A race for fuel efficiency might be dog-eat-dog on the track, but student teams are willing to lend a helping hand back in the paddock.

Shell* Eco-marathon Americas gives more than 1,000 students the chance to showcase their science and engineering skills in Houston each year. (See related photos: “Rare Look Inside Carmakers’ Drive for 55.”)

The goal: Construct a vehicle in one of two categories—prototype or UrbanConcept—using one of six fuel types and test its energy efficiency in a race around Houston’s downtown park.

But the task is easier said than done, with student teams working into the night to fix sticky clutches, stalled engines, steering-wheel collapses, brake failures and tire blowouts before the next day’s run.

This race to pass inspection