Shell Challenge - part 2

Interestingly, TNP did a short article on the challenge in Saturday's edition. I realised that one reason why TNP is probably considered a tabloid paper could be due to the less than stringent factual accuracy. Because if the grand winner travelled 160 km on 0.88 l of petrol, he would have clocked a fuel consumption of 183 km/l. On the contrary, the article gave the impression that fuel consumption was 160 km/l.

On top of what was written, here's a sneak preview for you guys on what also happened, that was not reported.

- Shell took forever to release the results...it was almost 1600 hrs. Theoretically, teams that finished after 1430 hrs were disqualified. Results were expected to be announced before 1600 hrs. Since computing the mileague did not require rocket scientists or PHD holders to do, obviously something must have happened to cause the delay.

- Back tracking on their earlier statements that teams could keep their passports as momentos, Shell staff went round collecting the passports after more than half the teams had checked in.

- Before the results were announced, Shell GM Elise Sim gave a short speech, which also included bits on how the results do not matter, the judges' decision was final, everyone was a winner.

- When he was given the results to announce, the MC Hossan Leong actually went down stage to clarify certain matters.

- After Hossan Leong announced that the Grand Prize winner travelled a total of 160 km on 0.88 l, an elderly Malay uncle said very loudly in an incredulous tone "0.88 l?". To which Hossan Leong replied that yes indeed, it was 0.88 l. You could hear a lot of whisperings and rumblings across the function hall.

- The look on the Taylors' faces as they gave out the prizes to the winners and grand winner was priceless. It made me rue my decision not to bring my Nikon S4 with me. =)