Rajan Wilcox
Racing fuel is a term that covers a range of different fuels used in motorsports, and it is not the same as the fuel used in standard cars. Racing fuels have a higher octane level than standard fuels, ranging from 100 to 120 octane, whereas the gasoline at a gas station ranges from 87 to 93 octane. This is because racing engines operate with higher compression ratios and require higher octane fuel to function. The type of fuel used depends on the engine and its specifications, and race engine builders will recommend a specific fuel for their engines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Racing fuel types | Leaded gasoline, Methanol fuel, Ethanol fuel, Nitrous |
| Octane level | Racing fuel: 100-120; Gas station fuel: 87-93 |
| Octane ratings | Tells you how knock-resistant a fuel is; the higher the boost or compression, the higher the octane needed |
| Use of lead | Acts as a metal lubricant and sealant |
| Fuel for street vehicles | Refer to the owner's manual; using racing fuel may cause damage to the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors |
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Racing fuel vs. regular fuel
Race cars use racing fuel, which has a higher octane rating than the fuel used by regular cars. The octane rating of fuel sold at gas stations typically ranges from 87 to 93, whereas racing fuel ranges from 100 to 120. The higher octane rating in racing fuel makes it more resistant to detonation and suitable for high-performance engines.
Racing fuel and regular fuel also differ in their additive content. Racing fuel contains specialised additives and oxygenates that enhance combustion efficiency and performance, which regular fuels lack. These additives include ethanol, methanol, and lead. Leaded gasoline, for instance, is used in racing fuels and aircraft fuel but was phased out for street vehicles between 1986 and 1996 in response to the Clean Air Act.
The use of racing fuel in a regular car designed for standard fuel can have several consequences. Firstly, racing fuel is formulated for high-performance engines, which may cause incompatibility with the engine management systems of regular vehicles. Secondly, the higher octane rating of racing fuel requires a hotter spark to ignite, which may damage the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors in regular cars.
In terms of availability, racing fuel can be significantly more expensive and harder to find than regular fuel due to its specialised formulation and production processes. Race fuels may also include dyes or markers to differentiate them from regular fuels and comply with specific regulations or race series requirements.
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Octane levels
Race fuels often have higher octane levels than regular fuels. Octane ratings denote the stability of the fuel and its resistance to detonation or knocking—the higher the octane rating, the more resistant to detonation. This is important because knocking or detonation can cause undesirable pressure waves that affect performance and can result in engine damage.
Race fuels often include octane-boosting additives such as tetraethyl lead (TEL) or other chemicals to increase the octane rating. These additives help prevent detonation or knocking in high-performance engines, allowing for increased compression ratios and power output.
The higher octane levels of race fuel allow race vehicles to maximise power output. Using race fuel in a regular car may not result in any noticeable performance gains and can even cause inefficient combustion, potentially leading to decreased fuel efficiency. Race fuel may also cause damage to the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors installed on street vehicles.
The octane rating of a fuel is expressed on the sticker at the pump or the octane rating provided by the race fuel manufacturer. This is known as the “antiknock index” or (R+M/2) octane rating. Fuel is generally tested by both a “Research Octane (ASTM D2699-92 [105]" and a ‘Motor Octane (ASTM D2700-92 [104]" method.
For example, on a diet of 91-octane pump gas, the SR20DET engine consistently produces over 320 horsepower to the wheels. With the engine running on VP Import race fuel, the tuner was able to adjust the fuel and ignition tables to realise a significant power increase at the same boost level. The peak power output jumped to 370 horsepower, a gain of 48 horsepower.
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Leaded gasoline
The history of leaded gasoline in racing fuels dates back to World War II. The use of leaded fuels in aircraft engines during that era contributed to the legendary performance of planes like the P-51 Mustang. The high-power output of these aircraft was, in part, attributed to the use of leaded gasoline.
However, the toxic nature of leaded gasoline became a growing concern, leading to its gradual phase-out starting in the 1970s in advanced countries. Despite this, it remained legal for automotive racing in the United States until 2007. Research has since highlighted the harmful health effects of lead emissions from racing activities on nearby communities, particularly the elderly, with significant cost implications.
