Part 5/9:

The Unique Fuel That Powers the Beasts

The secret weapon in the power arsenal of Top Fuel racers is nitromethane fuel, which is notably distinct from conventional automotive fuel. Used more frequently in the chemical industry than in cars, nitromethane acts as a mono-fuel, meaning it provides its own oxygen during combustion. For perspective, nitromethane requires just 1.7 kg of air to combust one kg of fuel, while gasoline requires over 14 kg of air.