TOPEKA, Kan. (Feb. 12, 2008) Volkswagen of America and SCCA Pro Racing have announced the eight dates comprising the 2008 schedule of the new Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup race series. Making its debut on American shores this summer, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series is an innovative approach to motorsports. The Jetta TDI Cup is composed of 30 factory-prepared and managed 2008 clean-diesel Jetta TDIs, piloted by talented drivers aged 16 to 26, who are relative unknowns in the industry. Volkswagens goal is to find the driver with the most talent and help them break into the world of professional motorsports. The concept is as revolutionary as the car, which is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder TDI, clean diesel engine. The Jetta TDI is lightly modified from spec, featuring race-ready suspension and brakes, and a 6-speed double-clutch automatic DSG transmission. Additionally, to highlight its environmental dedication Volkswagen has partnered with Carbonfund.org to certify the entire race series as carbon free. Volkswagen has a long motorsports heritage and were continuing that tradition with the Jetta TDI Cup, said Clark Campbell, motorsport manager, Volkswagen of America, Inc. The series will introduce a whole new generation of talented racers to Volkswagen, and showcase the power, performance and efficiency of our clean diesel technology. Plus, there will be some great racing.The 30 drivers, selected at a driver qualifying event in early April, will be challenged with a variety of demanding circuits. The series opens April 25 27 at VIRginia International Raceway, in Alton, Va., a favorite among drivers and fans alike. The Jetta TDI Cup then heads north of the border to the ultra-fast Mosport International Raceway, in Bowmanville, Ont., Canada, May 17 18. The series stays in Canada for the following round, July 4 6, at the Grand Prix of Toronto, where Volkswagen will also stage a celebrity race. More details will be announced shortly. Following the Canadian swing, is a trip to scenic Lakeville, Conn., Aug. 14 17, for a visit to Lime Rock Park. On Sept. 19 20, the series heads to Iowa Speedway, in Newton, Iowa, to give drivers a shot at roval racing. The following week, the brand-new New Jersey Motorsports Park, in Millville, N.J., will play host to the schedules only doubleheader, Sept. 27 28. The season closes in Braselton, Ga., Oct. 1 3, during the Petit Le Mans week at Road Atlanta. We are incredibly excited to be nearing the launch of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, said SCCA Pro Racing President and CEO Bob Wildberger. This series is not only an example of how motorsports can become more eco-friendly, but it also puts the emphasis on the driver, rather than the pocketbook. Racing fans everywhere will welcome this innovative series and the new driving talent that will emerge from it. There is still time to sign up for the Jetta TDI Cup on the Volkswagen Web site. Applications will be accepted until February 29th at www.vwmotorsportusa.com.
