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Writer's picturejoelbaezayala

Race Gas: A Cost-Effective Solution for High-Performance Engines

Welcome to this week's blog! Today, I'll be discussing Race Gas, a specialized type of additive used in pump gasoline for high-performance engines. Race Gas is formulated to provide a higher octane rating and more energy than traditional gasoline, which is essential for high-performance engines that operate at higher RPMs and produce more power. One of the major benefits of using Race Gas is that it can prevent engine knock or detonation, which can cause severe engine damage.


Race Gas Original



It's important to note the difference between Race Gas and racing fuel. Race Gas is a concentrate that blends with pump gasoline to transform it into high-octane, high-energy, track-grade racing fuel. It contains various chemicals grouped into fuel hydrocarbons, oxygenates, and organometallic compounds. In fact, just two ounces of Race Gas can raise the octane of one gallon of gasoline by four numbers. This makes Race Gas a cost-effective option for racers when used as per instructions provided.


In the past, when I used to take my ex-Subaru to the racetrack, I would typically use 110 octane race fuel. I would often use VP Racing Fuel (MS109) or Sunoco Racing Fuel (260 GT), whichever I could find. However, I found that the race fuel at the track pumps was often of poor quality, as it had been sitting around for a while and had accumulated moisture and dirt. Additionally, some of its components had turned into gums and varnishes, making it less effective. Furthermore, high-octane racing fuel is expensive.





To save money, I decided to research the difference between racing fuel and pump gas and found that Race Gas had standardized testing for their fuel using the ASTM D 2699 and D 2700 test, set by the American Society for Testing and Materials. So, I decided to try a more affordable alternative. I bought 93-octane gasoline from a nearby gas station and mixed it with Race Gas octane boosters to get 108 octane racing gas. And when I needed even higher octane, I used Race Gas Ultra, which gave me 112 octanes, all for a fraction of the cost of traditional racing fuel. I filled fuel jugs with pump gas and mixed it with Race Gas Ultra to make my own racing fuel. The average price for a 5-gallon racing fuel is around $125.00, whereas getting 5 gallons of 93 octane pump gas cost me $20.00 plus $36.00 of Race Gas Ultra is $56.00, which is almost half of the cost of the racing fuel price. I never looked back.


Race Gas Ultra




In addition to its high-octane gasoline products, Race Gas also offers a diesel performance product called Race Gas Diesel Performance Plus. This product is specifically designed to improve diesel engine performance, prevent gel formation, and provide oxygenation and lubrication. It is a great option for those who are trying to boost their engines with tuners and larger turbos and are running out of cetane, a measure of a diesel fuel's ignition quality. The product improves cetane, which is roughly equivalent to octane in a gasoline engine, allowing for more power and better performance. Moreover, it also figures out a way to oxygenate the fuel without it spontaneously combusting when it comes out of the injector. This diesel performance product has become increasingly popular among those who use it in their tow rigs to haul their cars to the track or even in drag racing diesel engines.

Detonation, also known as knock or pinging, is one of the worst things that can happen to an engine during racing. It occurs when the fuel is compressed in the compression stroke, and the heat of the compression causes the fuel to ignite before the spark plug does. This creates multiple flame fronts moving at different speeds along the edges of the piston, which causes the piston to rattle inside the bore of the engine, producing a distinctive knocking sound.


Severe detonation can cause severe engine damage, such as melting a hole in the piston and cylinder bore. It can also lead to decreased engine performance as the fuel oxidizes, the light aromatics that provide throttle response evaporate, the fuel becomes hydroscopic, and the organic metallic compounds used to add octane oxidize due to UV infiltration and light. All of these factors can lead to hard starts, poor throttle response, and a buildup of sludge at the bottom of the tank.

To avoid detonation and its detrimental effects, it's important to use high-octane fuel such as Race Gas that's specifically formulated to prevent engine knock and provide optimal performance. Additionally, maintaining the cleanliness of your fuel tank, and ensuring that the fuel you use is fresh and has not been exposed to water, UV light and other environmental factors is crucial to avoid these issues.