Today, unleaded racing fuels are widely available and used, even for older race cars. While some racers with older engines may still consult engine builders about using leaded fuels, the health and environmental risks associated with lead emissions have largely put an end to its use in the racing industry.
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Methanol fuel
Methanol has several advantages over gasoline, which is the more common fuel used in race cars. Firstly, methanol has a much higher maximum-power air/fuel ratio. While gasoline engines require an air-to-fuel ratio of around 12.5:1 for maximum power, methanol engines can achieve this with a ratio of 4:1 or even richer mixtures, allowing for increased power output.
Methanol is also advantageous in forced-induction applications like turbocharging and supercharging. It absorbs a significant amount of heat, often eliminating the need for an intercooler. Additionally, methanol is less susceptible to running rich, which can cause issues like popping and backfiring in gasoline engines.
The VP M1 methanol fuel is a popular choice for racing applications, boasting a minimum purity of 99.95%. It helps engines run cooler and reduces corrosion compared to standard methanol blends. However, it is important to note that methanol has a lower energy density than gasoline, with values of 9,500 BTU/pound and 18,400 BTU/pound, respectively.
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Ethanol fuel
Race cars can use a variety of fuels, and the type of fuel depends on the type of race and the car being used. One such fuel is ethanol, which is a type of biofuel. Ethanol is an attractive alternative to gasoline for several reasons. Firstly, it is a more affordable option, with a higher octane rating, allowing for greater compression and expansion ratios, which leads to improved engine performance and efficiency. Secondly, ethanol has a higher heat of vaporization than gasoline, which is important for fuel combustion. Additionally, ethanol is an excellent solvent, reducing carbon build-up in the engine and promoting cleaner air.
Ethanol is a domestically-produced fuel with a high natural octane rating, high heats of vaporization, lower volatility, and lower levels of toxicity, making it an ideal substitute for racing fuel. The high octane rating of ethanol, typically around 100 (R+M)/2, enables greater power and efficiency. Furthermore, ethanol's properties as a solvent reduce carbon build-up in the engine ports and combustion chamber, enhancing engine performance and contributing to a cleaner burn.
The use of ethanol fuel also offers cost savings. While the cost of E85 ethanol on a gallon-equivalent basis is lower than gasoline, the costs are slightly higher when comparing the energy extracted from a fixed quantity of fuel (the higher heating value). However, as the quantity of ethanol in the blend increases, the cost savings also increase due to the higher octane and performance benefits. For example, a racer who switched to E85 ethanol fuel reported saving $400 per year in fuel costs, even after accounting for the cost of a new carburetor required for the switch.
Ethanol is a versatile fuel that can be blended with gasoline to create blends with higher ethanol content, such as E85, which can be used in Flex Fuel vehicles. Extensive testing has shown that vehicles manufactured since 2001 can run on fuels containing up to 15% ethanol, and automakers and the EPA approve its use in the majority of new cars on the road today. Additionally, ethanol helps reduce the likelihood of moisture build-up in engines, as water is miscible in ethanol, preventing engine stalls and other issues associated with water accumulation in the fuel tank.
In summary, ethanol fuel is a popular choice for race cars due to its high octane rating, improved engine performance, cost savings, and versatility in blending with gasoline. It is a domestically-produced, efficient, and relatively affordable alternative to traditional racing fuels.
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Frequently asked questions
Racing fuel can refer to many different common fuels used in motorsports. The octane level is one of the most significant differences between racing fuel and fuel for street vehicles. Racing fuel ranges from 100 to 120 octane, whereas the gasoline at a gas station ranges from 87 to 93 octane.
Octane ratings are a number that tells you how knock-resistant a fuel is. If you run a lot of boosts or real high compression, you need a higher octane, else it can pre-ignite and cause a knock. Knock can blow a hole in your piston or damage other internals.
Examples of racing fuel include leaded gasoline, formerly used by the NASCAR series; methanol fuel, formerly used in IndyCar Series prior to 2007; and ethanol fuel, now being used in the IndyCar Series and NASCAR.
