As many of you know, I love going to the races and talking with new and old friends. Of course we share stories and experiences, but then we get on the subject of different stuff we do to our bikes and different stuff we use. Now, just walking around the pits I have seen and heard a lot of people say different things about race fuel. So, when I was speaking with Rick Fales, President of PowerMist Racing Products Inc located in Newton, N.J., I asked him some questions about what I have seen and heard over the years. I found a lot of it very interesting and I thought I would share it with you! Everything that is noted below applies to all makes and manufactures of racing fuels.

I’m going to start off with the most popular thing I see. Everyone trying to save money and mix High Octane fuel with pump gas. Everyone says, "Well, it’s better than running pump gas and I get to save money." This is not true any longer. There is NO performance advantage at all. Now, this was true pre 1991 when the pump fuels contained Phosphorus. Phosphorus would react to the lead thus giving you an octane enhancement. But now you are pretty much just burning your money away.

Another funny thing I have heard around the pits is, "I got a bad batch of fuel and I blew up my motor". There is no such thing as a bad batch of fuel. If you take all the chemical components and run them separate in your motor, it will still run. The most likely cause is improper jetting. It’s also safer to be on the rich side than the lean side. When your motor is running lean, that’s when you get into problems.

Ok, for the last thing on the rumor of race fuels is "Higher Octane fuels make your bike faster". Higher Octane has no bearing on performance. It’s the chemical make up that makes the performance.

Ok, here is something to rack your brain with.

Specific Gravity- How to use:

Specific Gravity is the weight of fuel in relation to the weight of water. Now, 1.0 is the weight of water.

For example:

You are using: PowerMist T111 @ .718

Want to use: PowerMist TWS @ .710

PowerMist TWS is lighter than PowerMist T111 so you would have to Lean out your machine.

You are using: PowerMist T111 @ .718

Want to use: PowerMist T112 @ .728

PowerMist T112 is heavier than PowerMist T111, so you would have to Richen up your machine.

Now, I know most of you are probably saying to yourself, "He’s just saying that to get you to buy his fuel". This is what I have heard before as well. The Fales family has been involved in chemical related businesses since 1903. Rick has over 40 years of experience as well as 9 world championships in 1100cc Boat Racing. PowerMist is not only involved in stock cars, ATV’s, and motorcycles, but everything from Models to NASCAR, Bathtub racing to Bar Stool Racing. They don’t know what sport they aren’t involved in. PowerMist is seen as a pioneer and world leader in specialty Racing Fuels, Lubricants and Chemical Additives. In most motorsports worldwide, PowerMist has a reputation unsurpassed for quality and consistency.

I hope this column helps with the many questions about fuel, but I’m sure some still have some more. Since Rick is usually busy, being the only person that makes the fuel, you may contact me anytime with your questions and he has agreed to answer them! Remember there is no such thing as a stupid question, feel free to ask away!! My e-mail address is: quad_45@hotmail.com. Also for a full list of there products visit www.powermist.com.

Ride hard, be safe, and have fun!