DQed in the S/S Semi for fuel in Dallas

[Jeff Lee]

Originally Posted by Tar Heel

Ok, I know ahed of time that this is a dumb question. My wife and I are sitting here wondering why can't pump gas pass? Race gas is going to make you go quicker so if you make a mistake and put pump gas in why isn't it approved? It won't give you a performance advantage. Again, I'm new to the fine lines and don't understand what the big deal would be. ???

Some pump gas, as is sold here in arizona for example, are "oxygenated".
From the EPA:
Oxygenates are fuel additives that contain oxygen, usually in the form of alcohol or ether. Oxygenates can enhance fuel combustion and thereby reduce exhaust emissions. Some oxygenates also boost gasoline octane.

The Clean Air Act requires use of oxygenated gasoline in areas where winter time carbon monoxide levels exceed federal air quality standards. Without oxygenated gasoline, carbon monoxide emissions from gasoline-fueled vehicles tend to increase in cold weather. Winter oxygenated gasoline programs are implemented by the states. The links below provide information about oxygenated gasoline, winter oxygenated gasoline areas, oxygenates (such as ethanol and MTBE), and health effects testing of oxygenates.

Basically pump gas that has been oxygenated has qualities that are similar to those banned fuels unacceptable to NHRA. Since field testing is not able to decipher the exact recipe's used in the fuel being tested, if it a fuel check reveals certain properties, it's no good.
Now, proper field testing is a whole 'nother story.