Registration Open for 2009 Shell Eco-marathon Americas™ |
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What do a trip to the racetrack and exploring solutions to current and future transportation and energy challenges have in common? It’s all part of the Shell Eco-marathon Americas, a challenge for high school, university and college students to design, build and test vehicles to see which can go the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel. The 2009 Shell Eco-marathon Americas event, which will take place April 15-18, 2009, at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., will offer two competitive categories including the all-new “Urban Concept” class. Last year a new record was set by a team from Mater Die High School (Evansville, Ind.) when they achieved a fuel efficiency of 2,843 miles per gallon, equivalent to 1,208.6 kilometers per liter. Registration for the 2009 Shell Eco-marathon Americas is now open. Interested teams are invited to sign-up NOW for a chance to stake their claim in next year’s challenge! In 2009, teams are being encouraged to participate in the “Prototype” or “Urban Concept” categories – or both! The “Prototype” category invites student teams to enter futuristic prototypes – streamlined vehicles focused on maximizing fuel efficiency through innovative design elements, such as drag reduction. The “Urban Concept” category focuses on more “roadworthy” fuel-efficient vehicles. Aimed at meeting the real-life needs of drivers, these vehicles are closer in appearance to the higher-mileage cars seen on roads today. For both categories, teams can use any conventionally available energy source – including fuels such as diesel, gasoline and liquid petroleum gas, as well as alternative fuels such as hydrogen, biomass and solar. "The Shell Eco-marathon offers young people interested in technology, energy and transportation a unique, hands-on opportunity to stretch the boundaries of fuel efficiency,” said Mark Singer, Shell Eco-marathon global project manager. “Adding the ‘Urban Concept’ category to the Americas event is a visible demonstration of our deep commitment to face the global demand for energy head-on and an invitation for others to do the same. We look forward to seeing these vehicles on the track, and one day, powered by environmentally friendly fuels out on the roads.” For more information on all the 2009 events across the globe, including official rules, instructions for registration and details on cash incentives and prizes, please visit the Shell Eco-marathon web site at www.shell.com/ecomarathon. |