Before you go to the races it is a wise idea to make sure all your money spent and all that effort involved will add up to great finish and a fun day! Many riders, maybe just starting out, or seasoned vets and pros forget about a very important part of their high tech racing machines….The gasoline! Yes, that expensive petroleum fluid that makes your bike rip IS important!
Whether it be really expensive racing fuel or just really expensive kinda junky fuel from a local gas station (heaven forbid), the correct fuel temperature will make a difference in the performance of your bike when starting the race!
Walkin’ around the pits at a local or pro race brings to “light” some very interesting sights, some gas jugs sitting in direct sunlight! Yikes! ….Lets talk fuel prep here for a minute in simple terms (KISS like in the military)…
You all know that excessive heat in your racing engine is not good (especially 4-strokes which generate super high eng. temps anyway) and the same goes for the fuel entering your engine. The gas that is in your container, if excessively hot, will cause evaporation of some light additives faster then normal. (According to VP Racing Fuels and others, specific gravity tests are taken at 60 degrees F.).
So what’s the best solution without making this complicated?
Keep your fuel in a cool place when not in use at home, OR at the track!
Insulate the lower portion of your fuel tank (4-strokes especially) for longer motos!
Do not leave your fuel container in direct sunlight for any length of time!
Remember, keeping your gasoline cool at the races (to a point of course) is a positive thing! Fuel intake charge IS denser at cool temps. More bang for your buck… so to speak. Fuel inside the plastic or metal container can reach 100 degrees in the sun…which is not good for starting line performance! Like you, your bike likes cool fuel down its intake. Ever drink 95 degree Gatorade before your start?…Well your bike doesn’t like 95 degree gasoline!
Cover your bases…Factory teams and riders in the know always followed this simple procedure when at the races. They even store fuel in a temp controlled fridge when possible.
Keeping gasoline at 50-65 degrees is good…Overheated gas is not!
When rippin’ up the track. Add this simple but IMPORTANT racing tip to your routine and win some races on your 2 or 4 stroke.
Cool fuel is well…Cool……
Jeff Conboy
RACEPRO USA.com
Racepro’s Cool Fuel Jacket.
