Houston Grand Prix Showcased Business Value Created by Shell Lubricants

Shell and Pennzoil logos were prominent everywhere

Continuing a rich motorsports history, Shell Lubricants has proven again that its storied relationship with IndyCar translates learning from the track to real-world benefits on the road and beyond. Serving as the ultimate proving ground, education taken from the racetrack adds value to multiple areas of Shell Lubricants, including strategic relationships with automakers, which in the end, benefit consumers.

With technology being at the forefront for Shell in the lubricants business, the desire to deliver optimum engine efficiency and fuel economy determine where brands, such as Pennzoil, move directionally. Continuing to push innovation and technology via developments fueled by on-track testing, Shell has formulated lubricants that specialize in preventing the build-up of dirt and deposits. For example, if enough deposits form in the engine, there could be a 3-6% loss of fuel economy.[1] Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oil is formulated with Superior[2] Active Cleansing Agents, keeping engines clean throughout their life, so motorists can drive an extra 550 miles per year on average vs. a dirty engine.

"As American road cars evolve to more closely reflect race car technology, the demand to deliver higher performance and improved fuel efficiency is at its peak," said Istvan Kapitany, President of Shell Commercial Fuels and Lubricants Americas. "Through our motorsports technical partnerships, Shell is able to garner technology insights to aid in the production of innovative lubricants for these new and demanding engine technologies."

At the 2013 running of the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston, Shell showcased its motorsports technical alliances to the racing community and consumers. This included its key technical partnership with Penske Racing's NASCAR and IndyCar teams, which over time, has provided a testing ground for lubricant technologies and products in demanding road conditions.

In an effort to accurately and efficiently test lubricant technology deemed compatible for consumer-owned vehicles, Pennzoil technology is used off the shelf in all of its Chevrolet twin-turbocharged V-6 engines that compete in the IZOD IndyCar Series. The Pennzoil Ultra™ 0W-40 full synthetic motor oil, which was used on the track during the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston, is the same oil consumers can purchase and use on the road.

As a supplement to the Shell and Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston, Shell organized a tailored trade media program to provide an in-depth view of lubricants technology, business alliances and other significant factors associated with fuel efficiency and vehicle longevity through Shell technology experts and Penske Racing. Leveraging additional business alliances, additional program media events included a VIP pit and display area tour, a technology-hosted media dinner, an executive media lunch and a Penske-owned Spring Branch Honda dealership visit showcasing the newest 2014 vehicle models.

At the executive media lunch, Kapitany addressed the audience alongside Bud Denker, Executive Vice President of Penske Performance.

"At Penske Racing, our Chevrolet IndyCar engines are designed to deliver extremely high power outputs and reach very high engine speeds in each race," said Denker. "We take comfort in knowing that Shell supplies us with the top-tier lubrication performance that is demanded by our engines."

"We don't work alone," added Kapitany. "Shell collaborates with business enterprises like Penske to stay on top of consumer needs while pushing the boundaries of lubrication science." Press Release