Depending on the circuit, the garage may be located on pit lane or in a separate area. In most series, the order of the teams' pit boxes is assigned by points standings, race results, or previous qualifying results before the start of the race. In NASCAR and in INDYCAR's Indianapolis 500, pit assignments are typically made after qualifying, with the fastest qualifiers choosing their pit stall first. Most North American circuits feature a pit lane with a number of pit stalls (typically 30–50) and a pit wall that separates the pit lane from the infield, with the garages (if used) on a separate road in the infield. Circuits in other parts of the world (used in Formula One) typically have the individual garages open directly onto the pit lane through the team's assigned pit box. In American English, it is common to drop the definite article and just refer to "pit road", whereas in British English one would always refer to "the pit lane". A further difference is that in British English, the term "pit box" is universally used, whereas in American English, one would say "pit stall".
Where it is permitted, refuelling is often an important purpose of a pit stop. Changing tyres is also common, to permit the use of softer tyres that wear faster but provide more grip, to use tyres suitable for wet conditions, or to use a range of tyres designated by the rules. Teams aim for each of their vehicles to pit following a planned schedule, with the number of stops determined by factors such as fuel capacity, tyre lifespan, and the trade-off between time lost in the pits versus time gained on the track. Choosing the optimum pit strategy—how many stops to make and when—is crucial for race success. It is also important for teams to consider competitors' strategies to avoid being held up during overtaking. An unscheduled or extended stop, such as for a repair, can be costly, as competitors gain time while the car is serviced. For this reason, pit crews undergo intensive training to perform operations such as tyre changes as quickly as possible, leading to pit stops that, for example, in Formula 1, can be completed in a few seconds.
In racing series permitting scheduled pit stops, pit strategy becomes a key element of the race. A race car travelling at 100 miles per hour (160 kilometres per hour) will travel approximately 150 feet (45 metres) per second. During a ten-second pit stop, competitors will gain approximately one-quarter-mile (450 metres) on the stopped car. However, a car that has just stopped for service will run faster due to carrying less fuel and having less tyre wear, providing more traction. In series where teams can choose different tyre compounds, the lower wear may allow the use of softer tyres for increased grip, though this may require more frequent stops.
Race teams plan a pit strategy before each race, scheduling pit stops based on factors such as fuel consumption, fuel weight, cornering speed with each tyre compound, tyre wear rate, the effect of tyre wear on cornering speed, the length of pit road, and the track's pit road speed limit. The strategy also includes what service and adjustments will be performed at each stop, particularly in endurance racing, where scheduled changes of wear-limited parts, such as brake pads, may be planned. The strategy aims to balance the time lost in the pits with the time gained on the track, resulting in the shortest possible race time.
However, a pit strategy is not fixed and can change during the race. If the weather changes from dry to rain, teams must recalculate their strategy to change tyres. Safety car periods often lead to mass pit stops, as teams attempt to reduce time lost while servicing their cars. Even when a team chooses not to pit during a caution, it can affect their strategy, as reduced speed results in less tyre wear and fuel burn. At tracks with frequent cautions, teams may plan their entire strategy around this, using a setup suited to short sprints and assuming cautions will extend fuel mileage and tyre wear.
During a scheduled pit stop, the team services the vehicle as quickly as possible. The most common services are refuelling (where permitted) and changing tyres. Other routine services include removing debris from radiator air intakes, cleaning the windscreen, and adjusting tyre pressure, suspension settings, and aerodynamic devices. In endurance racing, scheduled driver changes and brake pad replacements are also considered routine. An unscheduled pit stop may involve emergency repairs and replacement of parts due to damage or mechanical problems. In some forms of racing, a team may be ordered to drive through the pit lane or remain stationary as a penalty. During this time, no services can be performed.
In Formula One, mid-race refuelling has been banned since 2010, and pit stops primarily involve changing tyres. Teams may also make adjustments to the front and rear wings and perform minor repairs. A pit stop typically takes approximately 3 seconds. McLaren holds the current world record for the fastest pit stop, with a 1.80-second stop performed at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix on Lando Norris. Pit strategies generally call for between one and four scheduled stops, depending on the circuit. The drives between pit stops are commonly known as 'stints'.
When a car is approximately one lap away from its stop, the team sets up fresh tyres and equipment. Unlike most other forms of racing, Formula One rules limit teams to a single pit crew for the two cars entered. Therefore, teams stagger their pit schedules so that only one car is serviced at a time. However, with proper timing, teams can pit both cars on the same lap—a 'double stack'—allowing both drivers to race on equally fresh tyres.
One strategy used in Formula One is the 'undercut', where the car behind pits earlier. If successful, the car behind can utilize the advantage of fresh tyres to reduce the lead. The reverse strategy, the 'overcut', involves the leading car staying out longer, potentially maintaining or extending its advantage.
Refuelling was permitted in Formula One from 1994 to 2009. During this period, a pit stop involved about twenty mechanics, aiming to complete the stop as quickly as possible. Stops generally lasted six to twelve seconds, depending on the amount of fuel added. Cars were fuelled at a rate of more than 12 litres per second using a closed system. Teams varied the amount of fuel loaded to influence the number of pit stops.
Four wheel-gunners use a pneumatic wrench to remove and reinstall the wheel nuts. Eight tyre carriers remove and install the tyres. Two stabilisers stabilise the car. Front wing men adjust the front wing. Front and rear jack men lift the car. The front jack man's role is considered the most hazardous. The fire extinguisher man stands ready with an extinguisher.
Deprecated roles included the lollipop man, who signaled the driver, and the refueling man, who managed the fuel system. These roles are no longer necessary due to changes in regulations and technology.
For its first four seasons, pit stops in Formula E involved changing cars, as the cars could not complete a full race on a single charge. Prior to the 2017–18 season, a driver could score a point for the fastest lap regardless of finishing position, leading to unusual pit stop strategies. This rule was later amended. Since the 2018–19 season, new cars capable of completing the race distance have eliminated the need for mid-race car changes. Plans are underway to reintroduce pit stops for high-speed electric charging.
Crew chiefs lead the pit crew and coach the driver. Pit crew members are often former athletes. There are penalties for speeding on pit road, servicing outside the pit stall, or failing to secure tyres. A pit stop for four tyres and fuel can last 12 to 16 seconds, while a stop for two tyres and fuel may take 5 to 7 seconds. Teams develop pit strategies based on fuel windows and tyre wear.
The crew chief leads the team. The car chief manages the car's preparation. The jackman raises the car. The two tire changers remove and tighten the lug nuts. The fueler fills the car with fuel. The tire carrier brings new tyres. The utility man provides the driver with refreshments.
In the IndyCar Series, pit stops involve seven mechanics. The pit rules originate in USAC National Championship racing. The pit stop involves activating pneumatic jacks, refueling, and changing tyres.
In Super Formula, six mechanics are allowed to work on a car. The pit stop involves a streamlined process with mechanics working in an assembly-line fashion.
In endurance racing, pit stops are more leisurely but involve more extensive maintenance, including aerodynamic adjustments and brake pad replacements. Under the rules of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), only five mechanics are permitted. IMSA allows four mechanics. Driver changes are mandatory.