Power With Protection: Why Lubricity Matters in Racing Fuel

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Why Lubricity Matters in Racing Fuel


Sponsored by Hot Shot's Secret

In the world of diesel motorsports--whether it's pulling, drag racing, dyno competitions or other high-performance events--power is everything. But there's a vital element that too often flies under the radar in the pursuit of horsepower: lubricity.  

At Hot Shot's Secret, we've built a reputation for delivering not just performance, but protection. That philosophy comes to life in Adrenaline® Outlaw R100+™, a race-ready, high-performance diesel fuel engineered with one goal in mind--helping you win without compromise.  

Let's take a closer look at why lubricity is one of the most important features in a race diesel fuel, how Outlaw R100+ addresses it and why your engine needs more than just cetane to survive and thrive on the track.  

What is Lubricity, and Why Does It Matter?  

Lubricity refers to a fuel's ability to reduce friction and wear between moving metal parts. In a diesel engine, that primarily means the fuel pump and injectors, which are subjected to extremely high pressures and tight tolerances. Diesel fuel itself must act as a lubricant in these systems--especially in racing applications where components are pushed to their limits.  

While adding cetane is essential for increasing power, improving combustion and reducing ignition delay, it comes with a downside--cetane improvers tend to dry out the fuel, reducing its natural lubricating properties. This can lead to excessive wear on fuel pumps and injectors, increasing the risk of premature failure in mechanical and high-pressure systems alike. That's why it's crucial to pair high-cetane fuel with advanced lubricity additives. Without proper lubrication, the performance gains from increased cetane can be quickly offset by mechanical damage, costly repairs and inconsistent engine operation.  

Formulating A Race-Ready Solution  
 

Lubricity

 

Outlaw R100+ is pre-mixed and race-ready, taking the guesswork out of blending your own brew of additives. The base fuel distillation is hand-selected by our team for its naturally high cetane, lubricity and BTU (energy) properties. From there, we layer in an impressive concentration of cetane improvers to deliver serious power gains. Increased cetane aids in reducing cranking time, quicker turbo spool, less ignition delay and smoother cylinder pressure peaks. The result is more efficient, complete combustion--and more power to the wheels.  

But unlike many high-cetane fuels that sacrifice protection for performance, Outlaw R100+ includes Adrenaline® Racing Top Lubricant™, our proprietary upper cylinder lubricant formulated to deliver the highest level of lubricity improvement available. Racing Top Lubricant protects critical components by adding essential lubrication where it's needed most--reducing fuel system wear plus protecting the upper cylinder parts from scuffing, improving ring seal and lowering friction between the cylinder wall and piston ring interface to boost performance and reliability.  

Proven Performance: Lab-Tested, Track-Winning Fuel  

The performance of Outlaw R100+ isn't theoretical--it's proven in the lab, on the dyno and at the track. Using the ASTM D613 engine dyno test, R100+™ recorded a cetane number greater than 100, the scale tops at 100, placing it at the absolute peak of what diesel can deliver. Lubricity performance is equally impressive, with a wear scar measurement under 420 microns, exceeding industry standards and protecting components under extreme racing conditions.  

And when it comes to real-world dominance, look no further than the 2025 Ultimate Callout Challenge (UCC). Josh McCormack, the 2025 UCC Champion, trusted Adrenaline Outlaw R100+ to power his truck to the top spot--becoming the only competitor to break the 3,000-hp barrier on the dyno and winning the overall event. That's not just a win--it's a statement.  

Power and Protection  

Hot Shot's Secret Lubricity


It's easy to get caught up in big horsepower numbers, but behind every dyno chart and every pass down the track is a set of components working under extreme stress. Fuel injectors cycling thousands of times per minute. High-pressure injection pumps pushing diesel at over 30,000 psi, mechanical pumps pushing RPM limits of the designs. Protection is a necessity, not just an option.  

Outlaw R100+ exceptionally high cetane rating delivers faster, cleaner combustion. That means quicker turbo spool times, allowing your engine to hit peak boost sooner and deliver power when you need it most. You'll also notice easier starts, even in cold conditions and lower EGTs, reducing stress on pistons, valves and your turbo system over the long haul.  

A proper lubricity agent like Racing Top Lubricant reduces wear at every critical interface in the fuel and combustion systems. Injectors last longer, fuel pumps operate more efficiently and need to be rebuilt less often--delivering more consistent compression and sharper throttle response with every run. The power gains from high cetane are fully realized--and sustainable--because you're not sacrificing durability in the name of performance.  

Why Pre-Mixed Matters  

One of the biggest advantages of Adrenaline Outlaw R100+ is that it's pre-mixed and ready to pour. In the racing world, precision matters. Every variable--ambient temperature, elevation, boost pressure, tuning strategy--can affect your results. So why add uncertainty by blending your own fuel cocktail trackside?  

Outlaw R100+ eliminates that variable by giving you a professionally engineered, lab-controlled formulation that ensures consistent performance in every gallon. The balance between cetane and lubricity is dialed in by our chemists and proven by our racers. You don't have to wonder if you added enough lubricity additive or if you've over-treated your fuel. It's already been perfected for you.  

Lubricity

 

Compliance Without Compromise  

We didn't just build this fuel to win races--we built it to meet the requirements of the sanctioning bodies that govern them. Adrenaline Outlaw R100+ complies with regulations from the Pro Pulling League, NTPA, ODSS, NHRDA and more. That means you get the power, protection and peace of mind that your fuel won't get flagged before you even make it to the line.  

Whether you're running in a local event or competing nationally, you can trust that Outlaw R100+ gives you a legal edge--one that's been tested and approved at every level of competition.  

The Bottom Line: Power + Protection = Performance  

In diesel motorsports, you shouldn't have to choose between power and protection--and with Outlaw R100+, you don't. This pre-mixed, high-cetane race fuel delivers over 100 cetane and industry-leading lubricity, giving you the horsepower you want and the engine protection you need. Whether you're chasing dyno numbers, track wins or pulling titles, Outlaw R100+ is the competitive edge that keeps your engine performing and protected, run after run. 

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