NASCAR to mandate smaller pit crews (Update)

No Smaller pit crews in 2017

UPDATE This rumor is downgraded to 'false' today. NASCAR confirmed Wednesday it won't be making changes to pit crews for the 2017 season. There had been reports that NASCAR was considering smaller pit crews next year, and a reduction from six to five over-the-wall crew members had been discussed in meetings with the team owner council.

Teams also have floated ideas about elongated pit stops to de-emphasize their importance and impact on a race. But NASCAR has elected to keep its Sprint Cup pit crews at six, which has been the limit since 2011 when the catch-can man was eliminated. NBC Sports

09/27/16 There are ongoing discussions between team owners and NASCAR of further reducing the number of pit crew members going over the wall from six to five, Motorsport.com is rumoring.

The cost-cutting initiative could go into effect as early as 2017. It would be up to each team's discretion how to choreograph the pit stops. However, under a full fuel stop, the most likely scenario would feature the elimination of one tire carrier.

In the evolution of NASCAR pit stops, most team incorporated two tire carriers in the mid-90s. The current proposal to limit crew personnel over the wall is twofold: As a cost-cutting measure for mid-level operations. Second, as a safety initiative to eliminate additional bodies on pit road. Motorsport