Running out of fuel in races?

Question

I was watching some motorcycle races and there were a couple racers who ran out of gas at the last laps of the race.

What is the main reason for this where the other riders have enough gas and others run out?

Is it because their bikes are tuned up to where it eats up gas faster than the other racers or is it because they didn't fill their tanks up all the way which wouldn't make any professional sense not to have a tank large enough and full enough as everyone else on the track?

Answer 1

Sounds stupid but its true..In motocross we run about a quart of race gas in a gal. tank...Keep it light...We have never ran out...................yet :)

Answer 2

Though I cant find any evidence to support my theory. I suspect that Ducati are having fuel problems this year in Moto GP.  This year the rules in GP only allow 21 litres of fuel. this is mainly designed to slow the bikes down, I don't think its harmed Honda and Yamaha. but the Kawasaki and Suzuki may be effected too. The teams are working hard on fuel economy as much as top end speed.

Last year the Ducati was dominant when fuel wasn't really an issue.  this year its struggling with no apparent reason. In MotoGP the fuel tank is tested to make sure it only holds 21 litres.  So in this sport the tank is full at the start of the race. fuel economy is all part of the race tactics. the technicians try to map the electronics and fuel injection to get the best out of their bikes. its so precise we often see riders run out of fuel on the slow down lap back to the pits.

Answer 3

Just what you are talking about happened this weekend just gone to one of the top pro riders in Australia who was in a motocross race.  It was part of the major series here and he was in second place and his Yamaha just decided to run out of fuel.  The tanks on the Yamaha team are meant to be very small but I think someone would have got into trouble for the riders inability to finish.  I feel for  the guy as he has had his fair share of injuries and bad luck so he must have been pretty annoyed.  

I guess they need to work on their calculations a bit better to make sure they have enough fuel.

Answer 4

my brother is a mechanic for honda. theres room for more than enough, but if in the past it wasn't all used or there was excess, then it just adds more weight and drags in down. less fuel makes it lighter, so why fill it up if you don't need it all