Issuu

INTRO

Loudon, New Hampshire, NASCAR Cup Series

INTRO AD

“Drive it like you

INTRO

INTRO AD you stole it, homie”

-Jimmie Johnson

x7 NASCAR Cup Series Champion

Kansas City, Kansas, NASCAR Cup Series

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INTRO AD

FOURTH

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FIFTH cover

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“Why do I like racing? I was too lazy to work and too chicken

“The King” Richard Petty

x7 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Champion

AD

AD chicken to steal.”

DeQUAN HAMPTON JACKMAN

BUILT INTRODUCTION

JP KEALEY REAR TIRE CHANGER

JOSH DALE FRONT TIRE CHANGER

RICK ROZIER FUELER

JARIUS MOREHEAD TIRE CARRIER

NOWVIZ

NowVIZ MAGAZINE EXCLUSIVE

BUILT The Pit Crew issue is a project collaboration with Boom Media and Image Consulting and NASCAR. Many thanks to NASCAR for their unwavering support and the opportunity that has allowed BUILT come to life.

NowVIZ magazine loves to feature top-level performances creating waves around the world.

We are proud to present this exclusive issue that dives deep into the visual psyche of five NASCAR pit crew athletes.

The men featured came together from different NASCAR teams, allowing us to go beneath their ironclad exterior to showcase the unfiltered version of what it takes to succeed in the NASCAR pit. The culmination of hours, months, and years of training is all focused on achieving optimal pit performance that can ultimately define a win or loss.

On race day the adrenaline flows, the roar of the engines are intense, and the excitement from the crowd is deafening. Yet when that car comes to pit, the crew of five work seamlessly in that calm within the storm.

The following photo series showcases each athlete with the hope that you can visualize their apparent physicality and the explosiveness necessary to perform in the best stock car racing series in the world. It provides an inside look into the relentless grind and motivation needed to win.

Enjoy the issue; it’s a phenomenal documentation of five athletes with the will to be the best.

NowVIZ Art Director, K SKYLER

Avondale, Arizona, NASCAR Sprint Cup pit crews

The Human Engines of NASCAR - It’s More

than a Pit Stop

The NFL and NASCAR share the same DNA: teamwork. In football, the offensive line protects the quarterback, giving him the time and space to make that winning play. In NASCAR, the pit crew executes intricate performance adjustments to the race car in a short period of time.

When the green flag waves, the spotlight shines brightest on the driver. But behind every pit stop stands a team of athletes whose strength, discipline, and precision make victory lane possible. A 12-second or less pit stop is the difference between 5 to 10 spots in a race.

BUILT pulls back the curtain on NASCAR’s pit crew, the unsung athletes who train like warriors, move like dancers, and push their bodies to the limits to keep cars and dreams in motion. Much like football, it takes muscle, speed, and precision. The pit crews are more than mechanics—they are the human engines powering every lap. From hours in the weight room to split-second choreography on race day, their work is a testament to endurance and teamwork.

Like all athletes the demand for strength, agility, focus, and trust are not uncommon for pit crews. Approximately 80% of pit crew members are former collegiate or professional athletes who have played in sports such as football, soccer, basketball, and hockey.

BUILT explores the athleticism, grit, passion, and mental demands that make pit crew members some of the most finely tuned athletes in professional sport. These athletes live at the intersection of speed and strength, where every heartbeat and every move can change the outcome of the race. Much like an offensive line, they are the protectors and foundation that allow the driver, the team’s quarterback, to chase victory. Without them, the strategy would crumble, the rhythm would break, and the race would be lost before it begins. This issue celebrates that dedication and the important role that pit crews hold in shaping some of NASCAR’s most thrilling moments.

Tamara M. Washington | Founder & CEO of Boom Media and Image Consulting LLC.

NASCAR PIT CREWS ARE ATHLETES WHO TRAIN FOR STRENGTH, SPEED, AND AGILITY TO PERFORM UNDER IMMENSE PRESSURE.

