Time’s Running Out: Jetta TDI Cup Registration Is Almost Up!

Remember the VW Jetta TDI Cup Series we told you about not too long ago? You know, the one where VW is looking for 40 drivers (30 drivers, 10 backup) between the ages of 16-26 to participate in the series? The one where the winner will walk away with $1500, and the Series Point Champion will naba cool hundred grand? And then we mentioned that if the Series Champ is selected for a professional Motorsport series within six months, theprize is upped to $250,000? Starting to sound familiar? No? Huh…. I could have sworn we mentioned it.
Well, it’s an incredible opportunity. If you like to drive, and really like to drive fast, and want to do it in a professional environment in a specially equipped factory race car, you might want to head over to VW’s website and sign up. The deadline is fast approaching – February 29th! You can check out the full press release after the jump.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire/ — Volkswagen of America, Inc. urges young amateur drivers to complete their full application for the Jetta TDI Cup series by Friday, February 29, 2008 when the registration period closes. The Jetta TDI Cup series is sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Pro Racing Inc., and will feature the only all-diesel powered field in a North American racing series and serious prize money to the series champion.

"The Jetta TDI Cup racing series will be closing its registration in the next few weeks and we are looking for the best young drivers to compete head- to-head in a series that rewards skill," said Clark Campbell, Motorsport Manager, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "Volkswagen is committed to selecting the top young amateur racers for this series and will be looking at their skills both on and off the track at the driver selection process in early April."

The Jetta TDI Cup race schedule will be announced on Monday, Feb. 11. All drivers invited to the driver selection process in Phoenix, Ariz. will be notified shortly after the registration deadline ends.

The Jetta TDI Cup racecars will be optimized for track performance and safety. To focus on the skill of the young drivers and to ensure performance parity, proper maintenance and safety standards, all vehicles will be owned and maintained by Volkswagen. The heart of the Jetta TDI Cup racing vehicle will be the all-new, high-tech 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine rated at 170 horsepower and nearly 300 ft.-lbs. of torque in racing trim. The Jetta TDI race vehicles will be outfitted with a six-speed automatic DSG(R) transmission, electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system, and advanced multi-link fully independent race-tuned suspension, driver airbag supplemental restraint system, and four-wheel ABS racing brakes.

Signifying Volkswagen’s environmental commitment, the Jetta TDI Cup series will be certified as CarbonFree by Carbonfund.org. Additional program details are now available at www.vwmotorsportusa.com.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.