Fwd: NEWS: Thompson Wins Jetta TDI Cup Round 2 at VIR

JAKE THOMPSON WINS VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI CUP ROUND #2 AT VIR
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Series to return to action May 15-17 at Miller Motorsports Park

ALTON, VA (April 26, 2009) – Heading into the 2009 SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup season, eight drivers had previous experience in the series. However, for the second time this weekend, a series rookie took the checkered flag with Vancouver, Canada’s Jake Thompson coming out on top today in the #19 ViON car at VIRginia International Raceway.

Thompson, the 2004 Canadian National Karting Champion, took the lead on lap three from pole sitter Timmy Megenbier who retired on the last lap with mechanical issues. For the last half of the race, Thompson battled bumper to bumper with Mark Pombo, but never relinquished the lead. Pombo placed second and Taylor Broekemeier finished third. For Thompson, the win was redemption for Saturday’s race, which he led at one point.

“Yesterday, when I found myself in the lead, I was nervous and made a mistake, so that experience definitely helped me learn to handle myself a little better under pressure. Pombo was all over me for the last half of the race, but I was able to keep my composure and hold him off,” said Thompson. “I’ve competed in karting for many years, but this is my first experience in cars, so to get a win in only my second race of the season is fantastic. I’m really glad that I landed in the Jetta TDI Cup because the emphasis that the series puts on driver development will hopefully help me to continue to grow in my racing career.”

Guest drivers, journalist, Dan Carney and Halifax, Virginia’s Jeb Burton finished 21st and 23rd respectively. Burton was involved in an on-track incident with the #22 car, which sent him off-course and to the rear of the field. Despite being frustrated with his result, Burton was positive about his experience.

“Being able to participate in the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series this weekend was a lot of fun for me. I’ve not done a lot of road-course racing in the past, so it was great to be able to get a little bit of experience,” Burton said. “Obviously, I’m frustrated, but I think that with a little more seat time in these cars and on road courses, I could be competitive. Hopefully, I’ll be able to give it another shot down the road.”

After two rounds of the Jetta TDI Cup, the championship standings have the winner of yesterday’s race at VIR, Joey Atterbury and Jake Thompson tied for the lead with 43 points. AJ Nealey (41), Pombo (40) and Taylor Broekemeier (37) round out the top five.

“The inaugural race weekend of the Jetta TDI Cup absolutely proved our concept that Volkswagen clean diesel technology, young drivers and a top-level crew produces some of the best racing available anywhere in North America,” said Clark Campbell, motorsport manager, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “If the talent level displayed this weekend at VIR is any indication as to how the rest of the season is going to go, it’s going to be a very exciting sophomore season.”

The Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series returns to action May 15-17 at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, Utah.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup – Round 2

VIRginia International Raceway – April 26, 2009

Fin. Position/St. Position/Car Number/Driver/Hometown/Sponsor/

1 2 19 Jake Thompson(R)/Vancouver/BC/CN/VION

2 4 20 Mark Pombo/Duluth/GA/VW Parts & Accessories

3 3 3 Taylor Broekemeier/Fort Collins/CO/Pirelli

4 5 2 AJ Nealey(R)/Pasadena/MD/Oakley

5 9 8 Derek Jones/Philadelphia/PA/Aggreko

6 6 27 Andy Lee/Maricopa/AZ/Castrol

7 8 29 Devin Cates(R)/Broad Run/VA/HYPERFUELS

8 7 14 Joey Atterbury(R)/Renton/WA/Red Bull

9 13 26 Andrew Cordeiro/Woodbridge/Ont/CN/Lamin-X

10 10 5 Ryan Ellis(R)/Ashburn/VA/VION

11 11 4 Nicky Boulle(R)/Dallas/TX/Pirelli

12 19 7 JD Mobley(R)/Castle Rock/CO/Bosch

13 18 28 Rhett Tucker(R)/Cumming/GA/DC United

14 16 11 Kyle Wharff(R)/Miramar/FL/VW Parts & Accessories

15 14 6 David Richert/Niverville MB/CN/Bosch

16 17 30 Perry Richardson(R)/Los Gatos/CA/DefNder

17 25 34 Juan Pablo Delgado(R)/Orizaba VZ/VC/SCCA

18 15 16 Eric Morse(R)/Pittsburgh/PA VW Preloved

19 21 24 Donny Warren(R)/Winchester/VA/Aggreko

20 23 15 Theresa Condict(R)/Lexington/MA/HYPERFUELS

24 31 Dan Carney(G)/Herndon/VA/Virginia Tech

21 20 18 Kerstin Smutny(R)/Bothell/WA/iRacing.com/

22 27 32 Andrew Gun Tucker(R)/McDonough/GA/Oakley

22 9 Jeb Burton(G)/Halifax/VA/St. Water Heater/WBurton Wildlife Fndn.