The octane rating of a fuel measures its resistance to detonation or knock under compression. The higher the octane rating, the more the fuel will resist ignition before the spark plug sets it off. In high-performance engines with high compression, high boost, or a lot of timing, high-octane fuel is needed to ensure that the fuel ignites only when the spark plug sets it off, not when the piston does. There are a few different octane numbers used to measure the octane rating of a fuel. The Motor Octane Number (MON) measures the fuel's performance in an engine test stand under load, while the Research Octane Number (RON) measures performance at idle and low speeds. The Anti-Knock Index (AKI), which is the average of the RON and MON, is the standard octane rating used in the United States and is the number listed on fuel pumps. It's important to note that even though fuel companies may publish their MON and RON, the AKI is the standard rating used for all fuel.

When it comes to octane rating, the number obtained from reading the blending tables is the Anti-Knock Index (AKI), as it is with any other fuel manufacturer. However, there are other products on the market that don't clearly state the octane number they are formulated to. This is because they often raise the Research Octane Number (RON), which is the easiest octane number to affect. But, the problem with that is that race cars never compete at idle, so the RON is not a good representation of the fuel's performance under normal driving conditions. Other octane numbers are starting to gain prominence such as the Motor Octane Number (MON) or the Realized Octane Number (RdON) which provide a better representation of how the fuel performs under normal driving conditions, in this case high-performance conditions. These numbers aim to provide a more accurate representation of the fuel's performance and gives customers a better idea of what they can expect from the fuel they use.


Using an octane booster, which can be easily obtained off the shelf, and pouring it into your fuel tank can make a difference by increasing the octane by a couple of points. However, it's important to understand that an octane point is not a whole number, but rather a tenth of a number. For example, if an octane booster claims to raise the octane by five points, that means that if you have 91 octanes fuel, it will now be 91.5. Similarly, if the boost is one point, that means that a gallon of 91 octane fuel will now be 92 octanes. This distinction is important as some people may use the terms "points" and "numbers" interchangeably, but they are not the same. Octane boosters are useful in situations where a little extra octane is needed to keep the engine running properly, such as under towing conditions or in high altitude areas where extra performance is required. However, when using Race Gas or Race Gas Ultra, a race fuel concentrate, it is a different animal altogether. Racing fuel contains not only higher octane but also higher chemical energy and oxygen. Having high octane and low chemical energy will cause the engine to run out of wide-open throttle, and potentially damage the engine. Similarly, if the fuel has high octane and low chemical oxygen, some of the fuel will burn in the exhaust stroke, also causing damage to the engine. In order to replicate racing fuel, all three of these elements are needed, and Race Gas products were designed from the onset to be a direct replacement for commercial racing fuel. All dyno testing has demonstrated that Race Gas offers a product that can be a direct replacement to commercial racing fuel at a lower price and a more convenient way to get it. A test was conducted on a stock Subaru WRX STI vehicle to evaluate the performance benefits of using Race Gas or Race Gas Ultra, a race fuel concentrate. The vehicle was left unmodified and a baseline performance measurement was taken. The octane level was then increased to 97, resulting in an improvement of 22-wheel horsepower. To further improve performance, an ECU tune was performed for 100 octanes without modifying the boost, resulting in an additional 56 horsepower improvement. This demonstrates the significant performance gains that can be achieved through proper engine tuning and the use of high-performance fuel such as Race Gas.




These is something for power sports, too. There is a smaller can created, a 16 ounce can. That can be used in motorcycles, ATV’s, snowmobiles, go-karts and more.





The instructions for using Race Gas are clear and easy to understand, as they are prominently displayed on the side of the can. The back of the can also includes a blending chart, which makes it simple to mix the fuel with regular gasoline. Mixing can be done either in the car or in a fuel jug. A recommended way to mix it in a race car would be to pour the Race Gas into an empty tank and then add pump gas on top of it. This allows for good agitation, which will help to blend the two fuels together. If adding to a full tank, it's recommended to pour it in at the end and then either let the car idle or drive it around a bit to get the fuel to mix well in the tank, rail or carburetor.