AGILITY

“Before becoming a photographer, I was a pro athlete competing on a world level. As I begun research for this project, I could immediately connect with these guys. They are true professional athletes who train in intense conditions, embody that competitive mindset, and have chosen to make an unwavering commitment to their teams. Everyone knows the race car drivers, but behind the scenes the pit crew is that secret weapon. They work extremely hard performing their skill within a handful of seconds, all with the goal of giving their car that extra edge.

This issue was an incredible opportunity to bring these athletes to the forefront with no restriction; it’s raw, dynamic, and inspiring. I hope you can appreciate the fortitude and bravery these men brought to line to make this amazing project happen.”

BUILT Photographer, Andrea Mead Cross

A MISTAKE ON PIT ROAD CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WINNING AND LOSING.

Unlike IndyCar or Formula One, where crews line their pit box and wait for the car to stop, NASCAR crews start at pit wall and dive into traffic. It’s a sport of agility, speed, and danger. It’s not just about having the nerve to jump—it’s about knowing that if a car hits you, there’s a decent chance you’ll roll off the hood and keep going.

PIT CREW

BEGIN NASCAR

NASCAR

NowVIZ: Would you talk about how you became part of a NASCAR pit crew?

KEALEY: I was a professional lacrosse player in Canada, playing for the Buffalo Bandits. Then, during COVID, just like a lot of other pro sports, my season was shut down. During that time, I got an opportunity to try out for a NASCAR pit crew at Trackhouse Racing . Without really knowing how it all worked, I took the gamble and traveled for a tryout. I was able to go through the process and decided to get into NASCAR! I think it’s paid off, and it’s been pretty amazing so far.

NowVIZ: What is it that most defines you as an athlete and individual?

KEALEY: I think what defines me is my resilience. Throughout my entire lacrosse career, I’ve had to overcome a ton of obstacles like injuries and other things. I was able to come back after an ACL tear and multiple surgeries, and still become a 10th overall draft pick in lacrosse. I’ve been able to take that mindset into NASCAR and utilize it to my advantage. I use that perseverance to build strength and motivation rather than crumble in the face of adversity.

On set with JP Kealey and photographer Andrea Mead Cross.

ACTION

NowVIZ: How do you train both physically and mentally for an extensive NASCAR race season?

KEALEY: You’ve got to stay mentally focused. It’s something that can be hard to train for, but being mentally and physically prepared when I get to the race track is the goal. And because the season is so long, some weeks look different than others. Some weeks, you’re more focused on the work at hand, and some weeks, you need that time to let your mind relax and reset. So I think every week can look different when you’re in season. The most important thing to remember is that you show up and you’re ready to perform.

“The most important thing to remember is that you show up and you’re ready to perform.”

“I want to be able to carry myself in that same way that would make the younger version of myself proud.”

Kealey working it in the gym.

ACTION

NowVIZ: Can you tell us a milestone that’s been most important in your NASCAR career?

KEALEY: Two weeks ago, we won at Watkins Glen International, and it’s the closest race to my hometown. It was my dad’s first NASCAR race, and my mom and girlfriend were there. So that was a pretty cool win. And it was our fourth win for the year, which was also pretty special. To get that one in front of family and friends was awesome.

NowVIZ: What is your motivation and inspiration to push yourself everyday?

KEALEY: It’s kind of cheesy, but, honestly, it’s to make the younger version of myself proud. I always wanted to be that somebody I could look up to as a kid. When I played lacrosse, my entire goal was to be that player that I could look up to. And now I want to be able to carry myself in the same way that would make the younger version of myself proud.

AMC

jarius NASCAR

NASCAR

NowVIZ: Would you talk about how you became part of a NASCAR pit crew?

MOREHEAD: My journey started in 2021. I got a call from NASCAR recruiter Keith Flynn to come to a pit crew tryout. NASCAR really hadn’t been in my thoughts for the future, but a couple of weeks earlier I was praying I really needed a new opportunity to do something good with my life. So I was like, maybe this is the opportunity?! I decided to take the chance and have been working with NASCAR pit crews four years now.

NowVIZ: What is it that most defines you as an athlete and individual?

MOREHEAD: I would say my core values. I’m a very consistent person no matter what day of the week. No matter the success or failure, I’m always going to be the same guy you met that first day. I’m also a leader and have a hard work ethic. I don’t allow negativity in my circle. I’m a motivator who wants to help everyone around me be a better version of themselves.

