One of the original all-volunteer pit crew services is Mag 7, which is a fully non-profit organization that provides much more than fuel, tires, and repairs for racers. “In general a group of volunteers for Mag 7 pits becomes like family,” says Mike Shatynski, Mag 7 Pit Captain. “It’s very similar to what you would experience in the military, and that’s why many of our volunteers are veterans. This type of teamwork helps many veterans who are missing that sense of brotherhood they experienced while in the military. When I can, I pull veterans out to pit with me and it helps their mental aspect of becoming a citizen again.”

Mag 7 provides everything for racers including fuel, tires, mechanical repairs, and more. “We have different people who specialize in various tasks like welding, mechanics, etc..” said Shatynski. “Many of the pits are positioned about 20 miles from the highway so we’re typically out here alone with a team of three or four in each pit. We have to be ready before the race starts and we stay out here until the last vehicle comes through.”

OUTDOOR GEAR AND WISH LIST

While Mag 7 Pit volunteers have been active since almost the beginning of off-road racing, the gear they use to be out in the Baja desert is rustic. “We have portable canopies for shade and many of the team sleep on cots with a sleeping bag,” says Shatynski. “We typically sleep under the stars, and some may bring a tent that is set up away from the activity. We have to be careful what to bring because everything usually has to fit in one of our pickup trucks. This includes generators, welders, tools, and often several 55-gallon fuel drums on a trailer.”

For Shatynski, the health of his crew is most important, and that’s why he wants to make sure they are comfortable. “If I know my crew is well fed and well rested, I know they will be able to perform at a top level when vehicles come into the pit,” he says. “We have every tool necessary as we are funded and refurbish everything from pit fees, but I wish we had more comfortable sleeping accommodations and soft chairs. Having a good table and something other than paper plates and plastic utensils would also be great. We also don’t have lots of portable water to do clean-up. We usually stay out for three days and don’t clean up and/or shower until after the race and we get a hotel room.”