Penske, Shell and the Common Ground Alliance Continue to Expand Safe Digging Awareness Program

HOUSTON, April 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Shell and the Common Ground Alliance have teamed up for a fifth consecutive season to raise awareness for 811, the national "Call Before You Dig" hotline. Shell will leverage its sponsorship with Penske Racing around seven races this season in a continued effort to protect America's underground infrastructure.

As in previous years, the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Fusion will carry the 811 logo during National Safe Digging Month in April. Due to the program's continued success, new races have been added this year, as Shell-Pennzoil driver Joey Logano will feature a large Call 811 logo on the deck lid of his car during races in Talladega on May 5 and Sonoma on June 23. Logano will also display the 811 logo on the TV panel during races in Phoenix on March 3 and Las Vegas on March 10.

"Since the beginning of our relationship with Shell, we've continued to expand our efforts to raise awareness of this great program," said Roger Penske. "We recognize the importance of calling 811 before starting any digging projects, and are excited to be able to support our sponsor in spreading the word about this crucial initiative to race fans across the country."

"Many of the fans watching races are also working on digging projects - both small home projects and large-scale construction – so this initiative has been tremendous in terms of reaching this core audience," said Greg Smith, President, Shell Pipeline Company LP. "CGA routinely sees an increase in calls to 811 whenever we run these programs, so we're happy to continue this relationship."

In addition, starting today, the Common Ground Alliance will give race fans the chance for a weekend of a lifetime with the "Spring to Sonoma" sweepstakes. One lucky fan and a guest will win a grand prize trip to wine country in Sonoma, CA, and tickets to that weekend's race on June 23 to see the Call 811 logo on the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Fusion up close and in person. The dream weekend will also include a special meet and greet with Logano.  Fans can enter at www.springtosonoma.com.

Even small projects like planting trees or shrubs require a call to 811. The quick and easy call will connect you with a local One Call Center operator who will record information about your dig location and notify the underground facility operators so they can mark the approximate location of underground utilities and pipelines.  Once the lines are marked, you can begin to dig, but always dig with care.

For more information, visit www.call811.com. 

Shell Oil Products US, a subsidiary of Shell Oil Company, is a leader in the refining, transportation and marketing of fuels, with a network of approximately 6,000 Shell-branded gasoline stations in the western United States. Another 8,300 Shell-branded stations in the eastern and southern are managed by Motiva Enterprises LLC, a 50/50 joint venture between Shell Oil Company and Saudi Refining, Inc.

Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of the Royal Dutch Shell plc, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with 93,000 employees in more than 90 countries. [(NYSE:RDS.A) and (NYSE:RDS.B)]

SOURCE Shell Pipeline Company LP