“I still treat my body like I’m a college football player. I train for that top level performance day in and out.”

NowVIZ: How do you train both physically and mentally for an extensive NASCAR race season?

MOREHEAD: I still treat my body like I’m a college football player. I train for that top level performance day in and out. I work all three series, so that’s a total of 96 races for the year. And it’s finding that balance to stay at your best. I give my teammates and coaches the best I have every race. I believe in recovery days, but I don’t believe in days off. So it’s pretty much a seven day a week job. And there’s always something to focus on, right? To be the best, you have to look at it and train for it that way.

On set with NASCAR tire carrier Jarius Morehead and photographer Andrea Mead Cross.

“I’m a leader with a hard work ethic, and I don’t allow negativity in my circle.”

NowVIZ: Can you tell us a milestone that’s been most important in your NASCAR career?

MOREHEAD: I would definitely say 24 Hours of LeMans—it’s one of the world’s most prestigious endurance races. We practiced three or four times a day for that race and it really opened my eyes. It forced me to become a better tire carrier, carrying probably 50, 60 times a day. It was like, this is definitely going to help make me better. Then at LeMans, we won the pit crew competition and that was my first taste of victory. It made me hungry for more. Then three or four weeks later, we won in the Truck series with driver Raja Caruth. That was amazing.

BTS

NowVIZ: What is your motivation and inspiration to push yourself everyday?

MOREHEAD: I would definitely say my mom. She raised four kids on her own. I would never see her because she was always working two, three jobs. But she always made time to watch me play football on Friday nights. And when I went to college she would find a day to fly out and see me, it didn’t matter if I was in New Zealand, she would be there to see me. She’s definitely my motivation. What she has had to endure and go through has been my motivation to keep pushing. And, yeah, I do it all for her.

DeQUAN

NASCAR

NowVIZ: Would you talk about how you became part of a NASCAR pit crew?

HAMPTON: I was ending my football career and was trying to decide if I wanted to continue playing ball or not. So as the year went by I said, let’s dig in and look for something else. I took up a previous invite for a NASCAR pit crew tryout. Once I went through the process, everything started going fast. A week after the camp, they offered me a contract and a month later, I’m moving to Charlotte. It was pretty rapid and I was, like, I’m really doing this! I really knew nothing about NASCAR previously, but knew there were some great athletes involved.

This is my third season now and I’m loving it. It still gives that rush like football on a very high level. It’s very detailedoriented and intense. As we call it that sports drug, a lot of athletes go into depression once they leave the game. But I’ve been blessed to still be able to get that feeling. I’m excited to be here and happy to be a part of Joe Gibbs Racing.

NowVIZ: What is it that most defines you as an athlete and individual?

HAMPTON: I would say I’ve been very athletically gifted and had some very high-end coaches teach me how to use my abilities. In football, I used to be dominant on the field and trained well. I was also able to connect with Olympic coach, Gary Cablayan. He showed me how to be explosive, how to run, and how to properly move my body. It’s made me a very well-rounded athlete and for that I’m thankful.

NowVIZ: How do you train both physically and mentally for an extensive NASCAR race season?

HAMPTON: You got to keep on it. It is a very long season. Preparation is 100% key. I keep my workouts and schedule consistent on a weekly basis. I really don’t play around with that because once I saw how demanding this sport is, it really made me up my game. I don’t drift away. I stay dialed in for the season; it’s repetition and being disciplined every week. When they give us a vacation it’s great, I check out, but when I come back, I watch film to get my mind back on track. I stay locked in. I’m hungry. I’m here. I’m not about to leave my home in LA to come to Charlotte to waste my time. That’s my other motivation!

NowVIZ: Can you tell us a milestone that’s been most important in your NASCAR career?

HAMPTON: I believe it was the first quarter of this season. We were in Miami and I had the opportunity to move to a car that started P3. This wasn’t my normal car, so it was a chance for me to show what I could do. My preparation was primed and I was ready to go. In that race it felt so good because I could literally feel the difference between a car that runs in the back to a car that runs up front. And I was really battling with these guys in the top five, top ten, all of us on the same page. I was hyper-focused. It was fun and it made me hungry for more. It definitely showed me where I could be.

