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Here’s what is new about pit guns and how they are issued by NASCAR

TUMS QuikPak 500

MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 19: The rear tire changer for David Ragan, driver of the #6 AAA Insurance Ford, works during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series TUMS QuikPak 500 at Martinsville Speedway on October 19, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Getty Images for NASCAR

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – With a reduced roster requiring new choreography by a 5-man crew, there will be much scrutiny on pit stops Sunday as NASCAR opens its race schedule with The Clash.

Some of the focus will be on some fresh equipment, too.

Seeking to curb development costs on highly specialized pit guns, NASCAR has mandated a spec version of the tool used to fasten and loosen lug nuts. It will handle the distribution of the new pit guns.

Here’s what teams have been told about the guns, which are manufactured by Paoli and will be used in Xfinity and Cup this season (but not in the Camping World Truck Series):

--A lottery system will determine how the guns randomly are issued before the race (this is similar to how NASCAR distributes its restrictor plates for race at Daytona International Speedway). The guns will be returned within an hour after the race.

--Pit crews will be limited in modifying the pit guns. The socket can’t be removed, but there are some adjustments allowed with grip tape and screws. Certain parts of the gun will be sealed to detect tampering.

--Air pressures for the guns will be mandated by NASCAR, and the pressure relief valve will be set by a digital gauge.

--Teams will be provided with three guns that are labeled as front, rear and spare.

--The guns will be tested regularly to ensure their consistency.