Off-track awards

Special Awards for Shell Eco-marathon Americas 2012

Achieving the best fuel economy in a category wasn’t the only way to win at Shell Eco-marathon Americas 2012. Teams were also given the opportunity to compete for one or more Special Awards, including safety, design and team spirit.

2012 Eco-Design Award Sponsored by Michelin

A special “Eco-Design Award” was presented to Westside High School for their Prototype vehicle, Best Piece O’Scrap. Their design contributed to the fuel efficiency of their vehicle and incorporated recycled and eco-friendly materials. The team won a US$1,000 prize for their use of bamboo as the frame of the vehicle as well as the team’s use of an alternative direct drive.

Safety Award Sponsored by Michelin

The “Safety Award” recognized three teams who made the most extensive efforts to comply with the safety regulations of Shell Eco-marathon Americas. This award went to Sullivan High School and Granite Falls High School. These teams all demonstrated safety as a top priority in vehicle design, construction and onsite behavior at Shell Eco-marathon Americas. Each team was awarded a prize of US$1,000.

Technical Innovation Award Sponsored by Southwest Research Institute

The winner of the Technical Innovation Award goes to Grand Rapids High School for their unique steering system which relies on the driver bending in the direction of the turn and made possible by the flexible spine with slide plates of hockey sticks. The team won a US$1,000 prize for their vehicle, Sidewinder.

Design Award Sponsored by Michelin

Shell Eco-marathon Americas 2012 “Design Award” was presented to Louisiana Tech University for their vehicle entry HotRod which featured an impressive design while still considering aerodynamics along with creative graphics and paint work. For their design, the team won a US$1,000 prize.

Communications Award

This award recognized the Purdue University team who made outstanding communications efforts supporting their participation at Shell Eco-marathon Americas. For their efforts, the team won a US$1,000 prize with their UrbanConcept vehicle, Celeritas.

Best Team Spirit

The “Best Team Spirit Award” was presented to Louisiana Tech University who fostered cooperation and collaboration throughout the competition. The team’s spirit transcended their on-site activities as they helped mentor five additional high school teams this year to get them to Shell Eco-marathon Americas 2012. For their spirit, the team was awarded a prize of US$1,000.

Perseverance in the Face of Adversity

The “Perseverance in the Face of Adversity Award” was presented to James Madison High School from San Antonio, Texas, for overcoming the obstacles the team faced to make it to the event. For their perseverance, the team won a prize of US$1,000.

Scholarship Winners from Southwest Research Institute

Congratulations to Nathan Park from the University of Missouri and Enrique Melendez from the University of Texas El Paso who each won US$1,000 scholarships from Southwest Research Institute.

Scholarship Winners from SKF

Congratulations to Alexander Miyakawa from the University of California, Berkley and Ed Jordan from North DeSoto High School in Stone Wall, La., who each won US$500 scholarships from SKF.