Amateur oil-burning action! VW TDI cup set to kick off

Volkswagen has a history of supporting grass roots racing programs that goes back to the sixties. Over the years, countless drivers have come up through series like Formula Vee, SuperVee, Rabbit Cup, Golf Cup, among others. Amidst the alumni of VW-powered race cars include professional championship winners with names like Andretti and Unser. Volkswagen announced their latest racing program, the Jetta TDI cup in October at the SEMA show. The Jetta TDI cup is designed for amateur racers aged 16-26. Drivers who are interested in participating can sign up at a special VW web site. The series is limited to only thirty drivers and a series of qualifying races will be held in March 2008. Drivers who make it through to the full series will have to come up with $35,000 to cover the full season. For that money, VW will supply a fully race prepped diesel-powered Jetta TDI with all the necessary safety equipment. The 2.0L diesel is tuned for 170hp and drivers just need to show up at the track with their helmet and driving suit. Race winners earn $1,500 and the series champ will get $100,000. If the series champ hooks up a pro ride within six months of the end of the series, they earn an extra $250,000 bonus from VW. Go sign up now!

[Source: Volkswagen via AutoblogGreen]