| Volkswagen AG will be testing the waters in | | | | motorsports as good, clean fun," said Stefan |
| North America by introducing a fresh racing series | | | | Jacoby, CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "Not |
| in 2008. The racing event will highlight better fuel | | | | only will the young drivers gain real-life track |
| mileage protection of air quality. | | | | experience in a factory-prepared race vehicle, it |
| The first ever all-diesel powered racing series will | | | | will allow them to develop their own mindset of |
| hit the tracks in 2008 with the formation of the | | | | today's clean diesel technology, and foster |
| Jetta TDI Cup, sanctioned by the Sports Car Club | | | | increased awareness of its advantages in this new |
| of America (SCCA) Pro Racing department, said | | | | era of environmental sensitivity." |
| Motorsport. The idea of showcasing the power | | | | At the SEMA show in Las Vegas, NV, SCCA Pro |
| and performance of its new clean diesel | | | | Racing's president and CEO Robert Wildberger has |
| technology is even unique to the German | | | | this to say: "With the Jetta TDI Cup, Volkswagen |
| automaker. | | | | has created an amazing platform to develop |
| Part of VW's goal is for the young racers to | | | | young drivers and expand their knowledge about |
| develop their skills and move up the motorsport | | | | clean and quiet diesel technology. We look forward |
| ladder. It means that the 2008 winner cannot | | | | to the series in hopes that it will attract more |
| race in the series in the future. However, if one | | | | attention to the drivers and advantages of diesel |
| does not win, they can run up to a maximum of | | | | power." |
| three years but they have to go through the | | | | The prowess of VW Jetta parts cannot be |
| screening process and qualify for the new series | | | | overemphasized. Improving the car's power is a |
| held annually. | | | | 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine which will |
| Being active in auto racing is not unique however, | | | | power the Jetta TDI race cars. All will have ABS |
| and with their past performances, the automaker | | | | racing brakes, a six-speed double-clutch DSG |
| is prepared to take on their new challenge. In | | | | transmission, and a fully independent racing |
| Europe, Asia and Africa, VW is one of the top | | | | suspension along with the required cockpit safety |
| manufacturers with drivers who chase for the | | | | requirements. |
| popular VW Cup. | | | | So who will race in the upcoming series? Knowing |
| According to the reports, the newest series will | | | | that there are many young racers aged 16 to 26 |
| have 30 Jetta TDIs ready for the 2008 | | | | who would grab the rare chance, VW will accept |
| competition. All will be prepared identically for the | | | | applications to find the 40 drivers. There will only |
| aspiring drivers who wish to take on the challenge | | | | be 30 starters but ten will be held in reserve. |
| next year, racing clean diesel powered racing | | | | Qualifying will take place to know the lucky 40. |
| machines. The prize at the end of the season will | | | | VW has the dates set for the qualifying sessions |
| see two of the drivers participate in Germany at | | | | in March with the first race event set for April 26 |
| the season finale for the VW Polo Cup series. | | | | to 27 next year. Prospective drivers will not to |
| "The Jetta TDI Cup racing series will celebrate | | | | bother about the sponsors; the German |
| Volkswagen's diesel technology and heritage in | | | | automaker will take care of the matter. |