As if NASCAR's return to North Wilkesboro Speedway wasn't nostalgic enough, this week's festivities are set to include another major blast from the past.
For the first-time since 2012, NASCAR is prepared to host a Pit Crew Challenge, as part of another event added to this year's NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro.
Unlike previous iterations of the Pit Crew Challenge the stakes are much higher, and could have a significant impact on which drivers compete for Sunday's $1-million prize.
Each of the 37 teams entered in the All-Star Race or Open at North Wilkesboro, will attempt to complete a four-tire pit stop without refuelling, as quickly as possible.
For the drivers not locked into the All-Star Race, the results of Friday's Pit Crew Challenge will dictate the starting lineup for Sunday's All-Star Open, with the quickest team starting on pole.
But, for the drivers already guaranteed a spot in the All-Star Race, the results of the Pit Crew Challenge will set the starting lineup for a pair of heat races, which will take place on Saturday.
However, the team that performs the quickest four-tire pit stop in Friday's Pit Crew Challenge - no matter if they're locked into the NASCAR All-Star Race, or not - will receive a $100,000 bonus.
In the history of the NASCAR Cup Series Pit Crew Challenge - contested 44 times between the years of 1967 and 2012 - Richard Childress Racing has produced the fastest stop on seven occasions.
The most-recent winner of the Pit Crew Challenge, when it unknowingly took place for the final time in 2012, was Hendrick Motorsports.
Joe Gibbs Racing, Team Penske, RFK Racing, and Wood Brothers Racing are amongst the active organizations that have scored a win in the Pit Crew Challenge.
This year, the NASCAR Cup Series Pit Crew Challenge will take place on Friday, May 19th at 5:45 PM ET, with broadcast coverage on FOX Sports 1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Image Courtesy of David Rosenblum, LAT Images, Toyota Racing
