Leading Off

STONE-AGE TOOL
In the prehistoric pit days of 1968, Richard Petty used a hammer to pulverize his Plymouth when the car's vinyl roof came loose at speed during the Daytona 500. For a look at pit stop evolution, turn the pages....

SIX ON 3
Pit technology was hardly high-tech in 1984, but, hey, when the guy waiting impatiently behind the wheel was the Intimidator, everybody moved plenty quick, as in this practice stop at North Wilkesboro ( N.C.) Speedway.

PURPLE HASTE
In the regal colors of Crown Royal, Kurt Busch's crew used 21st-century precision to get his number 97 car back in action during the Advance Auto Parts 500 at Martinsville last April. For more from pit row, turn to page 88.