Arctic Oil & Gas Directory: Racecar driver Kurt Busch visits Shell oil rig

Shell said Nov. 17 that driver of the No. 22 Shell-Penzoil Dodge, Kurt Busch, traveled to New Orleans, La., to the offshore Shell oil rig Brutus.

Following a cross-country trip from the Kobalt Tools 500 at Phoenix International Raceway Nov. 13, Busch visited the rig for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour to develop a further understanding of deepwater oil exploration and to meet with the rig crew members, and also recognizing Brutus and Shell for their charitable giving in 2011.

“What an experience! It was one of those situations where you go in not knowing exactly what to expect and once you get out there, the ‘WOW FACTOR’ kicks in”, said Busch. “I have a whole new appreciation for how technology gets oil out of the ground.”

Brutus is the newest Tension Leg Platform in the Gulf of Mexico for Shell and is an eight-slot platform with facilities processing capacity of 120,000 barrels of oil per day.

Before the trip to the rig, Busch went through a safety briefing and then boarded a helicopter for the hour-and-a half ride to Brutus. Busch received an overview of deepwater oil exploration on how Brutus produces oil, which was proceeded by a tour of the massive structure. Kurt also recognized Brutus and Shell for their charitable giving and support of the United Way. During the visit he spent time talking with crew members answering questions and signing autographs.