Self identified car aficionado, Rick Schmitz, owns three cars and one motorcycle, but he treats his vehicles better than he treats himself. His weekly maintenance ritual includes detailing his Mercedes-Benz E350 with Perrier, using a toothpick to clean the stitching and compressed air to get water out of the cracks.

Whether consumers are extremely passionate about what they drive (like Schmitz) or just take pride in their personal mode of transportation, Shell invites everyone to enter the Shell V-Power "Fuel My Passion" Contest and Sweepstakes. This contest is "fueled" by customers who have made Shell V-Power America’s best-selling premium gasoline. Containing the highest concentration of the new Shell Nitrogen Enriched cleaning system, Shell V-Power provides maximum protection against performance-robbing gunk left behind by lower-quality premium gasolines.

Consumers can share stories about their passion for their rides and enter to win the grand prize of free Shell V-Power premium gasoline for a year (five winners). Ten finalists will win a $250 Shell Gift Card. In addition, participants also will be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win an all-new 2010 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Lo motorcycle (valued at $16,299).

Contest registration will take place now through Oct. 6.

To enter, participants can submit their stories online at www.shell.us/fuelmypassion. Shell V-Power Fuel My Passion contestants will be required to submit a creative photo, with the contestant giving the "V" sign (symbolizing Shell V-Power) along with their ride (e.g., car, motorcycle, boat, RV, etc.), and a story up to 100 words on: "How Shell V-Power fuels their passion for their ride." The story portion of the entry can include poems, songs, "love stories" or anything else that expresses a unique or special bond between the contestant and their ride as well as how Shell V-Power helps fuel that passion.

Contestants can enter the contest in five different categories:

• Modified Car – Any vehicle that has been upgraded with aftermarket parts and components in order to change or enhance its properties, including styling, audio or performance (includes all tuner and custom cars).

• Motorcycle – Open to all types of motorcycles.

• Sports/Luxury Car – Automobiles designed for high speed and power, tight handling and/or luxury and flashy looks. Includes coupes and sedans.

• Truck or SUV – Includes trucks and SUVs of all sizes.

• Other Premium Rides – Includes any type of transportation that is driven with passion and fueled by Shell V-Power (e.g., classic car, RV, boat, etc.) but does not fit within the other categories.

There is a limit of one entry per person per category. More details on the contest are available at www.shell.us/fuelmypassion.

For more information on Shell V-Power, click here.