A jovial voice blared from beneath a large white tent in Free Speech Alley on Tuesday afternoon drawing attention from more than 50 students traveling between the Student Union and the Quad.Representatives from Shell encouraged students to take the “Pit Stop Challenge” — to see who has the best time removing and replacing lug nuts from a makeshift car. The student with the best time won a $100 Shell gas card.The tent also aimed to draw attention to Shell’s Eco-Marathon car and to redirect students to the Career Expo located in Parker Coliseum. Shell’s tiny and sporty Eco-Marathon prototype car was a focus of the exhibit. The Eco-Marathon is an annual competition to build the most fuel efficient car prototype.The Eco-Marathon aims to “challenge students and universities to think really green and try to get the best fuel economy as we can out of those standard engines,” said Kathleen Garey, Shell Chemical representative.”They’re after miles per gallon to get the best fuel economy,” Garey said.Jody Wirth, Shell recruiter, said the company was at the University to recruit for summer internships and full-time jobs.Aaron Wascon, computer and electrical engineering freshman, removed and replaced lug nuts for the first time Tuesday beneath the Shell tent. After he spent a day competing, Wascon was declared the winner of the competition at 3 p.m. with a time of 9.73 seconds. He said he plans to use the card to buy gas and “another Coke or two.””I just wanted to beat my score,” Wascon said. “Everyone out here was doing it just to have fun.”—-
Contact Lindsey Meaux at [email protected]