Sancha at the starting line.

Propane Fuels Drag Racing…WHAT?

When it comes to pushing a car to its limits, what you put in the tank can be just as important as what you do under the hood. And there’s plenty of fuels to choose from— from high-octane gasoline blends engineered to prevent knock in high-compression engines, to exotic alcohol and methanol mixtures that burn cooler or offer distinct safety advantages. Choosing the right fuel depends on what a racer wants from their vehicle: peak horsepower, cost, environmental factors, engine longevity, etc.

But what happens when you step outside the typical and look at fuels most people don’t associate with racing at all?

A Different Kind of Fuel

Enter propane: a fuel that probably brings to mind backyard grills and fleet vehicles rather than the quarter-mile. Yet a number of enthusiasts are exploring conversions that allow their street cars, and even purpose-built racers, to run on liquefied petroleum gas. Propane is the third most popular engine fuel worldwide and offers a compelling mix of benefits. It burns cleaner than gasoline, reducing harmful emissions, and offers a high-octane rating that gives it an edge in performance. At the same time, its lower energy density means less fuel per gallon than gasoline, and drivers may notice modest drops in mileage or power if the build isn’t dialed in just right.

Striking the Balance

For a driver who has put in the work to get it just right, look no further than John Barnett. John is a Suburban Propane Autogas Sales Representative who competes in drag races using a 2020 Mustang converted to run on propane. His car, Sancha, features a sugar skull graphic in honor of his late wife.

But how does a propane-converted 2020 Mustang fit into the broader picture of propane usage in Michigan? The answer is that the car is a microcosm of where propane fits into the broader transportation picture: not the one fuel that replaces everything, but a proven, practical option that continues to find strong use cases as the market splits into multiple paths (EVs, hydrogen, e-fuels, etc.).

Barnett isn’t converting his Mustang because he thinks everyone will ditch gasoline—he’s using a personal project to showcase a specific advantage set. When interviewed by Caleb Jacobs, Barnett said, “Propane is actually a high-octane race fuel, with an octane rating between 113 and 125”. Propane also has a cooling effect on boosted/turbo setups, not to mention its price point, which is almost 6 times lower than conventional racing fuel at the time of writing. It’s just one reason propane is finding success.

Propane has a bright future, on the track and off.