Top 5 Myths About Racing Fuels — Busted by Experts

When it comes to racing fuels, there’s a lot of talk — and even more confusion. Whether you're new to motorsports or a seasoned racer, you've probably heard plenty of bold claims about E85 race fuel, race gas, and other high-performance fuels. But which ones are true, and which are just myths?

In this blog, we’re busting the top 5 most common myths about racing fuels with help from experts in performance tuning and fuel technology. Get ready for a dose of clarity — and maybe a surprise or two.

Myth #1: All Racing Fuels Are the Same

Busted: Racing fuels come in many different blends and formulations — and they’re not one-size-fits-all.

From race gas with high octane ratings to oxygenated fuels like E85 race fuel, each type is designed for specific engines and performance goals. Choosing the right fuel depends on your engine compression ratio, timing, air-fuel mixture, and what kind of racing you’re doing.

Using the wrong racing fuel can reduce performance, damage your engine, or even disqualify you from competition. Always consult your tuner or engine builder before making a switch.

Myth #2: Higher Octane Automatically Means More Power

Busted: Octane rating measures a fuel’s resistance to pre-ignition or "knock" — not its ability to produce power.

It’s a common belief that higher-octane race gas means better performance. While it's true that high-compression engines require higher-octane fuel to prevent knocking, simply using high-octane fuel in a stock engine won’t magically increase horsepower.

In fact, if your engine isn’t tuned for it, you may not see any benefits at all. For maximum power, your engine needs to be tuned to match the fuel’s properties — especially when running E85 race fuel or other specialty blends.

Myth #3: E85 Race Fuel is Just Cheap Ethanol

Busted: E85 race fuel is not the same as pump ethanol blends.

Yes, both contain ethanol — but racing-grade E85 is cleaner, more consistent, and made specifically for performance. Pump E85 (sold at some gas stations) varies in ethanol content and may include impurities that affect combustion. This can cause inconsistent performance or even engine damage over time.

True E85 race fuel is carefully formulated to provide high oxygen content, cooler intake temps, and excellent knock resistance — making it ideal for turbocharged or high-compression engines. It also allows for aggressive timing and increased boost when tuned properly.

Myth #4: You Can Use Race Gas in Any Car

Busted: Not all engines are built for race gas — and using it in a regular street car can be pointless or harmful.

Race gas is designed for high-performance or purpose-built racing engines. These fuels are more stable at high temperatures, burn cleaner at high RPMs, and support advanced timing — but only if the engine is tuned for it.

Using race fuel in a daily driver can actually be a waste of money, since the car’s ECU isn’t programmed to take advantage of the fuel’s properties. In some cases, it could even foul your spark plugs or reduce efficiency.

Myth #5: Racing Fuels Are Dangerous to Use

Busted: Racing fuels, when stored and handled properly, are no more dangerous than pump fuel.

Yes, safety is important — but that doesn’t mean racing fuels are inherently unsafe. In fact, most are formulated to burn cleaner and cooler than pump gas. The key is to store them in approved containers, avoid exposure to direct sunlight, and keep them away from ignition sources.

Whether you're handling E85 race fuel, leaded race gas, or any other specialty blend, following basic safety guidelines makes using racing fuel as safe as using regular gasoline.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to racing fuels, separating fact from fiction is essential if you want to get the most out of your engine — and your budget. Whether you're considering switching to E85 race fuel, testing out high-octane race gas, or just trying to understand what's best for your setup, always rely on expert advice, dyno testing, and proper tuning.

Understanding these common myths can help you avoid costly mistakes and improve your performance on the track. Because at the end of the day, the right fuel isn’t about hype — it’s about what works best for your build.