Spotters

Spotter Education

Clear high! Green, Green, Green! I am sure you have heard a TV race where these terms were broadcast for all to hear. Maybe you have even used a scanner at a race and heard all the banter the goes on between the spotter, Crew Chief and Driver.

The spotter's main role is to keep the driver informed of what is ahead of him on the track as well as providing information about trucks in the immediate vicinity. While all spotters must be quick to let the driver know about on track incidents, the spotter should also inform the driver regarding strategy, laps to go, directions from track/ race officials, track position, different available grooves and lap times to name a few.

The spotter needs to let the driver know about all incidents and help steer the driver through trouble. Information must be relayed quickly and concisely. Care should be taken to let the driver know if the caution flag is waving or if the green is still out. Both situations are critical!

Some Drivers like to have their lap times read off each lap and some teams like to have gauge readings read out while the car is running at speed which normally occurs during testing and qualification. (Ex: oil, petrol and water temps and pressure).

You can also provide information about the location of the leader and how many trucks are on the lead lap as well as which trucks in the pack ahead are on the lead lap so that the driver knows who to race hard. On those days when you find your truck a lap down, the spotter really needs to work hard. Respect for the lead lap trucks is paramount. You will appreciate the respect on the days that you have the truck to beat. ?

Let the driver know that the leader is 10 truck lengths back and then count down the truck lengths as the leader approaches. Discuss with the driver to let the leader and lead pack by and if they are to go by on the high or low side. Remember the lead pack deserves some respect. They will return the favor for your team someday. ?

Spotting Tips:

• Train your crew to only key up when absolutely needed to avoid dual keying.
• Be short, clear high, clear low, Clear all around, Trouble Turn 1, Yellow, Yellow, Yellow, Green, Green, Green are the type of commands to use. The shorter the command the better.
• Be calm. Keep your driver relaxed. (Talk about the pints you and your mates will have if he/she wins the race!)
• Be informative about race details.
• Have longer discussions under yellow flag conditions.
• Look ahead of your truck. Watching your call will not allow time to relay trouble information to your driver.
• Bring something to drink to the spotters stand.
• Carry a stopwatch.
• Carry a spare battery.
• Stay alert and find a spot that gives a clear view of the track.
• Communicate with your fellow spotters. It will help you out greatly.
• Know the rules. Very Big Thing here!!
• Remind Drivers not to pass on the left on restarts if applicable.
• Talk the driver into the pit stall on pit stops. Remind drivers of pit road speed, gear, and RPM.
• Press the talk button before speaking and release button well after finishing a comment to insure clear transmission of instructions to your driver.

This type of information/ help will ensure your team; driver and racetruck will hopefully be there at the finish making your race and the “Rock” the place to be in 2003. Enjoy and see you May 11th!!!

Alex George / Assistant Engineer / Team West-Tec
"Rubbing is racing, get over it!"

A big thank you to Alex for giving us permission to reproduce his oval racing articles, Alex has been involed with Oval racing since 1983 when we was a mechanic with Firestone, and has working on sprint cars as well as other cars used on oval circuits across America, since 2001 Alex was worked as a assistant engineer with Team West-Tec the Ascar racing team based near Rockingham Motor Speedway.