# Do NASCARs use jet fuel? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 28, 2012, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257 "2012-02-28T15:23:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2012, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257/21 "2012-02-29T01:04:35Z")
> [@SanDiegoTim](#): > > This is not to criticize, but to educate. What everyone saw running around in counter-clockwise circles last night at Daytona are not “NASACARS” (ain’t no such thing). I know it’s phonetically logical to refer to them as such, but they are “stock cars” and they compete under the auspices of NASCAR. > > I feel better now that I’ve done my part. I remain blissful in my ignorance of NASCAR. NASCAR drivers drive NASCARs, which is a far more accurate description of them than “stock” cars – as if. ---
**Author:** ![Hail\_Ants](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/dc4da7/32.png) [@Hail\_Ants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hail_Ants)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2012, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257/22 "2012-02-29T02:05:41Z")
> [@toadspittle](#): > > The short news summaries of this event were very confusing, especially our local newscaster saying that “a car struck a _safety_ truck that was carrying 200 gallons of jet fuel.” > > A safety truck filled with jet fuel sounds kind of like a pillow filled with broken glass. It’s one part sensationalism, nine parts ignorance. For as long as I can remember TV news talking heads love to say _“gallons of jet fuel”_ because it sounds so ominous. It’s just highly filtered kerosene. The stuff you use in a portable home heater, you could literally pour it into an airliner’s tank and it would work fine. The regular gasoline (petrol) you buy at a gas station for your car is infinitely more dangerous than so-called “jet fuel”. Other nitpick: That NASCAR pavement-dryer-thing is more accurately called a **“gas turbine engine”** , not a “jet engine” because it’s not found on jet airliners nor fighter jets (only on turboprops). ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2012, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257/23 "2012-02-29T02:49:41Z")
> [@engineer\_comp\_geek](#): > > Alcohol has much less energy per volume than gasoline. If you don’t change anything else, E15 will give you less horsepower and worse mileage. In addition to the above mentioned reasons, alcohol also contains some of it’s own oxygen which though makes mpg go down as you are carrying around some of your oxidizer along with fuel, but also makes it possible to burn more in a given volume. ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2012, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257/24 "2012-02-29T02:51:08Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > NASCAR has a senior series? Do they drive around counterclockwise with their right blinker on? Big time is the Sprint Cup. Next is the Nationwide Series Next is the Truck Series Canadian Tire others … ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2012, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257/25 "2012-02-29T03:38:36Z")
> [@Hail\_Ants](#): > > Other nitpick: That NASCAR pavement-dryer-thing is more accurately called a **“gas turbine engine”** , not a “jet engine” because it’s not found on jet airliners nor fighter jets (only on turboprops). What does it use to do the actual drying? A big fan or something? ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2012, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257/26 "2012-02-29T03:56:13Z")
> [@](#): > > In simplest terms, a jet dryer is a device used to keep the racetrack dry and debris free. This is generally accomplished by mounting a **jet engine** to a slow-moving vehicle and driving around the track, so the name “jet dryer” is shockingly literal. According to ESPN, jet dryers were first introduced to **NASCAR** in 1976 and have been used ever since. Obviously when cars are moving at high speeds, and in close proximity, keeping the track free of anything that might cause them to spin out of control is paramount. > > The jet dryer that was hit by Montoya in last night’s race was a trailer-mounted model pulled by a large pickup truck. ESPN reported at the time that the dryer in question uses a **[Westinghouse J34 jet engine](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westinghouse_j34)** to blow 1,100 degree air over the track. Originally developed in 1947, the J34 saw limited use at the time as the engine produced a “mere” 3,000 – 4,900 pounds of thrust. It was, however, used to power to the sleek [Douglas X-3 “Stiletto”](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-3_Stiletto) and the far less photogenic [XF-85 “Goblin,”](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_XF-85_Goblin) so at least there’s that. According to BuzzFeed, the particular engine used in the NASCAR jet dryer hails from the 1960s. [What is a Jet Dryer? | The Mary Sue](http://www.geekosystem.com/daytona-500-jet-dryer/) > [@](#): > > Eagle Enterprises is one of the largest manufactures of jet dryers in the country. We have designed and manufactured jet dryers for NASCAR Speedways, US Navy, Various construction and paving contractors and Highway Departments. > > Our jet dryers can be custom built to fit your application. We manufacture Truck mounted units, Trailer units and Slide-in units. > > We have a patented our Sweeper/Dryers System. This system has proven itself several times during NASCAR events. It can save valuable time during cleanup after a crash or while drying after a rain. This system can be installed on our truck and trailer units. [http://www.eagle-enterprises.com/jet-dryers.html](http://www.eagle-enterprises.com/jet-dryers.html) Now if you don’t have a racetrack that needs clearing or drying, perhaps your driveway needs some snow and ice cleared, in no time —\> [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCwky4RHstA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCwky4RHstA) ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2012, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257/27 "2012-02-29T04:10:10Z")
