The #39 U.S. Army pit crew, crew chief and driver keep their car racing around the track at speeds over 180 mph. Vehicle Mechanics are responsible for maintaining the mechanical components of the Stryker Armored Vehicle, while the driver keeps it blazing over rough terrain at 60 mph.

Both teams are given the responsibility of ensuring mechanical and electrical readiness of their vehicles before and after transport. On the left, the pit crew removes the #39 U.S. Army car from the hauler to prepare for a NASCAR race. On the right, a team of Soldiers deploys a Stryker from the belly of a C-130 cargo plane and completes a thorough systems check to prepare for action.

To stay at the top of the race, the #39 U.S. Army pit crew races the clock to keep pit stops below 15 seconds. Seven crewmembers go 'over the wall' to add fuel and change tires. Stryker Crewmen have to maintain more than just an engine and tires, this vehicle has on-board computers that monitor everything from communications to weapons systems. Plus, the Stryker can be configured up to 10 different ways to carry additional Soldiers, weapons or equipment.

All the hard work comes down to one thing: speed. The drivers are responsible for making sure all the team's efforts pay off. NASCAR drivers can spend over three hours averaging 130+ mph behind the wheel, communicating with the crew chief and coming in for pit stops. Stryker drivers keep in constant contact with their commanders in the field and other vehicles in their unit to complete the mission objective quickly and successfully.