Mercedes Mullins
NASCAR cars use a lot of fuel, with some estimates claiming they use over 100 gallons of fuel per race. NASCAR fuel tanks can hold 18 gallons, but they are not always filled to the top as a heavier car will be slower. NASCAR cars use a special type of fuel called 98-Octane Green E15, supplied by Sunoco, which is a blend of 15% ethanol and unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 98.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gallons |
| Red Refueling Can Capacity | 12 gallons |
| Fuel Used Per Race | Over 100 gallons |
| Fuel Used Per Weekend | Over 100 gallons |
| Fuel Type | Sunoco Green E-15 |
| Fuel Composition | 15% ethanol and unleaded gasoline |
| Octane Rating | 98 |
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What You'll Learn
NASCAR fuel tanks hold 18.5 gallons
NASCAR teams calculate the needed fuel by weighing the gas cans before and after each pit stop. When they get the difference in weight, they know how much they put into the car. This, combined with the estimated miles per gallon, is used to calculate how much fuel is needed at each pit stop. As a race nears its conclusion, teams should know how much fuel is in the gas cans and how much a car needs by taking the amount of fuel added at the previous pit stop divided by the fuel’s density.
The fuel used in NASCAR race cars is called Sunoco Green E-15, a blend of 15% ethanol and unleaded gasoline. Fuel tanks are typically 18 gallons, but they’re not always topped off, especially at the end of a race when crews are looking for every edge. A full tank weighs more, so a heavier car won’t be as fast.
NASCAR drivers and their teams must opt for more fuel during green flag pit stops during the race’s first two stages. Their goal is to run as many green flag laps as possible without taking a pit stop, so it is here that you will see the traditional four-tire stop with 1.5 cans of racing fuel added.
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NASCAR cars use over 100 gallons of fuel per race
NASCAR cars can use over 100 gallons of fuel per race. The fuel tank of a NASCAR car holds around 18.5 gallons of fuel. However, their red refueling cans can only hold 12 gallons, meaning more than one may be needed at a pit stop. The number of pit stops a driver makes, combined with the number of gallons of fuel per can, adds up to a lot of fuel usage.
For instance, at Chicagoland Speedway, each NASCAR truck used 70 gallons of fuel on average. With a 12-gallon gas can, this equals 5.83 cans of Sunoco racing fuel. With 36 drivers, each using an average of 70 gallons of fuel, 2,520 gallons of fuel were used at Chicagoland in total.
NASCAR teams calculate the needed fuel by weighing the gas cans before and after each pit stop. They get the difference in weight to determine how much fuel was put into the car. This, along with the estimated miles per gallon, is used to calculate how much fuel is needed at each pit stop.
The amount of fuel used by NASCAR cars also depends on the size of the track and the length of the event. NASCAR cars use over 100 gallons of fuel per weekend. The fuel used in NASCAR race cars is called Sunoco Green E-15, a blend of 15% ethanol and unleaded gasoline.
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NASCAR fuel calculations
NASCAR cars use a special type of fuel called 98-Octane Green E15, supplied by Sunoco. This fuel is a blend of 15% ethanol and unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 98. The fuel tank capacity of a NASCAR car is approximately 18.5 gallons, while their red refueling cans typically hold 12 gallons.
To calculate fuel needs, teams weigh the gas cans before and after each pit stop to determine the difference in weight, which indicates the amount of fuel added to the car. This, combined with estimated miles per gallon, helps calculate fuel requirements for each pit stop. As the race progresses, the pit crew and crew chief use these calculations and the estimated miles per gallon to determine how much fuel the driver needs.
The number of pit stops and the amount of fuel added during each stop can vary depending on the race strategy. During the initial stages of a race, drivers and their teams may opt for more fuel to run as many green flag laps as possible without an additional pit stop. This typically involves a traditional four-tire stop with 1.5 cans of racing fuel added.
The size of the track and the length of the event also play a significant role in fuel calculations. NASCAR cars can use over 100 gallons of fuel per race or race weekend, depending on these factors. Additionally, the fuel's density, which fluctuates, is an essential variable to consider.
Finally, teams must also consider the weight of the fuel, as a heavier car may be slower. Therefore, they may opt to not completely fill the tank, especially towards the end of a race, to maintain speed and performance.
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NASCAR fuel costs
NASCAR race cars use Sunoco Green E-15 fuel, a blend of 15% ethanol and unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 98. The fuel tanks in NASCAR cars can hold up to 18.5 gallons, but they are not always filled to the top, especially towards the end of a race, as a lighter car is faster. A stock car typically uses around 100 gallons of fuel during a 500-mile race, and about 80 gallons for a 400-mile race, resulting in an average fuel efficiency of 5 miles per gallon.
The fuel efficiency of NASCAR cars can vary between 2 and 5 miles per gallon, depending on driving conditions and how often the driver switches between the gas and brake pedals. The 18-wheeler haulers used by NASCAR teams have much lower fuel efficiency, averaging only 6.5 miles per gallon with a 300-gallon fuel tank. When gas prices are high, it can cost NASCAR teams at least $1,500 per week or $54,000 per season per hauler for transportation fuel alone.
Considering that a NASCAR team can spend around $400,000 per week during a 38-week season, totalling over $15 million, the fuel costs for transportation can be a significant expense. To offset these rising costs, track owners have increased prize money. Additionally, NASCAR has partnered with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association since 2004 to promote fuel-saving initiatives and reduce emissions.
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NASCAR fuel suppliers
NASCAR fuel tanks can hold 18 US gallons of fuel, though they are not always completely filled up. A stock car will use 100 gallons of fuel in a typical 500-mile race. For a 400-mile race, each car will use approximately 80 gallons of fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
NASCAR fuel tanks can hold 18 US gallons, but teams will put in as little as possible to keep the car light and fast.
It depends on the length of the race, the track, and the speeds the cars are running at. A stock car will use 100 gallons in a typical 500-mile race.
NASCAR uses a high-octane blend made exclusively for them by Sunoco called Green E-15. It's a blend of 15% ethanol and unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 98.
NASCAR teams can refuel their cars as often as they like during races. The 2020 Daytona 500 winner, Denny Hamlin, pitted six times across the race.
