Mercedes Mullins
Fuel is a critical factor in motorsports, and NASCAR is no exception. The type of fuel used in NASCAR race cars has evolved over the years, with the organisation transitioning from leaded to unleaded fuel in 2007. Currently, NASCAR cars run on Sunoco Green E-15, a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% unleaded gasoline, specifically formulated for NASCAR racing and not available to the general public. This fuel has a unique greenish hue and an octane rating of 98, higher than the typical pump gas found in the Eastern United States. The choice of fuel is a strategic decision in NASCAR, as crews aim to balance fuel load and car weight to maximise speed and performance on the track.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Sunoco Green E-15 |
| Blend | 15% ethanol and 85% unleaded gasoline |
| Colour | Green |
| Octane Rating | 98 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18 gallons |
| Usage | 100 gallons for a 500-mile race |
| Year of Transition to Unleaded Fuel | 2007 |
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What You'll Learn
NASCAR's switch from leaded to unleaded fuel
NASCAR cars use a high-octane blend of fuel called Sunoco Green E-15, which is made exclusively for NASCAR by Sunoco. It is a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% unleaded gasoline, with an octane rating of 98.
The switch to unleaded fuel was influenced by blood tests of NASCAR teams that revealed elevated blood lead levels. Tetraethyllead (TEL) is a fuel additive that was first mixed with gasoline in the 1920s to boost the octane rating and allow for higher engine compression. However, leaded fuel has been linked to negative health effects, and its use in racing fuel has declined over time.
After NASCAR's switch to unleaded fuel, studies found that children living near racetracks began performing better in school, with increases in educational performance relative to students living further away. This suggests that the switch to unleaded fuel may have had a positive impact on the health and well-being of individuals living in close proximity to NASCAR racetracks.
While NASCAR has made the transition to unleaded fuel, it is important to note that other forms of racing, such as piston-driven propeller planes, still use leaded fuel or low-lead blends. The availability and certification of unleaded alternatives for these types of racing are ongoing processes.
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Sunoco Green E15
As a highly oxygenated fuel, Sunoco Green E15 contains more oxygen than most fuels. This means that fuel system changes may be required to extract peak performance. It also contains a comprehensive additive package that helps keep fuel systems clean, enhances shelf life, and reduces fuel system deposits. Properly stored, the shelf life of Sunoco Green E15 exceeds 1 year.
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Octane ratings
NASCAR cars use a racing fuel called Sunoco Green E-15, which is a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% unleaded gasoline. This fuel has a distinct green colour and an octane rating of 98. The octane rating of a fuel refers to how much pressure is needed to ignite the fuel in an engine cylinder without a spark from the spark plug. The higher the octane rating, the higher the pressure required for ignition.
Sunoco, the official fuel supplier of NASCAR, manufactures a range of racing fuels with different octane ratings, up to 112. The octane rating of a fuel is important as using a higher octane fuel than recommended can cause engine damage over time. This is because higher octane fuels burn hotter and can damage pistons over time.
Prior to 2007, NASCAR cars used leaded fuel. The switch to unleaded fuel was influenced by blood tests of NASCAR teams, which revealed elevated blood lead levels. After the switch to unleaded fuel, children living near racetracks showed substantial improvements in educational performance.
While "race fuel" with high octane ratings is sold at some gas stations, the fuel used by NASCAR is not available to the public as it is not street legal.
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Ethanol
NASCAR cars use a type of fuel known as Sunoco Green E15, which is a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% unleaded gasoline. This fuel has a distinct greenish hue and an octane rating of 98, higher than the typical high-octane gas found at local pumps in the Eastern United States (91 and 93).
The use of ethanol in NASCAR began with the switch from leaded to unleaded fuel in 2007. This transition was influenced by elevated blood lead levels detected in NASCAR team members and the phase-out of leaded fuel in professional motor racing, which started in the 1990s. The switch to unleaded fuel, including ethanol blends, resulted in significant health benefits for children living near racetracks, who began performing better in school than previous cohorts.
Sunoco, the official fuel supplier of NASCAR, creates exclusive blends like the Green E15, which is not available to the public and is registered as an off-road fuel only. The use of ethanol in NASCAR demonstrates the sport's commitment to innovation and environmental considerations, as ethanol is considered a cleaner-burning fuel that reduces harmful emissions.
The choice of fuel in NASCAR is a critical aspect of the sport, as it directly impacts the performance and efficiency of the race cars. The blend of ethanol and unleaded gasoline in Sunoco Green E15 strikes a balance between power and fuel efficiency, contributing to the intense competition and excitement that NASCAR is known for.
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Fuel usage numbers
NASCAR cars use a high-octane blend of fuel called Sunoco Green E-15, which is made exclusively for NASCAR by Sunoco. It is a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% unleaded gasoline, with an octane rating of 98. The fuel has a greenish hue, which is due to the addition of dye to differentiate it from other grades of fuel.
The amount of fuel used by a NASCAR car depends on various factors, such as the length of the race and the type of track. On average, a stock car will use around 100 gallons of fuel during a typical 500-mile race. For a 400-mile race, the fuel consumption is estimated to be around 80 gallons.
During the 2015 Daytona 500, 43 cars competed, and an estimated 5375 gallons of Sunoco Green E15 fuel were used. This equates to an average of approximately 125 gallons of fuel per car. It is important to note that these numbers may vary depending on various factors, such as driving style and track conditions.
NASCAR fuel usage can also differ based on the type of track. Superspeedway tracks, such as the Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, tend to have higher fuel consumption due to flat-out racing. In contrast, shorter tracks or road courses may result in lower fuel usage.
In terms of fuel efficiency, NASCAR race cars typically get around 5 miles per gallon (mpg) of fuel. This is significantly lower than the average family SUV, which can achieve up to 18 mpg.
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Frequently asked questions
NASCAR cars use a fuel called Sunoco Green E-15, a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% unleaded gasoline.
Sunoco Green E-15 has an octane rating of 98.
The fuel tanks of NASCAR cars can hold up to 18 gallons of fuel, but they are not always completely filled up, especially towards the end of a race, as a lighter car is faster.
A NASCAR car can use anywhere between 80 to 130 gallons of fuel during a typical 400 to 500-mile race.
Yes, in 2007, NASCAR switched from using leaded fuel to unleaded fuel.
