• by Tanya Gazdik , July 7, 2010

Shell is inviting automotive devotees to share in a contest and sweepstakes how Shell V-Power fuels their passion for driving.

Geared toward the type of person who "reads the owner's manual for fun," the second annual contest from the Houston-based company asks enthusiasts to submit a photo and a few sentences about how Shell V-Power fuels their motor-loving passion.

Those who enter have a chance to win one of the five category grand prizes, including free Shell V-Power for a year or a $500 Shell Gift Card. In addition, each qualified entrant will automatically be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a choice of the ultimate prize: an Audi S5 or Q7 or a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited motorcycle. Those prizes also include five years of Shell V-Power gasoline.

This year, each qualified entry will be judged by a panel of expert judges, including Editors in Chief Matt DeLorenzo from Road & Track, Eddie Alterman from Car and Driver and Mark Hoyer from Cycle World.

Contestants can enter online at the micorsite www.shell.us/fuelmypassion. The photo must show the contestant giving the "V" sign (symbolizing Shell V-Power) along with their ride (e.g., sports car, motorcycle, boat, RV, etc.) and include a few sentences on how Shell V-Power fuels their passion for their ride. The story portion of the entry should be creative and express a unique or special bond between the contestant and their ride as well as how Shell V-Power helps fuel that passion.

Contestants can enter the contest in five different categories: luxury and vintage vehicles; sport and performance vehicles (including Hot Rods); trucks, SUVs and minivans; motorcycles; other premium rides (including everyday use vehicles that use; and SVP, which is any type of transportation that does not fit within the other categories.

There is a limit of one entry per person per category. The top three finalists in each category will be shared with the online community to find the ultimate vehicle enthusiasts in the country. If you don't participate in the contest, you still have an opportunity to enter the sweepstakes. Contest registration will take place July 6 through July 27, and there is no purchase necessary to participate.