Andy Papathanassiou

Who is Andy Papathanassiou?

Andy Papathanassiou became the first ever, "pit crew coach," when he was hired as a member of NASCAR's Hendrick Motorsports team in 1992. His philosophy and views as an outsider ultimately shifted the paradigm of how pit crews select and train their members. Previously, pit crews were composed of mechanics who devoted little time to practicing pit stops - relying instead on their vast knowledge of car building and racing experience. Andy employed an athletic mindset which centered on practice and repetition, coaching and review, innovation and process improvement. Collectively, he calls this philosophy, Over the Wall.

Papathanassiou grew up in Emerson, New Jersey. He is the son of Greek immigrants who favored education over sports. He attended Emerson Jr./Sr. High School, where, as a National Honor Society member, he played on the football team, leading it to a perfect season in 1984. Throwing the shot put, he was a USA Today All-American and held the NJ state record for over a decade. He played college football on scholarship at Stanford University, playing offensive guard.