Katerina Swanson
NASCAR and stock car racing use specialized fuel, which has been exclusively provided by Sunoco since 2004. This fuel, called Sunoco Green E15, is a blend of gasoline and ethanol, and costs significantly more than regular fuel. While the fuel is provided to NASCAR teams for free, it is available for purchase by consumers in 5-gallon tanks and 55-gallon drums, with prices around $8.75 per gallon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of NASCAR Fuel | Sunoco Green E15 or Green E15 |
| Composition | Blend of gasoline and ethanol |
| Availability | Sold in 5-gallon tanks and 55-gallon drums |
| Standard Fuel Dump Weight | 95 pounds for 12 gallons of racing fuel |
| Fuel Density | 6.2 lbs per gallon |
| Price | $16-17 per gallon |
| Free for NASCAR Teams | Yes, covered under a multiyear contract with Sunoco |
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What You'll Learn
Sunoco Green E15 costs $16-$17 per gallon
NASCAR racing is an expensive sport. Teams have to deal with several costs, from payroll to transport and travel. One of the most significant expenses is the fuel used during races.
NASCAR cars use a specialized type of fuel called Sunoco Green E15, a blend of gasoline and ethanol. This fuel is specifically formulated to meet the needs of the powerful engines used in NASCAR racing. The engines in these cars are incredibly powerful, with 900HP V8 engines being a common choice.
The Sunoco Green E15 fuel is not cheap. It costs significantly more than regular gasoline, with prices ranging from $16 to $17 per gallon. This is almost six times the cost of regular gas in the United States, which averages around $3.10 per gallon. The high cost of racing fuel adds a substantial expense for NASCAR teams, especially when you consider that a single car can use up to 10,400 gallons of fuel in a season, excluding practice and qualifying sessions.
Despite the high cost of Sunoco Green E15, NASCAR teams don't actually purchase their fuel. Sunoco provides the fuel to teams free of charge as part of an exclusivity agreement with NASCAR. This ensures that teams don't have to worry about the fluctuating costs of fuel and can focus their budgets on other essential areas, such as payroll and transportation.
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NASCAR teams get their fuel for free
NASCAR teams use a specialized type of fuel called Sunoco Green E15, which is a blend of gasoline and ethanol. This fuel is specifically designed to cater to the needs of the powerful engines used in NASCAR racing. The cost of Sunoco Green E15 is significantly higher than that of regular gasoline, with prices per gallon ranging from $16 to $17.
Despite the high cost of this specialized fuel, NASCAR teams do not have to pay for it. In an interview, Joe Gibbs Racing team president Dave Alpern confirmed that their fuel is free, saving them around $175,000 per year. This is made possible through a partnership between NASCAR and Sunoco, the manufacturer of the Green E15 fuel. As part of their exclusivity agreement, Sunoco provides fuel to NASCAR teams at no cost, ensuring a consistent supply at each track.
During races, Sunoco sets up a fuel booth where teams can get their fuel cans filled by Sunoco staff. While the fuel is provided free of charge, there is always a Sunoco representative present to keep a record of the fuel dispensed to each team. This ensures that teams do not misuse the fuel and that there is enough fuel available for the races.
The free fuel provided by Sunoco helps offset the high costs associated with NASCAR racing. It also ensures that fluctuations in fuel prices do not impact the teams' performance or budgets. By providing fuel at no cost, Sunoco gains exposure and benefits from its association with NASCAR, while the teams can focus on optimizing their performance without the additional financial burden of fuel costs.
In summary, NASCAR teams benefit from a unique arrangement where they acquire their specialized fuel at no cost through their partnership with Sunoco. This agreement highlights the importance of strategic sponsorships in motorsports, allowing teams to concentrate on racing while sponsors support them with essential resources.
