DARLINGTON, S.C. — Despite a string of strong performances, including four straight top-10 finishes and a recent win, Kyle Larson will take on Darlington Raceway with a significantly revamped pit crew this weekend.
The No. 5 team will see four new faces on pit road. Jafar Hall will step in for Blaine Anderson as the front tire changer, while Mike Moss replaces Calvin Teague as the rear tire changer. Allen Stallings takes over from RJ Barnette as the tire carrier, and Eric Ludwig replaces Brandon Johnson as the jackman. The only returning crew member from last week’s race at Martinsville is fueler Brandon Harder.
Both Teague and Barnette were instrumental in Larson’s 2021 championship campaign, making the overhaul even more notable. Still, crew chief Cliff Daniels believes the change is not a knock on the outgoing team, but a strategic move to improve performance.
Daniels explained the decision Saturday morning at Darlington, where the historic track is celebrating its 75th season. He said the pit department has been actively working to push boundaries and seek any advantage possible on pit road. The focus wasn’t on what the previous crew was lacking, but rather on how well the incoming team has been performing.
Hall and Ludwig previously filled in for Larson’s team earlier this season during the Phoenix and Las Vegas races, when Anderson and Johnson were suspended for a tire incident at COTA. Outside of those races, Hall and Ludwig have been part of Justin Haley’s pit crew, along with Moss and Stallings, who have worked the entire season with Haley. All four have consistently delivered fast and efficient stops, catching the attention of Hendrick Motorsports, which also supplies crews to Spire Motorsports.
Daniels praised the outgoing crew’s recent performances, which contributed to Larson’s finishes of third at Phoenix, ninth at Las Vegas, a win at Homestead, and fifth at Martinsville. Still, he emphasized the need for next-level execution.
“‘Solid’ is a fair word to describe them,” Daniels said. “But the new group has shown elite speed and consistency. We’re always looking for ways to raise the bar.”
As competition on pit road intensifies, Larson’s team is betting that this high-performing new unit can provide the edge needed at one of NASCAR’s toughest tracks.
Kyle Larson to have a new pit crew at Darlington
