Over the span of two weekends, the focus of the NASCAR community has shifted from tire problems at Indianapolis to racing in the rain in Montreal and finally to a team fight on pit road that eventually led to a victory at Pocono.

Controversial stuff, no?

Obviously, I don't want to downplay any of those events nor any of the other issues that have come up this year. After all, it's part of what makes NASCAR a fun form of entertainment -- or makes us want to throw stuff at the TV. But there are other sides to this sport, many of which don't even get seen by fans.

Starting this week, I'd like to change that by taking this space to highlight one of those sides. Specifically, the programs created by NASCAR, it's sponsors and drivers that help the overall community but get little to no attention because there's simply too much going on at the track.

To start out, I'd like to shine a light on an unusual combination -- Shell and the environment.

Huh?

Yes, as incredulous as it may sound, the gasoline company and sponsor of Kevin Harvick's No. 29 Chevrolet is focused not only on present consumption and sales but also on the future and the impact fuels are having on the environment. So in an effort to offer solutions to the current problems, they have several programs in place, including the Shell Eco Marathon Americas.

The purpose of the Eco Marathon Americas is to further Shell's ongoing efforts to achieve energy security for the future by educating young people about the importance of energy in our society. To that end, they created a project in which students work together to explore potential solutions to both current and future transport and energy challenges. The goal is not to break speed records or be the first to finish. It is to consume as little fuel as possible over a set distance.

"The Shell Eco-marathon encourages innovation, reinforces conservation and fosters the development of technology that can lead to greater energy efficiency, including a reduction in CO2," said Mark Singer, Global Project Manager for Shell Eco-Marathon. "The event is a visible demonstration of our deep commitment to address the growing demand for energy worldwide in a responsible way, and it is an invitation for others to do the same."

This year's winners, a group of students from Mater Dei High School in Evansville, Ind., designed a car that earned a rating of 2,843 miles per gallon. For winning the competition, the team claimed a $10,000 prize and got to attend the Cup race at Indianapolis where they had their car on display and got to tour the garage area, meet with team owner Richard Childress and attend a media dinner with one of the television partners.

Sure, this year’s Cup race at The Brickyard was certainly a debacle. But if the winning students enjoyed themselves enough that it makes them continue their efforts that will help save the environment in the future, it will definitely have been worth it.

"It is these brains of the future who will help us face the energy challenge head-on and break the boundaries of fuel efficiency," Singer said.

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To learn more about the Shell Eco-marathon, go to www.shell.com/ecomarathon.