Since you were talking about diesel, I'd say he meant potential energy. Of which diesel actually has around 10% more (depending on how you measure it).
I don't think anyone's trying to be a wanker, but the problem is, you've posted some completely wrong information and, when you got called on it, you do the forum equivalent of plugging your ears and yelling "LalalaIcan'thearyou!"
Laugh at wikipedia if you want (I changed the links anyway - accurate information is really easy to find) but there's actually plenty of good information there. Search for yourself if you'd rather - I think you'll find that the actual "dregs" that you're talking about are waxes and asphalts and the like. There are several things that distil from crude oil at higher temps than diesel. (heating oil, motor oil, etc.)
On topic, I completely agree with your last paragraph about the V8s. Sadly, it seems that, for many of your typical Aussie blokes, "The Vee-Eights" are the be-all, end-all of motorsport.