Glossary / General

methanol

20 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

Methanol is a type of fuel that some race cars use to go really fast. It helps engines run cooler but needs careful handling because it can be harmful.

Technical Definition

Methanol is an alcohol-based fuel used in high-performance engines, especially in drag racing, because it burns cooler and allows for higher compression ratios. It requires special handling due to its corrosive and toxic nature.

Hear It Discussed

"So, you know, you had, you know, methanol, and originally, you know, it had oil and gas and methanol"
420: Creating Velocity Invitational and America's Ultimate Automotive Weekend The Collector Car Podcast 19:49

"He was upside down. Methanol was pouring over his body. He had to take a big breath quickly before he's, because if there was a fire, the biggest risk for him was inhaling the fire."
Daniel Ricciardo on Winning in F1, Knowing When to Retire, and Why “Fun” Matters DRIVE with Jim Farley 17:29

"there was a handful maybe three or four engines that I did [6844.4s] that were methanol sort of 12 to 1500 horsepower capable"
162: The Real Science Behind Engine Airflow & Performance Tuned In 54:04