[Tim Corcoran]

Engine oils are not all the same just because they meet the same API standards. If they use a less robust stock oil they will need to add more additives to pass the multiple tests to meet the API standards. The same if they start out using a better grade stock less additives need to be added. Most believe by starting off with a higher quality grade stock the end result will be better. I think most of us understand that sponsorship of an oil or other products for that matter is in no way an endorsement of the product. When I select an oil for performance use I try to choose one that I am sure is popular with racers, I mean they actually use the stuff not endorse it. Most of us have no idea what the big time racers actually use. The oil that my brother in law formulates for Childress Racing is highly propriety. It's not sold to any other race team and not to the general public. Lucas gives them the oil for free and it's constantly under development. New formulas are continually tested on their million dollar dynos to see if there is any improvement in HP and wear characteristics. NASCAR uses the thinnest oil that will keep the engine alive for the duration of the race. I have been to the Childress facility twice with my bother in law. The first time I was given a very detailed tour of their engine building facility and I saw some things that I would not share with the public. I can tell you I was like a kid in a candy store getting a personal tour by some of the top engineers in the racing business. I even got to watch dyno testing on their million dollar dynos. The dynos are serious business. The engine can be running at 8,000 RPM and with a flip of the switch the engine shuts off then the dyno is turning the engine and at the same RPM. Now the dyno is measuring the drag of the engine at full operating temperature and at any RPM. At a flip of the switch this can switch back to the engine turning the dyno and it happens instantly. Pretty impressive stuff.