> [@Hail\_Ants](#): > > Other nitpick: That NASCAR pavement-dryer-thing is more accurately called a **“gas turbine engine”** , not a “jet engine” because it’s not found on jet airliners nor fighter jets (only on turboprops). You are correct but we racing folks have called them “jet dryers” or “jet blowers” ever since they were introduced. They are wonderfully efficient but also incredibly loud. I just want to give a warm “thank you” to the fire crew who did such a good job with less-than-adequate tools for the job. Those guys are not series specialists but people who work different types of racing here and there, mostly as volunteers. The level of experience can vary greatly but they worked together very well. I’ve seen many fires at racetracks handled well, but most of my racing pals agree - this is the first jet-fuel fire we know of as well as one of the biggest. It’s amazing that there was enough track left to continue the race. ---
**Author:** ![bubba\_jr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e95f7d/32.png) [@bubba\_jr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bubba_jr)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2012, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257/28 "2012-02-29T05:13:07Z")
> [@SanDiegoTim](#): > > This is not to criticize, but to educate. What everyone saw running around in counter-clockwise circles last night at Daytona are not “NASACARS” (ain’t no such thing). I know it’s phonetically logical to refer to them as such, but they are “stock cars” and they compete under the auspices of NASCAR. > > I feel better now that I’ve done my part. As a long time Nascar fan and aspiring red neck(I have yet to yell “get off my land” while waving a shot gun) , I’ll respectfully disagree. They are not stock cars, they are race cars in a taxi cab shape with stickers to make them somewhat appear to be stock cars. I’m just nit pickin’. I won’t even get into the antiquated crap they are running for suspensions and motors. I’ve never seen a Toyota with a pushrod V-8 with a 30 year old Ford rear end and a suspension off a 60’s Chevy pickup. The Daytona 500 seems to be cursed lately. That was one heck of a fire, and one stupid accident. I don’t think anybody did anything wrong, one of those one in a million things, like flipping a coin and having it land on edge 5 times in a row. Nobody was hurt, that’s good. It damn near turned into a bad race, I almost ran out of beer. ---
**Author:** ![Accidental\_Martyr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ce7236/32.png) [@Accidental\_Martyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Accidental_Martyr)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2012, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257/29 "2012-02-29T05:51:55Z")
The cars were originally “stock” cars modified for racing. Although there is basically nothing stock on current NASCAR race cars, the terms “stock car” and “stock car racing” have stuck. ---
**Author:** ![Hail\_Ants](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/dc4da7/32.png) [@Hail\_Ants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hail_Ants)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2012, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257/30 "2012-02-29T11:45:49Z")
> [@carnut](#): > > You are correct but we racing folks have called them “jet dryers” or “jet blowers” ever since they were introduced. They are wonderfully efficient but also incredibly loud. According to **Duckster** ’s above post I stand corrected. That model dryer is indeed a true turbojet as used on (albeit an old) fighter aircraft. > [@Richard Pearse](#): > > What does it use to do the actual drying? A big fan or something? A gas turbine engine puts out a great deal of hot exhaust which would dry things quite well. The difference between a gas turbine engine and a turbo-fan (as on airliners) or a true turbo-jet (as on fighters, bombers etc.) is that the latter two deliver all their power via thrust out the back (what you normally think of in terms of a ‘jet engine’). A gas turbine delivers some this way, but most is converted to ‘shaft horsepower’, IOW the spinning turbine inside the engine is connected to gears which turn a propeller (a turbo-prop) or a rotorblade (a helicopter) or even a vehicle’s transmission (an M1 Abrams tank)… ---
**Author:** ![smithsb](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smithsb/32/12107_2.png) [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2012, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257/31 "2012-02-29T14:26:58Z")
> [@bubba\_jr](#): > > As a long time Nascar fan and aspiring red neck(I have yet to yell “get off my land” while waving a shot gun) , I’ll respectfully disagree. They are not stock cars, they are race cars in a taxi cab shape with stickers to make them somewhat appear to be stock cars. I’m just nit pickin’. I won’t even get into the antiquated crap they are running for suspensions and motors. I’ve never seen a Toyota with a pushrod V-8 with a 30 year old Ford rear end and a suspension off a 60’s Chevy pickup. > > The Daytona 500 seems to be cursed lately. That was one heck of a fire, and one stupid accident. I don’t think anybody did anything wrong, one of those one in a million things, like flipping a coin and having it land on edge 5 times in a row. > > Nobody was hurt, that’s good. It damn near turned into a bad race, I almost ran out of beer. Thank you Bubba, my first laugh and smile of the day courtesy of the dope. Why yes, my fellow cube dwellers do think I’m nuts.😃 ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2012, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257/32 "2012-02-29T15:48:23Z")
