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