Why Racers Prefer Synthetic Motor Oils: Technical Analysis

Racers at all levels have recognized the benefits of using synthetic lubricants in their race vehicles. This isn't surprising to those of us who understand the technical advantages synthetics provide, especially in high-stress applications like motorsports where every horsepower counts.

Synthetic Oils: The Racer's Edge

According to Performance Racing Industry, synthetic motor oils have become quite popular in the world of racing. Despite costing more than conventional oils, racers of all levels have embraced synthetics for their ability to improve performance and extend equipment life.

"Obviously, if you reduce friction in the engine, you get more horsepower to the drivetrain, which is what every racer is looking for," says Terry Thompson of Performance Products in Oakland, Calif. "What you'd have to spend on modifications to get five or 10 more horsepower out of a racing engine, versus just changing oils, makes this a much less expensive option. Basically, it's cheap horsepower. Virtually every serious racer is going to the synthetics. There is just no comparison."

The Business Case for Synthetic Racing Oils

Carrying synthetic motor oils presents businesses with two clear benefits: higher profit margins and satisfied customers. By suggesting these products, they do both parties a service, says Michael Wachholz of Prospeed Motorsport in Scottsdale, Ariz. "The dealer makes more money, and by putting a better product in the vehicle, the customer ends up being a happier camper."

This profit potential makes AMSOIL an attractive option for those in the automotive service industry. If you operate a repair shop or service center, becoming an AMSOIL Installer Account can give you access to premium products at wholesale prices, helping increase your profit margins while providing superior service to your customers.

As the significant benefits offered by synthetic oils have become clear to racers, cost has become less of a factor. "Once they get into the synthetics, they just expect that they're going to pay more and there's not that wincing when you tell them the cost," says Bill Love of OG Racing in Sterling, Va.

Selling Synthetic Oils: Education is Key

Hard data, testimonials and a knowledgeable sales staff are all important tools in selling synthetic racing oils. Product data bulletins and fliers provide important information that can aid in a sale. "We like to have a lot of printed information available to go along with the product, so the customer can pick that up, read about the product and see what it really does," says Chris Paulsen of C&R Racing in Indianapolis, Ind. "We're very driven on good data to back up what the product is supposed to do."

If business owners and salespeople use the product they're trying to sell, it can be a significant advantage when speaking with a potential customer. "We can tell them, 'Look, this is a product that we use all the time and that we feel very strongly about,'" says Love. "That's what they want to hear, not, 'They say good things about it,' or 'I've heard good things about it.' It's, 'We use it. We like it. We respect it.'"

For racing shops and parts stores, becoming an AMSOIL Retail Account allows you to offer these premium products directly to your racing customers, enhancing your reputation as a provider of top-quality performance products.

From the Track to the Street: Expanding the Synthetic Market

Because they've already witnessed the benefits of running a synthetic oil in their racing vehicles, racing customers are likely to be also interested in synthetic lubricants for their personal vehicles, tow vehicles, recreational vehicles, etc.

"Synthetics have become very much accepted today, and once a person gets switched over, they start to see the benefits and then they want to try it for their transmission, rear end, etc.," explains Butch Stevens of BSR Products in Concord, N.C.

"In the store, I have information available so people can read up on the products," says Stevens. "We have a little mockup display out front with a little bit of everything, along with literature for the different types of oils. And I have the product available at the track—that's where our claim to fame comes in."

This widespread acceptance of synthetic lubricants has created opportunities for entrepreneurs. If you're passionate about performance and quality, becoming an AMSOIL Dealer can allow you to build a business around products you believe in while serving the racing and performance automotive communities.

The Technical Advantages for Racing Applications

What makes synthetic oils so beneficial for racing applications? Several key factors contribute to their superior performance over conventional oils:

1. Superior Film Strength

Racing engines operate under extreme pressures and temperatures that can cause conventional oils to break down. Synthetic oils maintain their protective film strength even under these extreme conditions, preventing metal-to-metal contact that causes wear and robs power.

2. Reduced Internal Friction

The uniform molecular structure of synthetic oils reduces internal friction significantly. Less friction means more horsepower reaches the wheels instead of being lost as heat. This translates directly to improved acceleration and top speed.

