VP Racing Fuels looks at the benefits of 102 octane fuels

The MSA Blue Book was updated at the beginning of 2018 in order to change the definition of “pump fuel”. Alongside the ability for competitors to continue to obtain fuel from UK roadside filling stations, the MSA regulations now also permit “Petrol or Diesel in compliance with FIA Appendix J Art 252, Article 9”, which allows for fuels with a research octane number (RON) up to 102, a motor octane number (MON) of 90, as well as an oxygen content of 3.7%.

Not only does this bring UK regulations in line with FIA European norms, this also enables club racers to have access to a greater choice of fuels. Racers who compete both in the UK and Europe will not have to re-map their engines in between events, and the availability of higher-quality fuels will help engine reliability, particularly in older or historic vehicles.

VP Racing Fuels released its RX102 fuel in late 2017, as a complement to the company’s high-performance rally fuel R5, developed with M-Sport. RX102 meets all the requirements of Appendix J but is priced to appeal to the club racer, while still maintaining VP’s signature quality. 

Fred Turza has been Technical Manager at VP Racing Fuels for ten years, with previous experience as a professional engine builder. He explains: “We always look for new blend stock ingredients that meet our stringent standards, with the desire to provide participants with a high-quality product. RX102 enables us to do this, putting that high-specification fuel within everyone’s reach”

A professional standard

A high precision, specially-engineered fuel, VP Racing Fuel’s RX102 explodes more efficiently than lower octane fuels, delivering more power for less fuel. It has been designed with the tolerances and specifications required at the pinnacle of motorsport, in major international race series including the European Drag Racing Series, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and the Pirelli World Challenge,

Speaking of the benefits, Turza continues: “RX102 is a highly versatile fuel that can be used in virtually any application where additional performance is needed. For UK racers, it allows them to tune their engine for greater consistency and reliability. With the higher octane, there is also less risk of engine knock and this means the fuel is contributing to the longevity of an engine.”

Proven performance

VP Racing Fuel’s RX102 has been proven for performance not just on four wheels, but on two and even on vehicles that have no wheels! In the UK, and across Europe, RX102-equipped racers have seen success in racing, rallying, motocross and jetski during 2018 – the benefits of a quality racing fuel from an established manufacturer.

Peter Coleman is responsible for VP’s business development across Europe and was appointed in February 2018. While 102 octane fuels will deliver performance enhancement, Coleman is keen to make racers aware of the importance of engine mapping when using high performance fuels. 

“At VP, we see racing fuel as another performance component, one to be chosen to exacting standards to work in harmony with the vehicle’s other high-specification racing parts. With this relatively recent regulation change, racers now have far more choice, so it’s worth taking the time to understand how a well-tuned and mapped engine can derive full benefit from VP’s RX102”. 

Coleman concludes: “VP Racing Fuels owns and operates a fully equipped analytical laboratory in Texas, but around the world, we enjoy spending time in the paddock, in the workshop and at dyno facilities, working with racers and engine builders. Motor racing is in our blood, and that passion is reflected in every fuel we blend, in many cases for specific customers and applications – and we’re continually looking to expand these really rewarding partnerships all across Europe”.

For more information on VP Racing Fuels, visit www.vpracingfuels.com or contact Peter Coleman at peter.coleman@vpracingfuels.com. VP Fuels are available in the UK via importer Race Fuel Ltd (www.racefuel.online), and VP’s growing line of Consumer Products is available from www.oldhallperformance.com.