Volkswagen Named Official Car of VIR

VIR VW Pace Car

Volkswagen of America and VIRginia International Raceway announced today that Volkswagen has become the Official Vehicle of VIR.

“This partnership makes an ideal arrangement for Volkswagen, especially when combined with the inaugural race for the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup," said Clark Campbell, motorsports manager, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “With our North American headquarters in Virginia, not that far from the track, we will be able to use VIR’s facilities for every purpose imaginable, from testing, to dealer training, VIP events and media announcements. The track is also going to host the Jetta TDI Cup cars, in the race prep shop that we’re taking advantage of at the track."

Track General Manager Josh Lief echoed Campbell’s sentiment: “We expect that the Jetta TDI Cup and all of Volkswagen’s product line will be right at home on VIR. Our race track is a great place to debut the new Jetta TDI Cup series and we look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship between VIR and Volkswagen."

The Jetta TDI Cup is a Sports Car Club of America Pro Racing sanctioned professional race series for equally prepared diesel Jettas using Volkswagen’s latest clean diesel technology. Powered by a 170 horsepower two liter turbo-diesel four cylinder engine and driving through a six-speed double clutch DSG transmission, the cars will be driven by aspiring professional road racers. With 300 pound-feet of torque available over nearly half its operating range, the car will accelerate more than quickly. Riding on a race-tuned suspension and 18 inch wheels carrying high performance tires, the cars will provide plenty of thrills for drivers and spectators alike.

Thirty entrants in the series race for cash prizes, with the series winner taking home the trophy and $100,000, plus an additional $250,000 if they sign with a professional racing team within six months of season’s end. “With the Jetta TDI Cup, Volkswagen has created an amazing platform to develop young drivers and expand their knowledge about clean and quiet diesel technology," said Robert Wildberger, president and CEO, SCCA Pro Racing, Inc. “We look forward to the series in hopes that it will attract more attention to the drivers and advantages of diesel power."