23 1 17 Timmy Megenbier/Melrose Park/IL/ChicagolandVW.com

24 12 23 Juan Pablo SierraLendle/Puebla/MX/Castrol

25 26 22 Andrew Novich(R)/Novato/CA/Meguiars

(G) Guest driver – not eligible for points

(R) Jetta TDI Cup Rookie Driver

About Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup

The 2009 season marks the second year of competition for the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, which is sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing. During the season, young, up and coming drivers (between ages 16-26) will compete in 10 events on eight road courses around North America in identical factory-prepared clean diesel Jetta TDI’s powered by Syndiesel® B5 blended biodiesel fuel. Each driver competing in the series will earn a Pro Racing license from SCCA at the conclusion of the season. In addition, the series champion will win $100,000.

The Jetta TDI Cup car is powered by a 2.0-liter, 170 hp, four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine mated to a six-speed, double-clutch, automatic DSG transmission. The car is only slightly modified from stock with Pirelli racing tires, race suspension and brake components, drivers racing safety seat, FIA roll cage and an on-board fire extinguisher system. Series sponsors include: Pirelli, Bosch, ViON, Castrol, Oakley, Red Bull, HYPERFUELS, Aggreko, defNder, Lamin-X, Meguiar’s, Safety-Kleen, Ringer Gloves, Jim Russell Racing School and Trellis Earth.

Follow the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series action on:

www.vwmotorsportusa.com

Volkswagen Online Newsroom: media.vw.com

Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/JettaTDICup

Twitter: http://twitter.com/VWJettaTDICup

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. 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, Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg 2 and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2009 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.

SCCA Pro Racing

A wholly owned subsidiary of Sports Car Club of America, Inc., SCCA Pro Racing Ltd. is a leading sanctioning body for motorsports events in the United States. A member of the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS), SCCA Pro Racing operates and sanctions the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, as well as provides sanctioning and various operational services for other racing series. For more information, please visit www.sccapro.com.

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI CUP DRIVERS TAKE TO THE TRACK FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 2009 AT VIR

Atterbury and Megenbier to sit on the poles for Rounds 1 & 2 at VIR

Alton, VA (April 24, 2009) – Picture-perfect conditions at VIRginia International Raceway provided an ideal setting for the SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series to hit the track today for the first action of the 2009 season. Today’s schedule included an open practice and a qualifying session for each of the two races that will take place at the track this weekend on the 3.27-mile road course.

The first practice session started off as followers of the series might expect with the winner of the 2008 race at VIR, Mark Pombo, at the top of the speed charts in the #20 Volkswagen Parts & Accessories car sponsored by Fresh From Florida and Heal. However, the Duluth, Ga. native encountered problems in the first qualifying session when he carried too much speed into turn 11 and made contact with the tire barrier, which ended his session. However, a qualifying lap completed before the incident places him ninth on the grid for tomorrow’s race.

The qualifying session for the first race saw rookie Joey Atterbury of Renton, Wa. take the pole with his last lap of the qualifying session. Atterbury topped AJ Nealey of Pasadena, Md. by less than a tenth of a second.

“It was great to get out on the track today. It’s been a couple of months since driver selection at Infineon Raceway, so I definitely was looking forward to it. The car was a lot of fun to drive here at VIR, and I was really pleased with the performance of the Jetta TDI Cup car,” said Atterbury. “Obviously, I’m really happy with the fact that I’ll be starting from the pole position for tomorrow’s race, but I know that there are going to be a lot of guys behind me trying to take that position away from me. The key tomorrow is going to be staying out of trouble, so hopefully I’ll be able to do that and bring home a win in our first race.”

