[Dragncar]

Racing oil has a higher film strength than conventional oil. Maybe that is where the cushion comes from.

[Tim Corcoran]

OK the cushion factor. Unlike air liquids can't be compressed right? But if the liquid has a place to go when compressed then it will cushion the forces. The rod bearings are under constant pressure by the incoming oil, it's not static oil constantly passing thru the bearing surface. Depending on where the piston is in it's cycle the loads are constantly changing direction. As it's loaded in one direction the oil to a certain degree is pushed out and as it's loaded in another direction it refills the unloaded side. There is always a film of oil to protect from metal to metal contact but the thickness of the film is constantly changing.