Clemson football got a high-octane surprise on Tuesday when members of Team Penske rolled into campus, giving players a first-hand look at the precision, speed, and teamwork behind NASCAR pit stops.
Among the visitors were NASCAR driver Joey Logano, Penske President of NASCAR Operations and Clemson alum Michael Nelson, and former Clemson cornerback Sheridan Jones, who now serves as a pit crew member.
The visit stems from a connection made earlier this year during P.A.W. Journey Business Week in Las Vegas. Clemson frequently hosts guest speakers during camp, but this group brought the full NASCAR experience.
Players and coaches got involved in pit stop demonstrations on Logano’s No. 22 car, even taking turns changing tires and operating the jack under the guidance of Penske’s crew. Clemson’s social media highlighted the event, capturing Logano pulling into a makeshift pit lane with a dramatic burnout, sending players running and cheering along the sidelines.
Always great to have another champion in the building 🤝 @joeyloganopic.twitter.com/C3hmx4smHS
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) August 19, 2025
Former Tiger, Sheridan Jones Talks Football-to-NASCAR Transition
Beyond the spectacle, the visit highlighted the professional development opportunities NASCAR provides for former football players. Sheridan Jones spoke to how the transition works, noting that the skills athletes develop on the field—teamwork, focus, and explosiveness—translate directly to pit crew roles.
Clemson has a strong presence in motorsports: alumni Landon Walker, Jonathan “Tig” Willard, and Sheridan Jones have all successfully made the jump from the gridiron to pit lanes, showcasing a viable career path for those who might not pursue the NFL.
It’s always great when our alumni come back, but this one was special. Welcome back, Sheridan 🫡 pic.twitter.com/5yXmA8xMAM
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) August 19, 2025
At Clemson’s Pro Day earlier this year, NASCAR scouts joined representatives from all 32 NFL teams to evaluate athletes not just for football but also for potential pit crew positions.
Positions like jackmen and fuelers demand speed, precision, and coordination, qualities many college football players already possess. Programs like NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity further expand opportunities, recruiting minority and female athletes into the sport and opening professional pathways beyond football.
With visits like this, NASCAR isn’t just racing cars—it’s helping develop careers, bringing athletes from the football field to the pit lane, and reinforcing the link between elite athleticism and professional success in motorsports.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 19, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
