They normally put in a brand new engine for the race. They run it on "carb" day, the Thursday before the race and then on race day. At least the top teams do, the smaller ones may use the same engine for practice, qualifying and the race without a rebuild/change.
M1 in Indy car?
- Thread starter blsnelling
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Patman
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Hey look, it's Kenny Rogers in the background!
Alright. Two chemists talking oil in a campground. Hope we don't bore the neighbors.
If it rains, we have 3 extra beds in the motorhome.
Let me know the dates. Our plan is to become half time RV'ers.
At the Toronto Indy (CART) about 5-6 years ago I saw them pouring in red cap M1 15W50. As someone else pointed out, it was an M1 bottle anyways. In the day I thought "cool!", because I was using the same oil. On reflection, it seemed so staged. The paddock was packed with people checking out the cars, mechanic comes out and sets the M1 bottle down on top of the car in a beam of light with the nice clean label perfectly facing the crowd, messes around under the car, adjusts the oil bottle.
Why would a race team that does so many OCIs be using 1L bottles? Red cap was available in gallon jugs from Walmart at the time, and obviously a large consumer can probably get drums of it.
For the OP, I've only ever seen M1 0W40 in 1L containers, but that wasn't the case with 15W50.
For the OP, I've only ever seen M1 0W40 in 1L containers, but that wasn't the case with 15W50.
Back on topic: I could see them using quarts at the race track due to contamination issues. Next time someone observes something like this try to find out if the bottles are factory sealed or if there are any factory sealed cases setting around. Some of the things you have to realize is that some of the oils that you can buy off the shelf today are better than the racing oils of 20 to 30 years ago.
Entirely true. When I used to crew back in the 90's, Robert Yates Racing did in fact use plain old dino Havoline. Quart bottles out of a cardboard case. Back then the #6 car used Valvoline Synthetic 20w-50 or 10w-30, depending on the track and qual/race setup.
Ouch!
I will not blindly accept another's opinion without examining it in my own experiences.
Wowsers, what refined profundity.
Wowsers, what refined profundity.
Another reason to use Mobil 1; if there was an advantage using anything else they would, regardless of the sponsor.
The team may have to pay Honda 100K if there was any engine damage of the result of 27% wrong fuel. Wonder what it would cost if they had the wrong oil in it?
Point is, these guys are using exactly what the engine builder says to use for oil. Not sponsor oil in most cases.
Point is, these guys are using exactly what the engine builder says to use for oil. Not sponsor oil in most cases.
But even if it was shown that the bottle was sealed from the factory a new more elaborate conspiracy would appear.
"I agree that is a Mobil1 bottle."
BUT, what color is the cap???
BUT, what color is the cap???
Truer words were never spoken!!
Unfortunately, I will not be at the race. I do appreciate you inquiring.
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