I just heard that a Stock car holds 4 1/2 gals of oil. Why and how much oil does a car use in a 500 mile race. Thanks

SUMP/OIL PAN
Hendrick engines use what is know as a “dry sump� meaning that the main oil tank, which holds 18 quarts of oil, is located away from the engine near the rear of the car. There is, however, an intermediary oil pan that surrounds the crankshaft. from www.hendrickmotorsports.com

oil is only a lubricant... the cars typically don't use oil... only if a leak, hose comes off, lifter or piston blows thru the engine block, or other catastrophic failure does oil levels actually get low... the oil systems in the race car is different than your daily driver.. they have more oil in the system so that heat can be dissipated and the oil is not broken down.

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Auto racing, bull fighting and mountain climbing are the only real sports... the rest are just games........ Earnest Hemmingway