Regan Brown
Fuel mileage is a critical component of any NASCAR race, and it is not uncommon for teams to strategize around fuel usage. During a NASCAR pit stop, the pit crew completes a number of tasks, one of which is refueling the car. The amount of fuel added to a car during a pit stop varies, with teams aiming to pit as little as possible. The fuel tank of a NASCAR car typically holds around 18 gallons, and each fuel can holds about 12 gallons. While it is challenging to determine the exact fuel consumption, it is estimated that NASCAR cars can use over 100 gallons of fuel per race.
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What You'll Learn
Fuel usage depends on the race length
Fuel usage in NASCAR depends on several factors, one of which is the length of the race in terms of miles. For example, a 500-lap race at Martinsville is shorter than the Daytona 500 because Martinsville is a shorter track. Thus, shorter races on smaller tracks burn less fuel than longer races on bigger tracks.
The number of laps a car can complete on a full tank of fuel also depends on the driver's fuel-saving techniques. While it is hard to know exactly how much fuel a driver saves, we know that drivers were able to go more than 50 laps on fuel during the first stage of the 2024 Daytona 500.
Another factor that affects fuel consumption is drafting, which allows drivers to maintain speed without pushing the pedal to the floor. Drivers in the middle of the pack often use half-throttle because the draft keeps them in the pack. This reduced throttle results in lower RPMs, which means the engine consumes less fuel.
The fuel mileage also depends slightly on the track and the speeds the cars are running. For instance, cars burn less fuel under caution flag conditions when they run slower. As a rule of thumb, two caution flag laps equal about one green flag lap of fuel consumption, meaning drivers use about half as much fuel under caution.
NASCAR teams calculate the needed fuel by weighing the gas cans before and after each pit stop. They determine the weight of the fuel by subtracting the weight of the empty can from the weight of the full can. They then convert this weight into volume using the fuel's density, which is provided by Sunoco.
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Fuel-saving strategies
One fuel-saving strategy is for drivers to run at slower speeds. This was seen in the Daytona 500, where drivers were "puttering around well off the pace early in the race to save fuel". Running at slower speeds means less throttle, which leads to fewer RPMs and therefore less fuel consumption. This strategy is also helped by drafting, where drivers can maintain speed without pushing the throttle fully, as the draft from other cars keeps them in the pack.
Another strategy is for drivers to stay out of the pits during a caution, even if they need fuel and fresh tires. This can give them the opportunity to gain track position, which is important at the end of the race. This strategy relies on the driver having enough fuel to get to the next fuel window.
The setup of the car can also impact fuel usage. For example, if the butterflies in the carburetor are closed, fuel is saved. Additionally, if a car is well-balanced and has the proper gearing and carburetor jetting, a driver does not need to use all of the throttle to achieve optimum speed, thus saving fuel.
Finally, the Next Gen car introduced in 2022 has a smaller fuel tank than previous models, which means less fuel is needed during pit stops.
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Fuel calculation methods
NASCAR teams employ various methods to calculate fuel usage during pit stops, a critical aspect that can decide races. While NASCAR Cup Series cars lack fuel gauges, calculations are based on math, experience, and instinct to determine fuel mileage. Here are some methods used to estimate fuel consumption:
Weighing Fuel Cans
Before a pit stop, NASCAR teams carefully weigh each fuel can, recording the initial weight. After refuelling the car, the cans are weighed again, and the weight difference indicates the amount of fuel added. This weight difference, combined with fuel density, helps determine the volume of fuel transferred. Sunoco, NASCAR's official fuel supplier, provides the precise density of their E-15 fuel (6.2 lbs per gallon) to facilitate these calculations.
Estimating Miles Per Gallon
NASCAR teams also estimate fuel consumption by considering the miles per gallon. They divide the amount of fuel added during the previous pit stop by the fuel's density to determine the volume of fuel used. This information, combined with the estimated miles per gallon, helps calculate the required fuel for the next pit stop.
Caution Flag Laps
Another factor influencing fuel consumption is caution flag laps. During these laps, cars run slower, resulting in reduced fuel usage. A rule of thumb suggests that two caution flag laps are equivalent to one green flag lap in terms of fuel consumption. This strategy allows drivers to conserve fuel and extend their time on the track before pitting.
Drafting
Drafting is a technique where drivers maintain speed by drafting behind other cars without applying full throttle. This reduces RPMs and fuel consumption. Telemetry data from superspeedways reveals that drivers in the middle of the pack often use less throttle due to the drafting effect, conserving fuel while staying competitive.
