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Ext. PublicationMotor Fuels Tax Minute, Episode 83: State Definitions of Racing Fuel
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In this episode of Motor Fuels Tax Minute, our hosts discuss how racing fuel is handled in different states.
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Detailed Description of Weaver’s Motor Fuels Tax Minute, Episode 83
00:00:00
Leanne: Welcome to Weaver’s Motor Fuels Tax Minute, the vlog where we talk all things motor fuel. On this episode, we are going to stick with our Racing Fuel series. And so, we’re back with Kelly, our go-to on racing fuel.
We talked federal last time, Kelly. I know there are 50 states and that’s too many to get into, but I think you’ve got a few you wanted to highlight just to show some of the distinctions on how racing fuel is handled.
00:00:20
Kelly: Yeah. And it’s really fun to look at the different definitions, honestly. Like, even just starting with Texas. Texas always tends to be a little bit similar to the fed. So, you’ll see a lot of that same language. In Texas, in order for gasoline to be considered racing fuel, it means that it must contain lead, it must have an octane rating of one ton or higher, it does not have detergent additives and is not suitable for use as a motor fuel in a motor vehicle used on a public highway.
Where it gets interesting is that if we switch over to Nevada, they say in order to be classified as racing fuel, it needs to be leaded and it needs to be produced and designed and built for racing and not for use on a public highway.
We then get to Arizona, who puts in rather minimal effort, and they say it’s racing fuel that’s used on a racetrack.
00:01:10
Leanne: You could, in fact, in Arizona, fuel your NASCAR with anything. And you know, I’m going to get my geography all wrong here. But what we want to make sure is that we don’t build a racetrack that is big enough to go all the way from Texas to Arizona to Nevada. Because what we might have in the car may be treated differently.
00:01:29
Kelly: That is true. That is very true. And we’ve actually seen that with terminals that fall right on that border and how things are being treated. So, I 100% agree.
And it’s also interesting because Arizona specifically says it’s used for racing and not for operations on a public highway. And you’re like, okay, a better racetrack.
00:01:48
Leanne: And you know what? But that is interesting because I believe, and for those viewers who know Formula One better, I believe the Las Vegas Grand Prix might be through the streets. If I’m wrong, please correct me in the comments, but I’d be curious if it is, how that is handled. I guess it’s considered not on the highways for that portion of the race.
00:02:10
Kelly: Good question, very good point. Well, also pulling in Arizona one last time, they actually include in their definition: it extends to a racetrack’s testing facilities and onsite racing shots as well. I think that’s kind of how some of these states get around that.
00:02:25
Leanne: Well, that was interesting information. As I say, I’m not 100% certain on that Formula One Grand Prix in Las Vegas, so please let me know if I’m wrong.
And I do know that Monaco goes through the streets in a couple other places internationally as well.
And that was this week’s Motor Fuels Tax Minute.