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Fuel cans hold about 12 gallons
NASCAR fuel is a specialised blend of gasoline and ethanol, known as Sunoco Green E15, owing to its green colour. This fuel is exclusive to NASCAR and is significantly more expensive than regular fuel, costing $16-$17 per gallon, compared to $3.10 for a gallon of regular gasoline.
NASCAR fuel cans come in two sizes: 5 gallons and 55 gallons. A gallon of NASCAR fuel weighs about 6 pounds, and a standard fuel dump can weighs approximately 95 pounds when filled with 12 gallons of racing fuel.
The weight of the fuel can vary depending on temperature, with warmer fuel weighing less. To determine fuel mileage, the cans are weighed before and after refuelling during pit stops to calculate fuel consumption. For example, if a can weighs 30 pounds after a pit stop, 10.8 gallons of fuel were dispensed (95 lbs - 30 lbs = 65 lbs, and 65/6 = 10.8).
Fuel cans with a capacity of around 12 gallons are available from various retailers, with features such as spill-proof spouts, child-resistant designs, and lockable draw latches for added safety and convenience.
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A gallon of racing fuel weighs about 6 pounds
NASCAR fuel is a specialised blend of gasoline and ethanol, known as Sunoco Green E15, or just Green E15. This fuel is designed to meet the needs of the powerful engines used in NASCAR racing. The density of this fuel is approximately 6.2 lbs per gallon, according to Sunoco, which equates to a gallon of racing fuel weighing about 6 pounds.
The weight of a gallon of fuel can vary depending on temperature, with warmer fuel weighing less. This is because an increase in temperature causes the molecules in the fuel to spread out, reducing the number of molecules in a given volume. Therefore, the weight of a gallon of racing fuel is not fixed and can fluctuate.
The weight of fuel is an important consideration in NASCAR racing. Teams will weigh fuel dump cans before and after refuelling during pit stops to calculate the precise amount of fuel consumed. This information is then used to determine fuel mileage.
The cost of NASCAR fuel is significantly higher than regular gasoline, at $16-$17 per gallon, compared to around $3.10 for a gallon of normal gas in the US. However, NASCAR teams do not have to purchase their fuel, as it is provided for free by Sunoco as part of an exclusivity agreement.
In summary, a gallon of racing fuel typically weighs about 6 pounds, but this can vary depending on temperature. The weight of fuel is a critical factor in NASCAR racing and strategy, and while the fuel is expensive, it is provided to teams at no cost.
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NASCAR fuel is a blend of gasoline and ethanol
Sunoco Green E15 gets its name from its distinctive green colour and the fact that it contains 15% ethanol. This ethanol is produced by Sunoco at its plant in Fulton, New York, near Syracuse. The ethanol is made from corn grown near the plant and sourced from other growers, mostly in the Midwest. This blend of gasoline and ethanol is a cultural shift for NASCAR, marking a transition to unleaded fuel.
The use of ethanol in NASCAR fuel has several benefits. Firstly, it boosts horsepower, which is essential for racing. Additionally, it reduces emissions, supporting a cleaner environment and promoting the development of a biofuels industry. NASCAR's adoption of ethanol also helps dispel misconceptions about ethanol as a fuel, not just for racing vehicles but also for fans and the general public.
The Green E15 fuel is used exclusively in the Cup Series, as well as junior categories like the Xfinity and Truck Series. This fuel is tailored to meet the needs of the powerful 900HP V8 engines used in these races. During a single race, a NASCAR Cup Series car can use approximately 125 gallons of fuel, and with 43 cars participating in a single race, the total fuel consumption can quickly add up.
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Frequently asked questions
The Sunoco Green E15 fuel used in NASCAR costs $16-$17 per gallon, though some race shops sell it for around $8.75 per gallon.
A NASCAR car has an 18-gallon fuel cell and can use up to 125 gallons of fuel during a 500-mile race.
Yes, you can buy Green E15 in a five-gallon tank or a 55-gallon drum.
NASCAR fuel is a specialized blend of gasoline and ethanol, which is more costly to produce than regular gasoline.
