One Step Closer To Crowning The 2013 Shell V-Power Ultimate Enthusiast

HOUSTON--Nov. 6, 2013: Automotive enthusiasts from across the country submitted entries to the Shell V-PowerŪ "Ultimate Enthusiast" Contest this summer, sharing their compelling stories behind their love of all things automotive. After carefully reviewing the entries, a judging panel made up of top automotive experts selected three finalists whose entries best exemplified the qualities of an Ultimate Enthusiast: Josh Seely of Haze, Ark., David Taube of Eugene, Ore., and Ronald Varley of St. Louis, Mo.

"While all of our Ultimate Enthusiast entrants impressed us with their passion for automotives, these three finalists stood out for their originality and unique journey to becoming an automotive enthusiast," said Elizabeth Hudson, US Fuels Category Manager at Shell Oil Products US. "We're thrilled to recognize these enthusiasts by providing all of them with a year's worth of Shell V-Power – our best, most technically advanced gasoline – and a VIP automotive experience at Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction."

In his entry, Seely impressed the judges with his passion for automobiles from a young age, stripping and restoring a car at just 15 years old. He also still owns his first car and has restored it twice. "Holding on to your first car in these tough economic times when everyone is looking to trade in or upgrade is a huge accomplishment for any auto enthusiast," said Roger Penske, an Ultimate Enthusiast judge and founder and chairman of Penske Corporation. "Finding the time to restore that car more than once is even more impressive!"

Taube's formula for driving excitement is cruising Route 66 in his 1956 Oldsmobile Holiday Sedan from Chicago to California while attending baseball games and local events along the way struck the judges as the ultimate adventure. "Driving Route 66 in a vintage car - now that is the Ultimate Enthusiast adventure," said Eddie Alterman, an Ultimate Enthusiast judge and editor-in-chief of Car and Driver. "What a wonderful way to make amazing memories."

Taking a creative approach to his entry, Varley explained why he is the Ultimate Enthusiast by creating a patient record, complete with a doctor's note outlining his addiction to all things automotive. His prognosis was deemed "incurable." "Ronald's entry was unique and creative," said Penske. "I've never seen someone describe their love for an automobile in terms of a patient record – but his prognosis is certainly a compelling case!"

The three finalists will be flown to Scottsdale, Ariz. for a three-day, VIP experience at the 43rd Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction being held January 12-19, 2014. The experience will include access to the world famous car auction and an invitation to Barrett-Jackson's opening night gala on January 13, 2014, where the grand prize winner will be announced. The grand prize winner and a guest will receive a once-in-a-lifetime Ultimate Enthusiast week in Italy, including an exclusive experience with Ferrari in its hometown of Maranello, Italy. This year, the grand prize winner also has the opportunity to win $5,000 of Shell V-Power premium gasoline for his car club.

"We are excited to bring the Shell V-Power Ultimate Enthusiast Contest finalists back to our world famous Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale," said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of the Barrett-Jackson Auction Company. "Given the finalists' passion for cars and car culture, we are excited for them to interact with other enthusiasts and explore our auction which houses some of the most historic and recognizable automobiles in the world."

To pamper their beloved vehicles, all finalists will receive a year's worth* of Shell V-Power Premium Gasoline. The Ultimate Enthusiast deserves the ultimate experience and the ultimate gasoline. Shell V-Power Premium Gasoline is its best, most technically advanced gasoline that actively cleans for better performance. It removes an average of 60 percent of harmful intake valve deposits left behind by low quality premium gasoline, and starts with the very first tank. It's Ferrari's choice for improved performance.

This year, all photo submissions were also judged by the Joey Logano Foundation. Six lucky winners, including grand prize winner Heather Wuelpern of Tucson, Ariz., will have their photo featured in the official Joey Logano Foundation 2014 calendar and will receive a $100 Shell V-Power Gift Card.

For more information on the Shell "Ultimate Enthusiast" Contest and Shell V-Power, visit Shell Ultimate Enthusiast .