On set with NASCAR jackman DeQuan Hampton and photographer Andrea Mead Cross.

HAMPTON working on pit road.

“It still gives that rush like football on a very high level.”

“I stay locked in. I’m hungry. I’m here.”

NowVIZ: What is your motivation and inspiration to push yourself everyday?

HAMPTON: I came from the struggle. I already lived that hard life, you know? I’m talking ramen noodles breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sometimes I needed to eat, you know. Mom held it down raising three kids. Dad wasn’t there, he needed to figure out his life. So that’s been my motivation. Once you live something like that, you know what it’s like. And now that I’m older, I have the opportunity to change that. It’s time to hold down my own fort. I want a future for my family. So I’m really trying and doing it all from scratch, seeking mentorship to help me build that. I make sure my family is good. If they’re good, I’m good. It’s pretty easy.

Ahascragh Distillery presents

Founded seven years ago by husband-andwife team Gareth and Michelle McAllister, Ahascragh (pronounced Ah-Hass-Crah) is Ireland’s first eco-distillery. By blending heritage with modern innovation, they aim to create award-winning, zero-emissions whiskey and gin to be enjoyed around the world.From the outset, the McAllisters set out to break away from the industry’s fossil fuel-heavy past. But their vision for sustainability extended beyond production. When they discovered a derelict 18th-century mill in Ahascragh village, they saw potential—not just for a distillery, but for restoration. Instead of building new, they preserved the original stonework, salvaged old equipment, and even restored the old water wheel that once powered the mill. Then they set about creating their spirits.

The distillery’s Family Bond series has since earned global acclaim, featuring UAIS Irish Whiskey and Clan Colla Irish Whiskey. UAIS—named after the 4th-century High King of Ireland, Colla Uais, an ancestor of the McAllisters—is a bold triple blend of pot still, single malt, and grain whiskeys, aged in ex-bourbon and virgin oak casks. True to Ahascragh’s mission, the bottle is made from 100% recycled glass, with a recycled paper label, a sustainable wood stopper, and a biodegradable vegetable-based seal. “Sustainability is more than just switching energy sources,” says Gareth. “We source local ingredients, reduce water usage, and make every element of packaging as eco-friendly as possible.”

For the McAllisters, creating great spirits is just part of the mission—they want to show the world that sustainability and tradition can go hand in hand in the 21st century. By prioritizing local producers and carbonneutral operations, they’ve turned a small village distillery into a global brand—one that’s setting a new standard for the spirits industry.

For further information, cask-buying, or to locate stores near you supplying Ahascragh spirits— www.ahascraghdistillery.com

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CLAN COLLA

An Irish Whiskey Making the Traditions of Tomorrow

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continue NASCAR

NowVIZ: Would you talk about how you became part of a NASCAR pit crew?

ROZIER: I’m from Connecticut and went to college at Winston State, North Carolina, and played football. After college, I was recruited by NASCAR and went through pit crew training. I didn’t know anything about NASCAR prior to that. I made it through the process and they offered me a job. I started at Stuart Hass Racing and over the years I’ve been with pretty much every major team. Currently I’m with Legacy Motor Club.

NowVIZ: What defines you as an athlete and individual?

ROZIER: I feel that as an athlete and individual, I am always me, right? Whatever that looks like, however consistent or inconsistent that might be, I’m showing up. Folks call me “Big Rick” and I give that positive energy, love, and support. I’m a good teammate and put in the work on a daily basis to accomplish my goals as an individual and for my team. It’s what drives me as a professional athlete and as a person. It’s setting that goal—crushing it and moving on to the next.

“I had a coach in college that said, ‘Life has two pains, the pain of discipline or the pain of disappointment and regret.’ That’s always stuck with me.”

“If

you’re not trying to be the best, why show up?”

NowVIZ: Can you talk about an important milestone in your NASCAR career?

