The 30th Anniversary of the Shell Eco-Marathon UK passed today with the news that the ever popular event will receive support from the premier motorsport and educational programme the Learning Grid, part of Motorsport Development UK. In awarding the quality standard, the assessment panel praised the year-long commitment of Shell and its partners in the schools initiative, Honda and the Royal Academy of Engineering. Motorsport Development UK Chairman Bob Gilbert was on hand to make the formal presentation of the quality mark to Shell Eco-Marathon UK organiser Norman Koch.

Norman Koch, Shell Eco-Marathon UK event manager: “It is a great privilege for the Shell Eco-Marathon UK to be accepted in to the Learning Grid's programme. It goes to demonstrate how important and educational the Shell Eco-Marathon UK has become over the past 30 years.”

Bob Gilbert, Motorsport Development UK Chairman: “I am delighted that the Shell Eco-Marathon UK has won recognition from the Learning Grid. It joins a select group of initiatives that encourage young people to take up an engineering career. The achievement of these school teams cannot be overstated and is a real tribute to the teachers, industry mentors and of course to the young engineers themselves. What better investment could there be than inspiring them to shape the future through science and engineering?"

The Learning Grid now consists of seven approved initiatives, each of which will receive their funding for three years to ensure long-term sustainability. This is particularly fitting for the Shell Eco-Marathon as this will be the first year that the ‘Schools Initiative' class will take to the track. These cars have gone from drawing board to reality in less than 10 months, with help from Honda, who provided each school with an engine, and the Royal Academy of Engineering who ensured that each school was linked with a local engineering company.

Coinciding with the acceptance of the Shell Eco-Marathon UK to the programme, the Learning Grid is also launching a directory of activities for schools. The directory will be made available to all UK schools and includes details of over 20 programmes covering science, engineering, maths, design and technology.

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Notes for Editors

The Learning Grid aims to attract students to a career in engineering as a core contributor to the nation's wealth by offering fun, safe and effective learning activities for young people. Learning Grid competitions, events and materials are available for students of all ages from primary school up to university. All the programmes have been assessed for their educational value, effectiveness and quality.

The 7 quality accredited activities in the Learning Grid are:

• Primary Engineer
• Greenpower
• Formula Student
• Formula Schools
• Shell Eco-Marathon UK
• F1 in Schools Technology Challenge
• Youth Engineering Summit

For more information or to request a copy of the new directory, please contact Val Simmonds, Learning Grid Coordinator:
Tel: 0845 900 7755
E-mail: info@learninggrid.co.uk
http://www.learninggrid.co.uk/

Motorsport Development UK is a partnership of public and private sector organisations leading a five-year investment programme to sustain and develop UK motorsport. Its backers include the four regional development agencies at the heart of Motorsport Valley - Advantage West Midlands, East of England Development Agency, East Midlands Development Agency and South East England Development Agency - together with the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

The overall objective of Motorsport Development UK is business and economic development for the motor sport sector. The programme stimulates action in several key areas, by working with and part-funding programmes delivered by motorsport stakeholders. Examples include Energy Efficient Motorsport, support for the training of volunteer officials, programmes aimed at widening participation in the sport and a ‘Learning Grid' of education initiatives.