From the editors of
Gas stations can be found on nearly every major intersection. Finding one that sells race fuel, though, can be a little tougher.
In addition to 54-gallon drums and bulk quantities, race fuels are usually also available in 5-gallon pails. These smaller containers open up the distribution network, eliminating the pumps and infrastructure usually associated with gas stations.
Finding Fuel: Sunoco maintains a Fuel Finder tool that lists We just checked Sunoco Race Fuels’ website for the greater Daytona Beach area–home base for Grassroots Motorsports–and were rewarded with a long list of retail outlets. The closest to us is Daytona International Speedway–not a surprise since Sunoco is the official fuel of NASCAR. Next on the list is our local speed shop. Then it’s a mix of fuel distributors, motorcycle shops, racetracks, traditional gas stations and other businesses that serve the hobby–an alignment shop, for example, popped up in our results.
Want a deeper breakdown of how to locate the best outlets near you? See our guide on Where to Buy Racing Fuel, which covers in-store, trackside, and distributor options.
Shipping Fuel: Some companies and retailers will also ship those 5-gallon pails directly to your doorstep, although Fred McConnell, Director of Fuels Marketing & Motorsports at Sunoco, reminds us that the freight bill must be considered. If your local outlet doesn’t stock your preferred blend, he offers a less expensive alternative: Contact your regional distributor. With enough of a heads-up, they can likely add your fuel to one of their regular stocking orders.
Storing Fuel: Properly storing that fuel, assuming that it’s not used right away, can lengthen its shelf life. The Sunoco Race Fuels website offers some handy storage tips: Keep the containers full, tightly sealed, and away from daylight and major temperature swings. “Perfectly stored, most race fuels will last more than a year,” their website says. “If you are not sure you can use the fuel up within two years, add a quality fuel stabilizer to the fuel as soon as you purchase it.”
For more detailed storage recommendations—including how heat, sunlight, and ventilation affect fuel quality, see Why Storage Matters: Keeping Race Fuel at Peak Quality.