Running oil with a good amount of zinc in it is a big deal for our cars too. Valvolene VR1 Racing Oil and Rotella T both have a good amount, but most other modern oils do not. Valvolene VR1 20w50 is what I've been running.
The zinc coats things and creates a film that really helps prevent metal-to-metal contact when you lose oil pressure. In this case, Chris' oil pan was engulfed in that big gasoline fire he had at PPIR, then he raced on the same oil afterward with a badly cracked oil pickup tube, while also overheating the engine and losing significant power. When he drained the oil (Valvoline VR1 20w50, iirc), it came out as sludge. But when we took the engine apart, the bearings and everything all showed surprisingly little wear. There was definitely signs of oil starvation, but he pretty much could have just slapped in new rod bearings and a new oil pickup tube if he wanted a quick fix. We've seen a number of other 944 engines seize or explode from less abuse.