ROZIER: My milestone came when I took a step away from the industry for a year due to lack of opportunity. Then a year later, after working in corporate, I got a call to come back to NASCAR. Coming back to the NASCAR circuit was a blessing and highly unexpected. The following year I won my first race, and that year ended with an important phone call. This call landed me with my current team, Legacy Motor Club. This has been one of my greatest experiences working in this industry, and it has shown me the value of persistence and determination. If you keep digging, you’ll eventually strike gold!

NowVIZ: How do you train both physically and mentally for the extensive NASCAR race season?

ROZIER: The season is about ten months long from February to November. During the off-season, I work heavy cardio and really kind of push myself mentally. But during the season, I taper down the heavy load and do more injury prevention, functional movement, sauna, cold tubs, and maintenance work.

On set with NASCAR fueler Rick Rozier and photographer Andrea Mead Cross.

NowVIZ: What is your motivation and inspiration to push yourself everyday?

ROZIER I feel like the easy answer would be: my kids. That’s definitely part of it, but aside from that, it’s working to be your best, right? If you’re not trying to be the best, why show up? I don’t care if I’m cutting grass or cleaning toilets, I want to be the best at it. So even as a father, I want to be the best dad, right? And if you give your best no matter what, at least you can lay your head down at night and be at peace with that. But if there’s something else I could have done, like made another phone call or put in that extra rep, I don’t want to live with that. I had a coach in college who said, “Life has two pains, the pain of discipline or the pain of disappointment and regret.” It’s always stuck with me and I try to choose the pain of discipline. And it’s the hardest one, because you’re trying to navigate both life and being disciplined in order to get to where you want to be. It’s called success.

JOSH NASCAR

NASCAR

NowVIZ: Would you talk about how you became part of a NASCAR pit crew?

JOSH DALE: I played college football like most of the guys on pit road. I went to California University of Pennsylvania for a couple years, and then transferred to Fairmont State University for my graduate study. After that I was going to go to Europe to play some football. There’s not really much opportunity after Europe to play ball. I really didn’t have a plan B, so I was just going to go and play for as long as I could.

Then I actually got a call from the NASCAR recruit coordinator, Keith Flynn, and he recommended I come try out for pit crew. I was, like, I don’t know anything about it other than occasionally watching NASCAR on TV. I was two weeks from going to Europe and the NASCAR tryouts started three weeks away, so I was like, what do I do? I talked to my parents, talked to my friends, and, honestly, you probably have very few opportunities to go into NASCAR, so I ended up taking the opportunity.

For the first tryout, I think there were about 90-100 people in my class. After that, they cut it down to about 30 guys. Then I got the call to come back for a three day minicamp. They teach you how to pit the car and watch how you react to things like, are you a good teammate, do you fit our mold to be in this environment, how fast can you learn, and do you listen when we’re trying to show things? From there, they cut it to only four guys. So out of 100 guys they brought in four! So, yeah, I ended up making it!

And to be honest, it was a struggle at first. Everything was foreign to me. I went from being naturally good at football to not knowing anything about pit crew. And I didn’t pick it up as fast as I thought I would, so it was tough. I did get some help from a couple of the top guys on pit road and they kind of walked me through some things. And I did some extra work on the side that put me to where I’m at today. So I’m definitely excited.

NowVIZ: What defines you as an athlete and individual?

JOSH DALE: I had to change my mentality a little bit. I went from being good at something like football, to something that was very foreign to me and put me at the bottom of the totem pole. I came in with the attitude if they can do it, I can do it, which was 100% wrong.

So, I think changing my attitude to accepting advice from the other guys has helped me a lot. And because of that, it’s probably made me closer with my team. I’m a hard worker and I’m willing to do the extra. I think all of that has helped me and is what defines me most as a person right now.

NowVIZ: Can you talk about an important milestone in your NASCAR career?

JOSH DALE: I think it was that first win this year in the Truck series at Nashville, and now we’re in the playoffs competing for a championship. For me, it’s similar to playing ball, in that every week you’re competing for something, whether it’s to win or for points. So, that first win was definitely surreal: it opened my eyes like, hey, this is what it feels like to be on a competitive car! Then, it was probably four weeks later, we got a win in the Xfinity series. So, I got my first two wins within a month of each other. Being in Victory Lane and being able to share it with the guys you work with everyday was awesome. I think it’s definitely what has kept me going and definitely where I want to be for a long time.