Timmy Megenbier of Melrose Park, Ill. used experience gained competing in the series in 2008 to capture the pole during the second qualifying session. His lap time of 2:13.574 set a new track record for the series at VIR. Megenbier will start from the front of the grid for Sunday’s race in the #17 ChicagolandVW.com car sponsored by Caputo.

“I qualified fifth for our first race, but it was really hot on the track, which made things a little difficult. However, it cooled off for the second qualifying session, and I put on a new set of Pirelli tires, which gave me incredible grip. I also have to thank Mark Pombo for a great draft coming down the straight, which allowed me to post a great time,” Megenbier said. “Obviously, I’m really happy with the result. In my opinion, it’s more important to start from the front in the second race since most people will be trying to preserve their cars in the first race. I expect things to be a little more hectic in the second race, so it will be quite an advantage to start at the front.”

Three guest drivers are competing this weekend at VIR, and all were able to post competitive times during the day’s action. Freestyle skier, Simon Dumont qualified 25th for Saturday’s race. Meanwhile, South Boston’s Jeb Burton qualified 22nd, and journalist, Dan Carney qualified 24th for Sunday’s race.

“I don’t think we could have asked for anything more with our first action of the season. The weather was spectacular, the changes to our suspension and tire package really seemed to improve the car’s grip, and the drivers did very well in their first day on the track. Our guest drivers also did really well given they had no prior experience in our racecars.” said Clark Campbell, motorsport manager, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Tomorrow is going to be really exciting, and I think it’s fitting that we’ll be crowning our first winner of 2009 on our home track.”

The Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series returns to action tomorrow at 11:10 am at VIR for Round One of the season. Round Two will take place at VIR on Sunday, April 26 at 2 pm. Live timing and scoring is available at http://www.livetiming.net/SCCA/VW/livetiming.asp.

Practice Session:
Position/Car Number/Driver/Hometown/Sponsor/Time/Speed
1 20 Mark Pombo/Duluth/GA/VW Parts & Accessories/ 2:14.357 / 87.617
2 2 AJ Nealy(R)/Pasadena/MD/Oakley/ 2:14.486 / 87.533
3 17 Timmy Megenbier/Melrose Park/IL/ChicagolandVW.com/ 2:14.548 / 87.493
4 19 Jake Thompson(R)/Vancouver/BC/CN/VION/ 2:14.773 / 87.346
5 14 Joey Atterbury(R)/Renton/WA/Red Bull/ 2:15.190 / 87.077
6 23 Juan Pablo SierraLendle/Puebla/MX/Castrol/ 2:15.289 / 87.013
7 8 Derek Jones/Philadelphia/PA/Aggreko/ 2:15.337 / 86.982
8 29 Devin Cates(R)/Broad Run/VA/HYPERFUELS/ 2:15.421 / 86.929
9 5 Ryan Ellis(R)/Ashburn/VA/VION/ 2:15.528 / 86.860
10 3 Taylor Broekemeier/Fort Collins/CO/Pirelli/ 2:15.575 / 86.830
11 27 Andy Lee/Maricopa/AZ/Castrol/ 2:15.846 / 86.657
12 4 Nicky Boulle(R)/Dallas/TX/Pirelli/ 2:16.361 / 86.329
13 26 Andrew Cordeiro/Woodbridge/Ont/CN/Lamin-X/ 2:17.039 / 85.902
14 7 JD Mobley(R)/Castle Rock/CO/Bosch/ 2:17.116 / 85.854
15 30 Perry Richardson(R)/Los Gatos/CA/Defender/ 2:17.218 / 85.790
16 11 Kyle Wharff(R)/Miramar/FL/VW Parts & Accessories/ 2:17.304 / 85.736
17 28 Rhett Tucker(R)/Cumming/GA/DC United/ 2:17.311 / 85.732
18 6 David Richert/Niverville MB/CN/Bosch/ 2:17.430 / 85.658
19 9 Jeb Burton(G)/Halifax/VA/State Water Heaters/WBurton Wildlife Fndn/ 2:17.623 / 85.538
20 31 Dan Carney(G)/Herndon/ VA/US Virginia Tech/ 2:17.903 / 85.364
21 16 Eric Morse(R)/Pittsburgh/PA/VW Preloved/ 2:18.683 / 84.884
22 15 Theresa Condict(R)/Lexington/MA/HYPERFUELS/ 2:18.708 / 84.869
23 34 Juan Pablo Delgado(R)/Orizaba VZ/VC/SCCA/ 2:18.763 / 84.835
24 24 Donny Warren(R)/Winchester/VA/Aggreko/ 2:19.442 / 84.422
25 10 Simon Dumont(G)/Bethel ME/Red Bull/ 2:20.008 / 84.081
26 22 Andrew Novich(R)/Novato/CA/Meguiars/ 2:20.518 / 83.775
27 32 Andrew Gun Tucker(R)/McDonough/GA/Oakley/ 2:21.058 / 83.455
28 18 Kerstin Smutny(R)/Bothell/WA/iRacing.com/ 2:22.231 / 82.766
(R) – Jetta TDI Cup Rookie Driver
(G) – Guest Driver

