Fuel

[marcus]

one thing i noticed during both races over the weekend was the amount of cars that ran out of fuel.

why is this .why were they running so long that they ran out of fuel?
I know it was a new track and they didnt have any data to go on but surely there is onboard computers that can tell them exactly how much fuel they have left and can pit at the right time instead of going one more lap.

just seems very strange to me that in this day and age so many ruin there race (or severly hamper it) by running the tank dry.

anybody know why?

[Joe Fan]

Marcus, NASCAR does not allow onboard computer anything in an attempt to keep costs low and emphasize the "man" part of the "man vs. machine" equation. Fuel calculations are made based upon pre-determined fuel mileage and how much fuel is left over in the fuel cans and catch cans after each pit stop.

I think the reasons why teams were running out of fuel was a lack of good fuel mileage data since this was a new track. Also, since there hasn't been a good second groove worked in yet, this made passing more difficult which in turn means that track position was more critical.

[marcus]

thanks Joe..its good to have an expert around to clarrify things a little.

I had no idea there were no on board computers..I simply assumed that there was..I guess its a way to keep costs down and I like the idea of it.

and it certainly explains why so many ran out of fuel..i just havent seen that many cars do it in one weekend

I guess when humans are involved miscalculations are always gonna happen ..luck of the draw I guess.

thanks again