Oil level for use at the track

[J-RAD]

How many quarts do you guys use at the track. Do you run "a little short"...i.e. 10 or 11 quarts. Or do you run it topped off (i.e. 12 quarts)?
I just got my car back from a mechanic that I really do trust. I had him do a valve adjustment in addition to some other minor maintenance in preparation going to our first DE this weekend. While driving around today, I noticed that my oil level gauge didn't seem to rise much (it normally does). So, I checked the dipstick. Not a drop of oil on the dipstick. Needless to say, I was a little alarmed. I called my mechanic and told him what I had just found. He told me that he only put in 10 quarts. He said if I wanted to add another quart do so but no more than that. He implied that, since I was going to be going to the track, I di d not want to have 12 quarts (i.e. topped off). I didn't ask why this was but I assume that it has something to do with increased temperatures but then why wouldn't I want more oil to keep things from overheating? Anyway, I am trusting that he is correct but I would like to know more about this...quite frankly I don't completely get it.

[Bill Verburg]

I always run at half full or less and rely on the oil cooler to to do its job. When the dry sump tanks are run full for extended periods they tend to move oil into the breathers thus into the intake tract. It can be a rel mess as well as disconcerting when the car starts belching smoke for no apparant reason. Ask me how I know.

[Jack Olsen]

Midway up the dipstick. Any higher, and you'll burn it right off -- and also risk getting it in the airbox.

[J-RAD]

Thanks for the responses. I feel better now...like I said, I trust my mechanic I just didn't know what his reasoning was for this. So, basically you want to run a little low so that oil doesn't back up into the breather hoses and make a mess of everything, correct? I don't understand why that happens (design issue?) but that's OK, so long as I understand that it does happen and this is the solution to keep it from becoming a problem. I'd never heard this before but it is obviously very good to know. Once again, thanks!

For Track & AX.

Fill oil tank to the bottom line on the stick with the oil at operating temperature.

Remember oil expands about 10% (1qt out of 10)so when it is cold the tank & dash gauge will show the oil is low.

Rely on the dip stick not the gauge.

Ken