3. Better Heat Resistance

Synthetic oils can withstand higher operating temperatures without breaking down. This is critical in racing applications where oil temperatures can exceed 300°F during competition.

4. Improved Shear Stability

Under the high-stress conditions of racing, conventional oils can lose viscosity as their molecular chains break down (known as "shear"). Synthetics maintain their viscosity much better, ensuring consistent protection throughout a race.

5. Enhanced Protection During Cold Starts

Even in racing applications, engines start cold. Synthetic oils flow more readily at startup, reducing wear during the critical warm-up period before qualifying or a race.

AMSOIL Racing Oils: Engineered for Performance

For racing applications, AMSOIL offers specialized synthetic formulations designed specifically for the extreme demands of motorsports:

• AMSOIL DOMINATOR® Synthetic Racing Oil is the premium choice for racers across various disciplines. Available in multiple viscosities (5W-20, 10W-30, 15W-50), it's formulated with advanced synthetic base stocks and an aggressive additive package to provide exceptional protection and performance in high-RPM, high-temperature racing conditions.
• AMSOIL DOMINATOR® 20W-50 Competition Diesel Oil is specifically designed for competition diesel engines running at extreme outputs, providing the protection needed when pushing diesel engines to their limits.

These racing oils provide over twice the wear protection of conventional motor oils, and they effectively reduce friction to help vehicles accelerate faster, attain top speeds and use fuel more efficiently.

For racing teams and fleet operators with multiple vehicles, an AMSOIL Commercial Account provides access to wholesale pricing on these premium lubricants, allowing for significant savings when purchasing in volume.

Real-World Racing Applications

AMSOIL synthetic racing oils have proven their value across virtually every racing discipline:

Circle Track Racing

From local short tracks to national touring series, circle track racers benefit from the superior protection during long races where engine temperatures continue to climb.

Drag Racing

The extreme loads and RPMs in drag racing engines demand oil that can maintain protection even under the most severe conditions. Synthetic racing oils provide the film strength needed to protect these highly stressed components.

Off-Road Racing

The combination of high temperatures, high RPMs, and severe duty cycles in off-road racing makes synthetic oils particularly valuable. The improved cooling capabilities help maintain engine temperatures even during extended full-throttle operation.

Motorcycle Racing

Motorcycle engines present unique challenges, often combining engine and transmission lubrication. Specialized motorcycle-specific synthetic oils provide the right balance of protection for both systems.

Beyond the Engine: Total Drivetrain Protection

Racing vehicles benefit from synthetic lubrication throughout the entire drivetrain. For maximum performance and reliability, racers should consider:

• AMSOIL Severe Gear® Synthetic Gear Lube for differentials and manual transmissions
• AMSOIL Synthetic Racing Grease for wheel bearings and chassis components
• AMSOIL Brake Fluid for critical braking systems

Business Opportunities in the Performance Market

The growing recognition of synthetic lubricants' benefits in the racing world has created various business opportunities. Whether you're a:

• Race Shop or Performance Center: Becoming an AMSOIL Installer Account allows you to offer premium oil changes and services using AMSOIL products
• Parts Store or Speed Shop: An AMSOIL Retail Account lets you stock and sell AMSOIL products directly to your customers
• Racing Team or Fleet Operator: An AMSOIL Commercial Account provides wholesale pricing for larger volume purchases
• Entrepreneur or Side Business Owner: Becoming an AMSOIL Dealer offers a flexible business opportunity with minimal startup costs

Each of these options provides a way to capitalize on the growing demand for premium synthetic lubricants in the performance and racing markets.

Conclusion: The Clear Choice for Serious Racers

The evidence is clear: synthetic oils offer significant advantages for racing applications, translating directly to improved performance and reliability. While the initial cost may be higher than conventional oils, the performance benefits and equipment protection make synthetics the obvious choice for serious racers.

I hope that this information is useful to you and answers your questions. I am here to help and answer any additional questions you may have, whether it be oil related or any other component or system on any snowmobile, car, truck or other equipment. Feel free to contact me for personalized recommendations for your specific racing application.

Want to learn more about how AMSOIL synthetic lubricants compare to other brands? Check out our detailed comparisons:

• AMSOIL vs. Mobil 1
• AMSOIL vs. Royal Purple
• AMSOIL vs. Motul