Spillages and Leakages
Spillages and leakages during refuelling can impact fuel calculations. Previously, NASCAR teams used an outlet on the gas tank to collect any overflow in a catch can, and this recovered fuel was weighed and added back into the gas can. While newer gas cans are designed to prevent spillages, incorrect coupling or malfunctions can still result in fuel losses, affecting the accuracy of fuel consumption calculations.
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Fuel cans and tanks
NASCAR race cars have an 18-gallon fuel tank, which is larger than the typical compact passenger car, whose capacity maxes out between 12 and 13 gallons. The red refueling cans used by the pit crew hold 12 gallons of fuel. The amount of fuel put into a NASCAR car during a pit stop varies depending on the race stage and strategy. At the beginning of the race, teams will try to pit as little as possible, so they may add 1.5 cans of fuel. During the final pit stop, drivers aim to get just enough fuel to finish the race, making the car as light as possible. At most, drivers will get one can of racing fuel, but if the team believes they can get away with less, they may inject half a can or a splash of fuel.
The fueler stands close to the gas tank, which is located on the side of the car closest to the pit wall. This means that the fueler only needs to take a few steps to reach the car and fill it with fuel. If one can of fuel is not enough, another full can is passed over the wall to finish the job. The gas man will sometimes use multiple gas cans to fuel the car in a single pit stop.
Before a pit stop, team members weigh each fuel can and record the weight. After the pit stop, the fuel cans are weighed again, and the difference in weight is used to calculate how much fuel was put into the car. This calculation involves converting weight to volume using the fuel's density, which is provided by Sunoco, NASCAR's official fuel supplier. The density of the E-15 fuel specified for all NASCAR races is 6.2 lbs per gallon.
The fuel mileage of a NASCAR car depends on several factors, including the driver's ability to save fuel, drafting, caution flags, and the track and speeds of the race. Drivers can save fuel by drafting, which allows them to maintain speed without flooring the throttle. Caution flag laps also impact fuel mileage, as cars run slower and burn less fuel during these laps. A general rule of thumb is that two caution flag laps equal about one green flag lap of fuel consumption.
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Pit stop duration
The duration of a NASCAR pit stop can vary, but it typically takes around 10 to 15 seconds. During this brief period, the pit crew completes a series of tasks, including changing tires, refuelling the car, and making any necessary adjustments. The speed and efficiency of these pit stops are crucial, as they can significantly impact the outcome of the race.
The duration of a pit stop is influenced by several factors. Firstly, the number of tires changed can vary, with crews opting to change zero, two, or all four tires depending on the strategy and condition of the tires. Secondly, refuelling time can vary based on the amount of fuel needed. Each fuel can hold about 12 gallons, and it takes approximately 10 seconds to empty one can into the car. If a full tank is required, the crew will need to use multiple cans, which can extend the duration of the pit stop.
The crew's choreography and athleticism are also key factors in determining pit stop duration. Over the years, pit stops have become faster as crew members have become more practised and coordinated in their tasks. The introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022 further reduced pit stop times, as these cars have only one lug nut per tire compared to five lug nuts on previous models.
While the duration of a pit stop is relatively short, it can have significant strategic implications. Drivers aim to minimise the number of pit stops and the time spent during each stop to maintain their position in the race. Additionally, the crew chief plays a crucial role in deciding when to pit and determining the necessary adjustments, tyre changes, and fuel requirements.
In summary, the duration of a NASCAR pit stop typically ranges from 10 to 15 seconds, but it can vary depending on the tasks performed, the crew's efficiency, and the race strategy. The speed and precision of these pit stops are essential to the overall performance and success of the race.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of fuel used during a NASCAR pit stop varies depending on the race and driver strategy. A NASCAR gas can holds up to 12 gallons of fuel, while the fuel tank can hold up to 18.5 gallons. During a pit stop, the fueler aims to fill the car's tank, which may require using two full gas cans within a 10 to 13-second window.
NASCAR Cup Series cars do not have fuel gauges, so teams rely on math, experience, and instinct to calculate fuel mileage. They consider factors such as the length of the race, track size, and speed. Teams also weigh the gas cans before and after each pit stop to determine the amount of fuel added.
The frequency of pit stops for fuel depends on the race strategy. Early in the race, drivers aim to pit as little as possible, so they may only take 1.5 cans of fuel. As the race progresses, they calculate the fuel needed to reach the finish line, opting for a splash, half-can, or full tank.
