Published June 13, 2012
By Philippe Crowe
On Monday this week, Shell Canada kicked off the summer driving season with the launch of its Smarter Driver Challenge in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The 12-day, 6,300 kilometer Smarter Driver Challenge will attempt to set a world record for the most fuel efficient drive across Canada using only 15 simple techniques, Shell lubricants, Shell New Nitrogen Enriched Bronze gasoline and a 2012 Volkswagen Passat.
Along the route, the Shell Smarter Driver Challenge will stop in Ottawa, Toronto and Calgary for driving "Tune Up" events that will teach the public first-hand the fuel efficiency tips and techniques that Shell is using to set the world record. The team will cross the finish line in Vancouver on June 22nd where Shell will reveal the total fuel saved during the trip.
The Smarter Driver Challenge team will be coached by John and Helen Taylor, the world's most fuel-efficient couple, and the holders of 90 world records in the area of fuel efficiency.
The Taylors will be joined by a team of drivers including Shell representatives, Alex Debogorski of Ice Road Truckers, Globe and Mail automotive blogger Lorraine Sommerfeld, as well as representatives from environmental NGOs Pollution Probe and the Pembina Institute. John and Helen Taylor, along with other members of the team, will be sharing their stories and photos during the drive at www.shell.ca. The Smarter Driver Challenge can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter.
Schedule of Events (all times local):
Monday, June 11, 10 a.m.: Shell Smarter Driver Challenge Launch in Halifax at Shell retail station 977 Cole Harbour Rd.
Wednesday, June 13, 10 a.m.: "Tune Up" at the Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa
Saturday, June 16, 9 a.m.: Eco-Wheels Show at the Distillery District in Toronto
Wednesday, June 20, 1 p.m.: "Tune Up" at Shell Centre 400 4th Ave. SW in Calgary
Friday, June 22, 10 a.m.: Finish line at Shell retail station in Vancouver at 2nd & Main