> [@Hail\_Ants](#): > > A gas turbine engine puts out a great deal of hot exhaust which would dry things quite well. The difference between a gas turbine engine and a turbo-fan (as on airliners) or a true turbo-jet (as on fighters, bombers etc.) is that the latter two deliver all their power via thrust out the back (what you normally think of in terms of a ‘jet engine’). A gas turbine delivers some this way, but most is converted to ‘shaft horsepower’, IOW the spinning turbine inside the engine is connected to gears which turn a propeller (a turbo-prop) or a rotorblade (a helicopter) or even a vehicle’s transmission (an M1 Abrams tank)… I’m aware of the distinction you were making, however to nitpick your nitpick, the turboprop, turbojet, and turbofan are all types of gas turbine engine. ---
**Author:** ![Wheelz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wheelz/32/5718_2.png) [@Wheelz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wheelz)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2012, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257/33 "2012-02-29T17:15:06Z")
> [@carnut](#): > > It’s amazing that there was enough track left to continue the race. One of the race commentators (Jeff Hammond, I think) declared that the track would be fine because most of what was burning was the vapors and not the fuel itself in contact with the track surface. I thought, “you’re nuts, the asphalt is going to be toast from all the heat regardless.” Damned if he didn’t turn out to be 100% right. > [@Accidental\_Martyr](#): > > The cars were originally “stock” cars modified for racing. Although there is basically nothing stock on current NASCAR race cars, the terms “stock car” and “stock car racing” have stuck. And in fact, NASCAR stands for (somewhat redundantly) **National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing**. ---
**Author:** ![fiddlesticks](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiddlesticks/32/18129_2.png) [@fiddlesticks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fiddlesticks)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2012, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257/34 "2012-02-29T18:48:31Z")
Here is a [NY Times article](http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/17/automobiles/collectibles/17speed.html) on when “stock cars” were “stock cars” and how that has changed over the years. [QUOTE=The New York Times] General Motors may hold the distinction of making the last mass-production models to have offshoots tailored specifically for Nascar duty. In 1986-87, Chevy Monte Carlo Aerocoupes and Pontiac Grand Prix Aerodynamic Coupes were built with extended rear windows that gave the cars an advantage on superspeedways. [/QUOTE] ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257/35 "2012-03-01T03:53:19Z")
> [@Wheelz](#): > > One of the race commentators (Jeff Hammond, I think) declared that the track would be fine because most of what was burning was the vapors and not the fuel itself in contact with the track surface. I thought, “you’re nuts, the asphalt is going to be toast from all the heat regardless.” Damned if he didn’t turn out to be 100% right. We are lucky he was right because he was forgetting that asphalt has oil in it and can melt and burn right quickly, not to mention how fuel can damage the surface if it sits there for more than a couple of minutes. But I do not know the different combustion temperatures of the two fuels. Again, kudos to the emergency services crews. And remember: NASCAR uses Tide because it gets their whole racetrack clean. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![fiddlesticks](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiddlesticks/32/18129_2.png) [@fiddlesticks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fiddlesticks)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257/36 "2012-03-01T16:42:42Z")
> [@carnut](#): > > We are lucky he was right because he was forgetting that asphalt has oil in it and can melt and burn right quickly, not to mention how fuel can damage the surface if it sits there for more than a couple of minutes. But I do not know the different combustion temperatures of the two fuels. Again, kudos to the emergency services crews. I also thought for certain the track would be damaged beyond repair. I wonder if the fact that the track was only recently completely repaved (after the pothole fiasco in the 2010 Daytona 500) saved the race. ---
**Author:** ![Accidental\_Martyr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ce7236/32.png) [@Accidental\_Martyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Accidental_Martyr)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2012, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257/37 "2012-03-01T23:28:37Z")
> [@carnut](#): > > We are lucky he was right because he was forgetting that asphalt has oil in it and can melt and burn right quickly, not to mention how fuel can damage the surface if it sits there for more than a couple of minutes. But I do not know the different combustion temperatures of the two fuels. Again, kudos to the emergency services crews. > > And remember: > NASCAR uses Tide because it gets their whole racetrack clean. 😃 …and Tide is a longtime NASCAR sponsor. 😉 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-nascars-use-jet-fuel/614257.md?page=1)