;

Scouts from the 4th Chandlers Ford (Hampshire) Group took to the Silverstone Race Track a few days after the F1 British Grand Prix in July.

They were competing in the annual Shell Eco-Marathon Challenge which is to build a motor vehicle capable of travelling as many miles as possible on one gallon of fuel.

The Scouts compete against teams from leading engineering companies, universities and motor companies.

The 1999 Event also introduced a new category for Solar Energy powered vehicles. Knowing that the price of such panels, in excess of £5,000, was totally beyond the Group, Shell donated two as they were keen to see the Scouts taking part. They called themselves Team Re after the Ancient Egyptian Sun God.

In 1998 the Scout Group won the prize for the most media coverage. This year the prize for the most attractive pit display and presentation.

BBC TV's 'Top gear' presenter Tiff Needell meets the Chandlers Ford Scout team with driver Paul Rout ledge behind the wheel of the fuelpowered vehicle.

David Robinson driver of the solar powered car waits for the second solar panel to be fitted above his head by Team Manager and Assistant Scout Leader Richard Hardie.

The powered vehicle waits in the pit lane before starting the first of three runs on the 10 mile circuit. Scout Parent and Chief Engineer Eddie Robinson brief the driver.

At the end of each run, the remaining fuel is measured to calculate the amount used. The Scout's car regularly achieves in exces of 800 miles/gallon.