“For me this job is similar to playing ball, in that every week you’re competing for something, whether it’s to win or for points.”

On set with NASCAR front tire changer Josh Dale and photographer Andrea Mead Cross.

NowVIZ: How do you train both physically and mentally for the extensive NASCAR season?

JOSH DALE: I pit a lot for both the Xfinity series and the Truck series, but when you’re doing up to three series every single weekend for 36 weeks, you have to understand your body can only take so much, right? We work with our coaches to know how to approach each race and at what intensity level. We also get a week off during Superspeedway week that helps with recovery too.

During the off season, I do a lot of heavy lifting to gain weight and get stronger. And during the season, it’s a lot of maintenance. I’m in the weight room every morning, whether it’s doing weights or stretching I’m there doing something. And, yeah, you just have to listen to your body. Doing the cold and hot tubs, getting treatment when you need it, everything and anything to keep the body going is key. I try to watch what I eat and drink, and there’s no lack of supply from work. I mean, we’re one of the best programs in NASCAR, so they go above and beyond to help keep us at our best.

“I’m blessed to wake up everyday to do what I do and try to take advantage of every moment, every day. I don’t think I would change it for the world.”

NowVIZ: What is your motivation and inspiration to push yourself everyday?

JOSH DALE: College was rough sometimes. I definitely didn’t play ball as much as I wanted to, but played a lot more than people thought. I think, in my freshman year of college, I kind of hit a wall, because when you’re one of the best athletes in high school, and you go to college and everyone’s just as good as you, it’s tough. Then after college, honestly, I had no idea what I was going to do. I had to take it to the chin and adjust my ways a little bit.

So I kept my faith and just knew that there was a path for me. That really helped me a lot and opened me up. I’m blessed to wake up everyday to do what I do and try to take advantage of every moment of every day. I don’t think I would change it for the world.

MUSIC NOW

NOVA WAV, SONG WRITING DUO

I’m kind big into JP KEALEY, TRACKHOUSE RACING

I listen to everything from country to EDM to rap to 80s, 90s, rock, and metal. It just depends on what I’m doing. On race day, I don’t really listen to anything, honestly. But if I’m working out, I usually listen to metal, and if I’m hanging out or driving, I listen to country, or 80s, 90s stuff. But yeah, it’s hard to pick one because I listen to so many different types of music.

JARIUS MOREHOUSE, BIG MACHINE RACING

I’m not really a big music person, but if a song comes on, and I’m with it, I’ll definitely listen to it. I just listen to whatever comes on. But like a month ago, when Morgan Wallen released his new album I’ve been listening to that every day. I’ve been trying to get into a little country.

DeQUAN HAMPTON, JOE GIBBS RACING

I got a variety of things.You can play that Chris Brown “2012” or Whitney Houston—I wish I could have seen her in person though that would had probably made me cry. On the West Coast I’ll play Corrupt. It could go all types of ways, it’s whatever I’m feeling. Get me in that melody at the end of the day or that little groove, it’s just whatever I’m feeling at the moment.

RICK ROZIER, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB

I’m always into hip hop or some chill type music, some jazz, or even classical. But on my morning drives, workouts, or cooking, hands down it’s Michael Jackson. I’m a huge Michael Jackson fan! As far as new artists and new albums, I just saw Chance the Rapper and Gunnar came out with new albums. They’re not just a lot of that new kind of hip hop lyrics, and both have some really unique sounds and beats. I’m a big fan. I can’t play any instruments at the moment, but I’m a huge music lover a and really into composing.

JOSH DALE, BIG MACHINE RACING

Honestly, I’m all over the place. It really depends on the day and the mood. I’m a R&B guy, a rap guy, and country guy, but I can’t say I have one specific artist I’m listening to every day. That would be a hard choice. I’m not an old school country guy, though, I’m more of like a Morgan (Wallen) type guy. Sometimes they make fun of me for listening to R&B in the weight room, but it gets me going! But, yeah, I’m all over the place.