Qualifying (Round 1 – Saturday Race):
Position/Car Number/Driver/Hometown/Sponsor/Time/Speed
1 14 Joey Atterbury(R)/Renton/WA/Red Bull/ 2:14.592 / 87.464
2 2 AJ Nealy(R)/Pasadena/MD/Oakley/ 2:14.616 / 87.448
3 19 Jake Thompson(R)/Vancouver/BC/CN/VION/ 2:14.723 / 87.379
4 3 Taylor Broekemeier/Fort Collins/CO/Pirelli/ 2:14.755 / 87.358
5 17 Timmy Megenbier/Melrose Park/IL/ChicagolandVW.com/ 2:14.765 / 87.352
6 5 Ryan Ellis(R)/Ashburn/VA/VION/ 2:14.773 / 87.346
7 8 Derek Jones/Philadelphia/PA/Aggreko/ 2:15.045 / 87.171
8 27 Andy Lee/Maricopa/AZ/Castrol/ 2:15.053 / 87.165
9 20 Mark Pombo/Duluth/GA/VW Parts & Accessories/ 2:15.097 / 87.137
10 4 Nicky Boulle(R)/Dallas/TX/Pirelli/ 2:15.215 / 87.06
11 29 Devin Cates(R)/Broad Run/VA/HYPERFUELS/ 2:15.317 / 86.995
12 6 David Richert/Niverville MB/CN/Bosch/ 2:15.955 / 86.587
13 26 Andrew Cordeiro/Woodbridge Ont/CN/Lamin-X/ 2:16.238 / 86.407
14 7 JD Mobley(R)/Castle Rock/CO /Bosch/ 2:16.535 / 86.219
15 30 Perry Richardson(R)/Los Gatos/CA/Defender/ 2:16.569 / 86.198
16 24 Donny Warren(R)/Winchester/VA/Aggreko/ 2:16.571 / 86.197
17 34 Juan Pablo Delgado(R)/Orizaba/VZ/VC /SCCA/ 2:16.674 / 86.132
18 16 Eric Morse(R)/Pittsburgh/PA/VW Preloved/ 2:16.689 / 86.122
19 23 Juan Pablo SierraLendle/Puebla/MX/Castrol/ 2:16.732 / 86.095
20 15 Theresa Condict(R)/Lexington/MA/HYPERFUELS/ 2:16.928 / 85.972
21 22 Andrew Novich(R)/Novato/CA/Meguiars/ 2:17.142 / 85.838
22 28 Rhett Tucker(R)/Cumming/GA/DC United/ 2:17.386 / 85.685
23 11 Kyle Wharff(R)/Miramar/FL/VW Parts & Accessories/ 2:17.402 / 85.675
24 18 Kerstin Smutny(R)/Bothell/WA/iRacing.com/ 2:17.789 / 85.435
25 10 Simon Dumont(G)/Bethel/ME/US Red Bull/ 2:18.032 / 85.284
26 32 Andrew Gun Tucker(R)/McDonough/GA/Oakley/ 2:21.595 / 83.138
(R) – Jetta TDI Cup Rookie Driver
(G) – Guest Driver

