INNOVATIONISHAPPENING our oceans can save our land SCIENCE.TALENT.COURAGE
1000 MILES 11.15.2012
DRIVING INNOVATION SUMMARY Below the Surface (BTS) Co-Founder and Director of Research & Explorations, Kristian Gustavson is wrapping up a successful year of algal-based biodiesel and diesel testing. Currently, the Driving Innovation Team is preparing themselves and the Track Diesel motorcycle for the most grueling and renowned off-road race in the world, the SCORE-International Baja 1000. The Driving Innovation Team set the first and official motorcycle land speed records on algae-based fuels. Our land speed records are the only ones to date and were accomplished at the Texas Mile and the BUB Motorcycle Speed Event. With our fastest time being 96.2 MPH these speed trials helped the team generate momentum for the project, establish some early benchmarks, and become familiar with one of the most efficient and versatile bikes on the planet. TEAM DRIVING INNOVATION OVERVIEW Below the Surface’s Driving Innovation Team is gearing up for an exciting season where we will be riding our algae-based biofuel motorcycle in multiple high exposure races and events including the Baja 1000. This provides a great opportunity for your company to join us as a sponsor and be a part of making history.
PROJECT BACKGROUND Below the Surface is a certified Non Profit Organization committed to discovering market-based solutions to environmental problems. Algae blooms offshore are a common issue and the team is developing and demonstrating how we can create renewable energy and other resources from algae while simultaneously cleaning our air and water. The BTS Team has been using biodiesel since day one of formation to carry out expeditions and other projects from coast-to-coast. The search for the most efficient source of biofuels climaxed during Gustavson’s graduate work at Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the team has been charging forward since the fall of 2010 to literally ‘drive’ innovation!