Subscribe to this blog's feed« Love & Hate Talladega | Main | 2 2 go! »
November 03, 2009
The Short and Sweet of Tire Carriers
By: Dennis Terry
On occasion, I like to spend a little time spotlighting some of the crew guys who are instrumental in their teams success.
The media coverage in NASCAR is somewhat skimpy when it comes to giving credit to those of us working closer to the ground in a sport where the sky is the limit.
There is one person at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing that is a instrumental component of every one of our pit stops, my good friend, Eric Bilyeu.
As the front tire carrier on the 42 pit crew, Bilyeu is a small but paramount part of Juan Pablo’s amazing 2009 season. That’s no insignificant accomplishment considering how competitive the Chase field is this season.
Although the 48 team seems to dwarf the rest of the Chase competition, our 42 teammates are firmly positioned in fourth place just a few points short of third.
Furthermore, I think it would be short sighted to not mention that the 42 team is the highest seated “NON-Hendrick” team in the Chase. A minute stat, but a worthy accomplishment nonetheless.
A little known fact about Eric is that he also maintains and coordinates our pit stop practices at EGR.
Without Eric’s dedication and expert contributions our performance on Sunday would be somewhat squatty. It’s the little things and the attention to the small details that mean the most to people.
Eric has to get up pretty early in the morning to get pit practice prepared for 7:00 am pit stops. We’ve always given Eric the short end of the stick when it comes to that responsibility, but he’s always spot on and he’s usually under appreciated.
Eric once told me, “You know DT, midgets and Mongols all put their pants on one leg at a time.” I’m not exactly sure what he meant by that, but I’d like to think that it has something to do with great people from all reaches of life coming together and working hard to accomplish monumental tasks with minuscule effort.
Thanks for everything you do, Eric. I wasn’t planning to turn this into a short story, but you’re worth it pal.
DT
Facebook Link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lug-Nutz/62981901980?ref=mf
November 3, 2009 | Permalink
TrackBack
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/services/trackback/6a00d83451bce769e20120a6502026970b
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference The Short and Sweet of Tire Carriers :
Comments
I sat directly across from the 42 pit at Martinsville and watched those guys busting tail on every pit stop. And they kept up with the pace of the 48 stops. I just hope that whoever goes to the race takes the time to watch you guys work. A job well done for sure!!!!!
Posted by: Peter | Nov 5, 2009 12:17:00 PM
DT,
That's up there with your best work.
Posted by: Larry | Nov 5, 2009 3:19:47 PM
Yep, you guys don't get the credit you deserve. I think they oughta do a show about the Pit Crews, I think that would be cool! Not just in the pits but in your lives, pick three or four a week and do a story on them.... Why don't you get Speed TV to do that.... ? :)
The 42 team has been stout, they seem to keep getting better and better!
Good Luck at Texas!
Posted by: Darlene | Nov 5, 2009 7:31:27 PM
Darlene - that's actually a great idea. I think about that every weekend. The best part of the show would be after the race when the real race begins and the pit crews race to the airport. Hollywood is actually working with Speed to put something like that together. They are going to call the show "NASCAR 360 through the median"!
Don't forget my cookies and Rice Crispy Treats on Sunday!
DT
Posted by: DT | Nov 5, 2009 8:47:18 PM
Sorry, didn't get Pit Passes and this time the cars weren't parked on the front. Last year, I couldn't get to you cause yall were all at the cars on the front stretch. Anyway, next season, I'm getting pit passes again, so you'll get your goodies! I did try to get pictures of yall in the pits, didn't all turn out but I tried... Sorry bout the bad luck!
I'll be waiting on the show of yall!!!
Hope Arizona is much better for yall! Be safe!
Posted by: Darlene | Nov 9, 2009 9:45:57 PM
Post a comment
Advertisements