Qualifying (Round 2 – Sunday Race):
Position/Car Number/Driver/Hometown/Sponsor/Time/Speed
1 17 Timmy Megenbier/Melrose Park/IL/Chicagoland VW/ 2:13.574* / 88.131
2 19 Jake Thompson(R)/Vancouver BC/CN/VION/ 2:13.860 / 87.942
3 3 Taylor Broekemeier/Fort Collins/CO/Pirelli/ 2:13.982 / 87.862
4 20 Mark Pombo/Duluth/GA/VW Parts & Accessories/ 2:14.034 / 87.828
5 2 AJ Nealy(R)/Pasadena/MD/Oakley/ 2:14.072 / 87.803
6 27 Andy Lee/Maricopa/AZ/Castrol/ 2:14.162 / 87.744
7 14 Joey Atterbury(R)/Renton/WA/Red Bull/ 2:14.226 / 87.702
8 29 Devin Cates(R)/Broad Run/VA/HYPERFUELS/ 2:14.368 / 87.610
9 8 Derek Jones/Philadelphia/PA/Aggreko/ 2:14.526 / 87.507
10 5 Ryan Ellis(R)/Ashburn/VA/VION/ 2:14.643 / 87.431
11 4 Nicky Boulle(R)/Dallas/TX/Pirelli/ 2:15.018 / 87.188
12 23 Juan Pablo SierraLendle/Puebla/MX/Castrol/ 2:15.106 / 87.131
13 26 Andrew Cordeiro/Woodbridge Ont/CN/Lamin-X/ 2:15.227 / 87.053
14 6 David Richert/Niverville MB/CN/Bosch/ 2:15.444 / 86.914
15 16 Eric Morse(R)/Pittsburgh/PA/VW Preloved/ 2:15.684 / 86.760
16 11 Kyle Wharff(R)/Miramar/FL/VW Parts & Accessories/ 2:15.992 / 86.564
17 30 Perry Richardson(R)/Los Gatos/CA/Defender/ 2:16.115 / 86.485
18 28 Rhett Tucker(R)/Cumming/GA/DC United/ 2:16.269 / 86.388
19 7 JD Mobley(R)/Castle Rock/CO/Bosch/ 2:16.316 / 86.358
20 18 Kerstin Smutny(R)/Bothell/WA/iRacing.com/ 2:16.381 / 86.317
21 24 Donny Warren(R)/Winchester/VA/Aggreko/ 2:16.434 / 86.283
22 9 Jeb Burton(G)/Halifax/VA/State Water Heaters/WBurton Wildlife Fndn/ 2:16.647 / 86.149
23 15 Theresa Condict(R)/Lexington/MA/HYPERFUELS/ 2:16.750 / 86.084
24 31 Dan Carney(G)/Herndon/VA/Virginia Tech/ 2:16.802 / 86.051
25 34 Juan Pablo Delgado(R)/Orizaba/VZ/VC/SCCA/ 2:17.113 / 85.856
26 22 Andrew Novich(R)/Novato/CA/Meguiars/ 2:17.341 / 85.713
27 32 Andrew Gun Tucker(R)/McDonough/GA/Oakley/ 2:20.118 / 84.015
(R) – Jetta TDI Cup Rookie Driver
(G) – Guest Driver
* - Jetta TDI Cup Track Record at VIRginia International Raceway

About Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup

The 2009 season marks the second year of competition for the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, which is sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing. During the season, young, up and coming drivers (between ages 16-26) will compete in 10 events on eight road courses around North America in identical factory-prepared clean diesel Jetta TDI’s powered by Syndiesel® B5 blended biodiesel fuel. Each driver competing in the series will earn a Pro Racing license from SCCA at the conclusion of the season. In addition, the series champion will win $100,000.

The Jetta TDI Cup car is powered by a 2.0-liter, 170 hp, four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine mated to a six-speed, double-clutch, automatic DSG transmission. The car is only slightly modified from stock with Pirelli racing tires, race suspension and brake components, drivers racing safety seat, FIA roll cage and an on-board fire extinguisher system. Series sponsors include: Pirelli, Bosch, ViON, Castrol, Oakley, Red Bull, HYPERFUELS, Aggreko, defNder, Lamin-X, Meguiar’s, Safety-Kleen, Ringer Gloves, Jim Russell Racing School and Trellis Earth.

Follow the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series action on:
www.vwmotorsportusa.com
Volkswagen Online Newsroom: media.vw.com
Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/JettaTDICup
Twitter: http://twitter.com/VWJettaTDICup

Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. 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, Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg 2 and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2009 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.

