Regan Brown
Fuel mileage is a critical aspect of NASCAR races, with teams relying on math, experience, and instinct to calculate fuel mileage. The fuel tank capacity of NASCAR Cup Series cars is approximately 18 gallons, although some sources mention 17.75 gallons, and fuel cans are typically 12 gallons. The type of fuel used is Sunoco Green E-15, a blend of 15% ethanol and unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 98. Fuel consumption depends on various factors such as track length, speed, and driving strategies like drafting and caution flags.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity | 18 gallons |
| Fuel can capacity | 12 gallons |
| Fuel cell capacity | 17.75 gallons |
| Fuel type | Sunoco Green E-15 |
| Fuel composition | 15% ethanol and unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel consumption per 500-mile race | 100 gallons |
| Fuel consumption per 400-mile race | 80 gallons |
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What You'll Learn
NASCAR fuel tank capacity is 18 gallons
The amount of fuel a NASCAR car burns during a race depends on various factors, including the length of the race, the speed of the car, and the number of caution flags. For example, during caution flag laps, cars burn less fuel because they are running slower. Additionally, drafting allows drivers to maintain speed without flooring the throttle, resulting in lower fuel consumption.
NASCAR teams determine fuel mileage through a combination of mathematics, experience, and instinct. While fuel mileage races are less common than they once were, fuel management remains a crucial element of race strategy.
The fuel tank capacity of 18 gallons is a standard specification for NASCAR Cup Series cars. This capacity is designed to balance the need for fuel to complete the race and the weight considerations that impact the car's performance.
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Fuel type: Sunoco Green E-15
Sunoco Green E-15 is a highly oxygenated unleaded race fuel that contains 15% ethanol. It has been the official fuel of NASCAR since 2004 and is used in all three national racing series: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR XFINITY Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Sunoco Green E-15 contains more oxygen than most fuels, which means that fuel system changes may be required to achieve peak performance. It also includes a comprehensive additive package that helps keep fuel systems clean, extends shelf life, and reduces fuel system deposits.
Proper storage of Sunoco Green E-15 is essential. It should be stored in opaque, tightly sealed containers and kept in an area with stable temperatures. When stored properly, the fuel has a shelf life of over a year.
Sunoco has been fuelling NASCAR victories for over 20 years and is recognised for its high-quality performance fuels. Sunoco Green E-15 is available in 5-gallon pails and can be delivered directly to the track, your home, office, or hotel.
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Fuel mileage strategies
The fuel tank in a NASCAR vehicle holds 18.5 US gallons. Fuel mileage strategies are critical in NASCAR races, and efficient fuel usage can often make the difference between winning and losing. Here are some strategies employed by NASCAR teams:
Drafting
Drafting allows drivers to maintain speed without pushing the throttle too hard. Telemetry data from superspeedways shows that drivers in the middle of the pack often use half-throttle because the draft keeps them in the pack. The reduced throttle leads to lower RPMs, which in turn consumes less fuel. This strategy was observed in the Daytona 500, where drivers conserved fuel by maintaining a slower pace early in the race.
Caution Flags
During caution flag conditions, NASCAR vehicles run slower and naturally burn less fuel. As a rule of thumb, two caution flag laps are equivalent to the fuel consumption of one green flag lap. Caution flags can significantly extend the fuel window, especially if there are multiple yellow flags during a race.
Pit Stop Timing
The timing of pit stops plays a crucial role in fuel mileage. Cars that pit later in the race typically require less fuelling than those that pitted earlier. This is because cars that pit early might need to wait to ensure their tank gets fully refuelled, while cars that pit later may only need to refuel to around three-quarters full.
Lift and Coast
This technique involves lifting off the throttle before the braking zone when approaching corners. While this can save fuel, it also impacts the racing dynamics by preventing drivers from going flat-out.
NASCAR is continuously evaluating and evolving its approach to fuel usage. The organisation is considering strategies such as faster fuel flow rates during pit stops, which could impact the balance of responsibilities between fuelling and tire-changing teams. Additionally, NASCAR is planning to adopt regenerative braking and hybrid technology, which could transform the sport's relationship with fuel usage and sustainability.
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Fuel-saving techniques
A NASCAR fuel tank can hold up to 18.5 US gallons of fuel. While NASCAR rules have been tightened to prevent cheating, there are still several fuel-saving techniques that drivers can employ to maximise their fuel efficiency.
One of the most common techniques is "lift and coast", where drivers lift off the throttle before the braking zone when approaching corners. This can be combined with short shifting, where the driver shifts up a gear earlier than usual, to further reduce fuel consumption. Additionally, drivers can smooth out their throttle application, particularly when exiting corners, to avoid wasting fuel from rapid changes in throttle pressure.
Another strategy is to keep a steady and consistent foot pressure on the throttle, avoiding heavy braking and abrupt acceleration. This "slow down and go faster" approach can help maintain optimum speed while conserving fuel. Proper gearing and carburetor jetting also play a crucial role in fuel efficiency. NASCAR carburettors have "butterflies" that open to allow fuel and air into the engine when the accelerator is pressed. Closing these butterflies can save fuel, but it also reduces power, so this technique must be used strategically.
Finally, selecting the right chassis setup is essential for minimising friction between the tires and the track, reducing energy loss and fuel consumption. While these techniques can help improve fuel efficiency, they may also impact performance, and each race requires a unique strategy depending on the track and conditions.
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Fuel consumption and race length
The amount of fuel consumed during a race depends on various factors, including the length of the race in terms of miles, the speed of the cars, and the number of caution flag laps. Typically, a stock car will use 100 gallons of fuel in a 500-mile race. However, in a shorter 400-mile race, the fuel consumption decreases to about 80 gallons.
The length of the race track also plays a role in fuel consumption. Shorter races on small tracks burn less fuel compared to longer races on bigger tracks. Additionally, during caution flag conditions, cars run slower and consume less fuel. As a rule of thumb, 2 caution flag laps are equivalent to the fuel consumption of 1 green flag lap.
Fuel mileage strategies are crucial in NASCAR racing. While fuel mileage races are less common nowadays, fuel management is still essential for performance. Teams calculate fuel mileage based on mathematics, experience, and instinct. Drivers employ tactics such as saving fuel, drafting, and lift-and-coast to optimize fuel efficiency and gain a competitive edge.
NASCAR is also embracing hybrid technology and regenerative braking, marking a shift towards sustainability and clean energy in the sport. These advancements aim to reduce fuel consumption and promote the development of more efficient, environmentally friendly race cars.
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Frequently asked questions
NASCAR fuel tanks can hold 18 gallons of fuel. However, they are not always filled to the brim, especially towards the end of a race, as a heavier car is slower.
The fuel consumption of a NASCAR vehicle depends on the length of the race, the number of caution laps, and the speed of the vehicle. For instance, a 500-lap race at Martinsville is shorter than the Daytona 500 because Martinsville is a shorter track.
NASCAR uses a high-octane blend made exclusively by Sunoco called Green E-15, which is a blend of 15% ethanol and unleaded gasoline.
