NASCAR adds new restrictions for Truck Series pit crew uniforms

A new rule from NASCAR will regulate uniforms in the Craftsman Truck Series in an effort to cut costs, but it has already drawn criticism. NASCAR wants pit crews and team members to look more consistent on a weekly basis and this new rule sets out to do just that.

According to Matt Weaver of Sportsnaut, teams were sent a memo on Tuesday detailing the new rule. If you are a regular viewer of the Truck Series, you will notice that at times, teams are in a mishmash of uniforms. Doing what they can with what they have.

Weaver detailed the rule changes, which will mostly affect those on pit road. Behind the wall crew and over-the-wall crew will have to be outfitted in all-new matching uniforms, one design for the entire season.

The behind-the-wall crew members will not be allowed to have sponsorship branding at all. This is a controversial decision, as it takes away branding opportunities for teams.

While NASCAR took branding off of those uniforms, they won’t restrict it on others. Over-the-wall crew members will be in one, matching firesuit design the same as the other crew members. However, they will be able to display sponsorship branding.

Garage shirts are at the team’s discretion and sponsorship is allowed.

So, teams are going to have to get new uniforms. Plain and simple. While this will make a consistent look across pit road, it’s an upfront cost for teams.

During the 2024 season, there was, what felt like, an increase in uniform penalties across the Truck and Xfinity Series. NASCAR is hoping that this rule will cut back on safety penalties.

NASCAR Truck Series team owner not happy with rule change

Of course, there has already been a reaction from at least one team owner in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Josh Reaume owns a small team that operates on tight margins. Reaume Brothers Racing has been a fixture in the Truck Series for the last six years.

Josh is not happy with the rule change. And understandably. These teams are trying to make it work with whatever they can get their hands on. This is going to be a tough change for teams going into 2025.

This probably sums up his feelings best.

🤓 pic.twitter.com/TW2aQyhHmc

— josh (@joshreaume) November 28, 2024

Is NASCAR overstepping here? Or does a rule like this benefit the series overall? While it will probably look nice to have consistency among the pit crews, can teams afford to take on the upfront cost of new firesuits?