Posted on News-Journal Online Speed Magazine
February 2, 2002

The following is a standard organization chart (competition side only) for most race teams. Obviously, there are other variables/positions depending on the size of the team and the individuals who make up the organization.

Team Owner: Responsible for the overall team. At the Winston Cup level, the owner of the team usually is either very involved in the on-track performance or the business side of the organization, but not both. In a Fortune 500 company he'd be the Chairman of the Board/Chief Executive Officer.

Team President: If the owner is more involved with the on-track performance side, then a team has a president whose main responsibilities is the business side of the company. This primarily includes the recruitment and retention of sponsors, but also may involve licensing, team contracts, endorsements, souvenir sales, etc. In a Fortune 500 company he'd be the President/Chief Operating Officer.

Driver: Depending on the team, the driver may fit into a variety of places on the organization chart. Because he or she is the "star" of the sport, the driver commands great power and responsibility. The relationship between the driver and the crew chief also impacts the role of the driver on the team. Some drivers have experience with the building and setting up of the cars, while others concentrate strictly on driving itself. In a Fortune 500 company he'd be on the Board of Directors at an Executive Vice President level.

General Manager: The role of general manager usually exists only in multi-car teams. The GM is responsible for the overall running of the on-track performance of the teams, including at the track and in the shop. In a Fortune 500 company, he'd be a Senior Vice President.

Crew Chief: Responsible for the building and setups of each race car. His race-day duties include the calling of the race, which includes set ups, adjustments during the race, pit strategy, etc. In a Fortune 500 company, he'd be a Vice President.

Car Chief: Responsible for the actual preparation of the car at each event. In a Fortune 500 company, he'd be a director/manager.

Weekend Crew: Work on the car at the track during the weekend and at the shop during the week. They usually arrive at an event Thursday and have various responsibilities through the end of the race.

Shop Crew: Does not travel to the events. They work strictly in the shop, preparing the different cars for future races. This includes fabrication, engine work, etc.

Race Day Crew: Travels to events on the day of the race. Members are responsible for the preparation of the pits and often have duties as members of the pit crew.

Pit Crew: Have roles during pit stops. Positions include tire changers, tire carriers, fuel men, signboard man, windshield cleaner, etc.