Rumor has it that NASCAR’s new fuel supplier in 2004 will want the cars to run unleaded fuel. “Several years ago there was the possibility of NASCAR having to switch to unleaded fuel. At the time, there was some concern that lead in fuel lubricates. There was concern that valve guides or valve stems and maybe possibly valve seats would wear out quickly. Most teams that tried it had figured out a way around it if that was going to be the case. There were a couple of teams that struggled and NASCAR decided not to use the unleaded fuel. Supposedly, the unleaded fuel would pull more horsepower because it’s got oxygen in it, so it’s not a horsepower issue, it’s more of a longevity issue. You just convert to different materials on places like your valve seats or valve guides and things like that. ( AutoRacing1.com – need subscription to read)(4-30-2003)
