Why Unleaded Fuel and Why Now?
There is a lot of talk about NASCAR changing from leaded fuel to unleaded. The long term plan was that unleaded fuel was going to be introduced to the Nextel Cup Series in 2008. Why the change in plans?
For those of us who are not engineers, leaded fuel gives more lubrication and "padding" to the engine. This cushions the engines and valves and lessens the chances of the engine burning up. Using average unleaded fuel will kill the engine on a NASCAR racecar.
For several years now NASCAR has been working with their fuel supplier, Sunoco, to develop a special unleaded fuel that will be kinder to the Cup car engines. This is not a new or spur of the moment decision. Because every decision within NASCAR affects so many people, much time and research goes into every change of rules and policies.
The Craftsman Truck Series and the Busch series have been using unleaded fuel for about six months now. The reason NASCAR began with those series is that their races are 300 miles. The Nextel Cup race in California is 500 miles. It's the last 200 miles for the engine that has people concerned.
The first race using unleaded fuel proved that it was indeed an issue with several teams losing their engines during the race. But the interesting thing is that the drivers aren't complaining about the switch like they did with the Car of Tomorrow. They aren't fighting it at all. Maybe they knew it was inevitable. We can only put so much exhaust in the air before we get to the point that the damage is irreversible.
Except for the season opening race at Daytona, unleaded fuel will be used in all of the races during the 2007 season. The possible motivation for the moved up timeline to phase in the unleaded fuel could be pressure.
An environmental activist group has requested that the Environmental Protection Agency investigate lead levels in the air on and around racetracks. This activist group alleges that innocent bystanders, such as homeowners that live near racetracks, are in danger without even realizing it.
NASCAR is trying so hard to shake off the country boy image and adopt a more sophisticated persona. It definitely looks good for them to be concerned with the environment and the health of their fans. But whatever the reason for the expedited introduction to unleaded fuel, NASCAR has done a good thing and once again we are made proud.
Related Tags: nascar, nascar racing, nascar news, nascar fans
David Stargel publishes several NASCAR related websites in addition to writing about all sorts of NASCAR related topics.Check out The NASCAR Circuit
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- Unbelievable U.s. Gov. Action
By Michael Webster Opinion: I rarely write opinion pieces as a syndicated investigative reporter - Global Arms Dealer and Financier of Terrorists Monzer Al Kassar Convicted
BY MICHAEL WEBSTER: SYNDICATED INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER Nov 24, 2008 at 11:00 AM PST MICHAEL J. GAR - Americans Attacked and Nearly Killed in Mexico
BY MICHAEL WEBSTER: SYNDICATED INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER NOV 23, 2008 at 4:30 PM PST Five people die - Two More Americans Slaughtered in Mexico
BY MICHAEL WEBSTER: SYNDICATED INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER NOV 23, 2008 at 12:30 PM PST Mexican police - Corruption is Common on Both Sides of the Border Where Cash is King
BY MICHAEL WEBSTER SYNDICATED INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER Nov 24, 2008 at 12:01 AM PST Corruption on - Online Application | Rainbow CardÂ(r) Platinum PlusÂ(r) | Gay & Lesbian Credit Card
Visibility is a powerful tool in the fight for civil rights. Consumer spending has a similarly p - Gay Credit Card | Apply Online
The rainbow flag can now be proudly displayed on the Rainbow CardÂ(r) Platinum PlusÂ(r) VisaÂ(r) is - Apply Online | Gay & Lesbian Credit Card
The rainbow flag is now being prominently displayed on the Bank of AmericaÂ(r) Rainbow CardÂ(r) Pla - How Rusting of Iron Can be Prevented and Corrosion Resistance Increased?
Corrosion is partial or complete wearing away, dissolving, or softening of any substance by chemica - Key Witnesses to Testify in the Carona Corruption Trail
 Key witnesses to testify in the Carona corruption trail  MICHAEL WEBSTER: INVESTIGATIVE REPORT
Most viewed articles in this category:
- International Phytosanitary Standard for Wood Packaging ISPM15 Regulations
There has been increasing concern in recent years about the spread of pests, such as the Asian longh - The Advent of Biodiesel Algae Power
With the increasing interest in biodiesel as an alternative fuel for diesel engine cars, further stu - Prince of the Environment Chills His Palace
Climate change has been a much talked about subject in royal circles since Prince Charles started to - Biodiesel and Its Impact on the Environment
Biodiesel has been getting its share of interest among people in the search for alternative fuels. T - Computer Recycling: What You Need To Know
Recycling is one of the best ways in which to have a positive impact upon the world in which we live - Monte Carlo Yacht Show 2007 To Be Carbon Neutral
The European superyacht industry has blossomed over the last ten years, with multi millionaires and - Monaco Set To Cut 2007 Carbon Emissions
Monaco has led the small countries of the world in the campaign to heighten awareness of environment - Global Warming And You
It seems everyday we're bombarded with even more information regarding global warming. Scientists g - CFL Light Bulbs In Texas - Not The Brightest Idea?
Mercury is poisonous, yet it's a critical part of most compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), the k - Raise Money For Charity Without Spending A Cent
When most people think of supporting charities, they think of money. This can be a problem for peop