It's important to note that Race Gas, like other commercial racing fuel manufacturers, have certified every blend on their chart. Meaning that every single number on that blending chart has been tested by a lab and is valid. This gives users the confidence that they know exactly what they're getting and that the product has been tested to ensure quality.

Instructions for using Race Gas are easy to follow, as they are clearly printed on the side of the can. The back of the can includes a blend chart, which can be used to determine the appropriate ratio of Race Gas to pump fuel. Mixing the fuel can be done directly in the car or in a fuel jug. It is recommended to empty the tank before adding the fuel, or to add it to a full tank and drive the vehicle for a bit to allow for proper mixing. It's important to remember that more octane is not always better and can actually damage the engine if used excessively. It is recommended to consult with a tuner or engine builder to determine the appropriate octane level for your specific engine. Additionally, Race Gas can be a more cost-effective alternative to commercial racing fuel, especially for those who race frequently.

Because you'll get a lot of fuel burning in the exhaust stroke or not burning at all. It's always recommended to set your timing and your engine right at the edge of detonation. That's where it runs the best and that's where you'll make the most power. If your engine is set up to run at 91 and you put in 105, you're not going to get any more power, in fact, you'll probably get less power. So, more is not better. Additionally, racing fuel is expensive and this means a lot of racers are not able to race as much or at all. If you don't give them an alternative to high priced commercial racing. Race Gas offers an alternative, allowing racers to adjust the octane to match their needs and save money in the process. It is important to note that using more octane than what is recommended for your engine can actually lead to a decrease in performance and can cause damage to your engine. It's essential to consult with your engine builder or tuner to determine the appropriate octane level for your vehicle. Additionally, it is crucial to set your timing and engine at the edge of detonation, as this is where it will run at its best and yield the most power. Setting your engine to run on a higher octane fuel than it is designed for, such as 105 when it is set to run on 91, will not provide any additional power and may in fact decrease performance. It is important to remember that the ideal octane level for your engine is one that is tailored to your specific engine and its unique characteristics, not always the highest octane available. Racing fuel is expensive and can limit the amount of racing for many enthusiasts. That's where Race Gas comes in, offering an alternative to high-priced commercial racing fuel. With its ability to adjust octane levels, it can cater to a wide range of motorsports, including dirt track and oval racing. Race Gas allows racers to save money on fuel, allowing them to race more often and increase their level of experience and skills. It is a convenient and cost-effective solution for many amateur racers who are looking to improve their performance and take part in more events. Motorsports is currently experiencing a surge in popularity, with more amateur racing series available than ever before. Racing fuel, however, can be a significant expense for many racers, which may prevent them from participating as often or at all. Race Gas offers an alternative to high-priced commercial racing fuel, providing a cost-effective option for racers. Additionally, as the number of amateur racing series increases, there is a growing need for more accessible and affordable fuel options. Race Gas can help to fill this need, allowing more drivers to take part in these popular events. Overall, Race Gas offers a viable alternative to expensive commercial racing fuel, and can help to promote the growth of the motorsports industry. The use of Race Gas can provide a cost-effective alternative to high-priced commercial racing fuel, enabling more racers to participate in motorsports. Race Gas is a good choice for those who want to adjust their octane level for different events and track conditions, especially for weekend warriors, who want to track their cars in the US. It has been demonstrated that using Race Gas can improve the performance of an engine, but it is important to note that more is not always better and to avoid going too far with the octane level. Race Gas is a product that is easy to use and understand, with clear instructions and a blend chart on the back of the can. It is also reassuring to know that the blends have been certified and tested by a lab, so customers can use Race Gas with confidence. Overall, the use of Race Gas can help to keep motorsports accessible and affordable for more people, contributing to the growth and popularity of the sport. I'm glad to hear that people are finding success with the Contingency Connection program. The program you've described provides sponsorship and discounts for amateur racers, which is a unique and valuable offering for those who may not have the same resources and support as professional racers. It's great to hear that the program is growing and that racers can submit requests for their local track to be sponsored at www.contingencyconnection.com. As an amateur racer myself, I understand the importance of any financial support that can be obtained.


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