The No. 12 team has faced a notable challenge with pit stop efficiency in the early stages of the 2026 season, a factor that has directly impacted their ability to contend for victories.
According to available data, the No. 12 pit crew has lost approximately 88 positions on pit road across the initial eight races of the 2026 season. This statistical underperformance has been a point of acknowledged concern for both Blaney and his crew chief, Jonathan Hassler, who have publicly expressed the necessity for improvement.
The initial pit crew adjustment occurred in mid-April, when the team sought to address the jackman position. The original plan involved a collaborative swap with Wood Brothers Racing, another team allied with Team Penske. However, unforeseen circumstances prevented Patrick Gray from transitioning into the jackman role for the No. 12. Consequently, the team opted to bring in Graham Stoddard, who previously served as the jackman for the No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford.
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The latest personnel change involves the rear tire changer position. Justin Fox, who also comes from the No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford, has been brought in to replace Zach Price. Price had been a consistent member of the No. 12 pit crew since 2021, and was an integral part of the 2023 championship-winning team. His tenure with Team Penske also included previous work on the No. 22 Ford.
Despite the evident struggles on pit road, Ryan Blaney and the No. 12 team have managed to secure a victory this season, which came at Phoenix Raceway. Blaney currently holds a strong fourth position in the NASCAR Cup Series championship standings, indicating that the team’s overall performance, outside of pit road, remains competitive. This highlights the critical nature of the pit crew’s role in translating strong on-track speed into consistent race results and potential wins.
The Coca-Cola 600 is one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events, a demanding 600-mile race that tests the endurance of both drivers and their crews. The long distance and strategic complexities of this particular race often amplify the impact of pit stop performance. For Team Penske and Blaney, a flawless execution on pit road will be paramount to their success on Sunday.
Team Penske, a powerhouse in motorsports, is known for its meticulous attention to detail and its pursuit of excellence across all its racing programs. The organization’s approach to pit crew performance typically involves rigorous training, data analysis, and strategic personnel decisions aimed at maximizing efficiency under pressure. The repeated adjustments to the No. 12 pit crew suggest a deep dive into the specific operational breakdowns and a concerted effort to address them comprehensively.
The statistical data on pit road performance is a critical metric in modern NASCAR racing. Losing positions on pit road can negate advantages gained during green flag racing and significantly hinder a driver’s ability to execute race-winning strategies. For a team with the caliber of Ryan Blaney and the resources of Team Penske, achieving top-tier pit stop times is not merely desirable but essential for championship aspirations.
The history of NASCAR is replete with examples where pit crew performance has been the deciding factor in races and championships. The ability to execute rapid and clean pit stops, from tire changes to fueling and adjustments, requires exceptional coordination, strength, and precision from each crew member. Any lapse in this intricate operation can have cascading negative effects on the race outcome.
The involvement of Front Row Motorsports in these personnel changes also reflects the collaborative nature of the Ford Performance ecosystem in NASCAR. Such alliances can facilitate the movement of talent and expertise to bolster struggling areas within affiliated teams, ultimately aiming to improve the collective competitiveness of the manufacturer.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the No. 12 Ford Mustang at Charlotte to see if these strategic pit crew modifications translate into the desired gains in speed and consistency. The Coca-Cola 600 presents a significant opportunity for Ryan Blaney and his team to demonstrate their renewed pit road prowess on a grand stage. The coming races will serve as a crucial barometer for the effectiveness of these ongoing efforts by Team Penske to optimize their championship contender. The pursuit of a second Cup Series title for Blaney hinges not only on his driving skill but also on the seamless execution of every element of the race, including the critical moments spent on pit road.
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