Does auto racing drain oil supplies in a great capacity?

Question

From NASCAR to local events, do auto sporting events put a drain on oil supply demands to the point that it affects consumers?

Answer 1

Ultimately, the drain is so small it would hardly be noticed. If you look at many of the numbers where most cars will get between 2-4mpg while racing, it can sound pretty bad. However, if you were to add up all of the racing that happens around the world over one weekend, the total amount of gas used is probably on par with one or two transatlantic plane flights!

Secondly, series like F1 and endurance racing often lead to major developments in fuel technology which make for greater savings overall when applied to consumer vehicles. So while there is a waste of a very small portion, the end effect couodl easily measure out as being a saving overall for the effort made.

And lastly, there is VERY little conversion to ethenol among race cars. The fact that enthenol can hold water makes it very unattractive to the amatuer ranks as it could wind up being very costly on engine wear - I would not plan to run it, and I do not know anyone in any of the classes I run (or anyone at all) that is using, or would consider using ethenol. It's not offered for sale at any race track I drive (though leaded fuels are still offered here). I am also not aware of any major series that has made such a switch.

Answer 2

In the oil crunch of the 70s NASCAR survived by convincing regulators that they consumed less gas in a weekend than does the NFL. Because the NFL flies their players to each game - pro-football was consuming more fuel! IndyCars are going 100% ethanol this year and ChampCar remains an methanol fueled series. Endurance racing (LeMans) is going to alternative fuel and the 24 Hours of LeMans was won by a diesel! This diesel ran European-spec fuel that burned absolutely soot free (no black clouds like US trucks).

Answer 3

No it has no significant effect whatsoever. The actual amount of fuel & oil used is totally inconsequential in relation to the total volume of oil consumed.

It has also been documented that the thousands of fans of racing would very likely be out driving (using fuel & oil) somewhere, as is our custom as Americans, so being at a racing event for hours (or days) quite possibly counterbalances any oil products used in the sport.

Answer 4

no, first of all most of the racing community is switching to ethanol, made from corn and the one that used petroleum based product use a fraction of a percentage of the American oil market, so it changes the demand a fraction of a percentage, making a minimal difference in supply. so No way, i think that America should start using alternative fuels anyway, sooner then later!but lets facit as long as that former oil excecutive and current puppet of those oil companies is still in office, it won't happen

Answer 5

I would not think so. It's a good point but there are so many things that use oil etc that i don't think auto racing would affect consumers. if any thing it should make a better price as more would be sold for use. haven't ever heard it has:)