SCCA Pro Racing
A wholly owned subsidiary of Sports Car Club of America, Inc., SCCA Pro Racing Ltd. is a leading sanctioning body for motorsports events in the United States. A member of the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS), SCCA Pro Racing operates and sanctions the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, as well as provides sanctioning and various operational services for other racing series. For more information, please visit www.sccapro.com.

Season Opener for Jetta TDI Cup at VIR

Jetta TDI Cup Kicks Off at Virginia International Raceways

Hello Friends & Fans,

Mark, Ryan and the rest of the Jetta TDI Cup team is off to VIR for the first and second rounds of the Jetta TDI Cup series. This double-header weekend is sure to be full of twists and turns as the 2009 season kicks off. Make sure you check back with the Arciero-Miller site as we bring you up to date picutres and blogs of the event.


Arciero Miller Racing
#81

Volkswagen-Red Bull Touareg TDI Trophy Truck Claims 13th Position for Trophy Truck Class in its Inaugural Baja 1000

ENSENADA, Mexico, Nov 23, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- After more than 1,000 kilometers (634 miles) through some of the toughest terrain imaginable, Volkswagen's newly developed Baja Race Touareg TDI prototype successfully crossed the finish line in Ensenada, Mexico driven by veteran drivers Mark Miller and Ryan Arciero.
For the first time in the 41-year history of the Baja 1000, a vehicle with innovative clean diesel technology successfully competed in the demanding and fiercely competitive high performance trophy truck class in the Baja 1000.
"Our aim for our first Baja 1000 was to finish the event with our all-new Touareg TDI - and we managed to do that. That's why we're really satisfied," said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. "It was the toughest Baja I've ever driven, the track simply was mercilessly rough," commented Mark Miller, a multiple Baja winner, after arriving at the finish early Saturday morning (November 22, 2008). "At our very first running we immediately showed that the Touareg and the clean TDI technology are a powerful package."
The Baja Race Touareg TDI experienced a defective seal on the gearbox during the race that led to the necessary replacement of the entire gearbox causing a major time loss for the team. "Ultimately, a simple seal had an enormous effect with a big loss of time. This defect surprised us because it had never occurred before," said Don Tebbe, Project Manager for the Arciero Miller Racing (AMR) team which, in close collaboration with Volkswagen Motorsport, is responsible for the development and fielding of the Baja Touareg. "Shortly before the finish we also exchanged the rear differential just to be on the safe side. From tests we knew that this part might possibly be at the limit. Work on an improved version is already in progress," Tebbe added.
The Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck that ran the 41st Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race in the SCORE Trophy Truck class was powered by a 5.5 liter V-12 clean diesel engine that produces 550 horsepower and 625 lbs.-ft. of torque.
Staying true to the off-road prowess that the Touareg is best known for, the purpose-built Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck takes the Touareg's off-road tenaciousness to a whole new level. With a double A-Arm front suspension that allows 25 inches of wheel travel, and a 4-link rear suspension that allows 30 inches of wheel travel, combined with Fox Racing Shocks, Eibach Coils and BFGoodrich Baja KRT 37x13.5x17 off-road tires the Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck had little difficulty maneuvering the highly difficult and technical 634 mile Baja 1000 course.
Chassis design and production was handled by Arciero Miller Racing located in Foothill Ranch, California. The Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck features a wheelbase of 125 inches, overall length of 213 inches, width of 92 inches, an overall height of 78 inches and weighs 5650 pounds. The Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck Body was designed by the Volkswagen Design Center located in Santa Monica, California.
The Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI was sponsored by Volkswagen of America, Inc., Red Bull, BFGoodrich Tires, Dow Automotive, Oakley, KMC Wheels and Fox Shocks.
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. 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 Eos, Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Tiguan and Touareg 2 through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2009 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.
SOURCE Volkswagen of America, Inc.

BFG & VW announce 2008SCOREBaja1000.com

BFGoodrich Tires and Volkswagen of America

Launch New SCORE Baja 1000 Online Experience



GREENVILLE, S.C. – Nov. 13, 2008 – BFGoodrich Tires and Volkswagen of America announced today the launch of a new first-of-its-kind online experience designed around bringing the captivating sights, sounds and real-time information of the 41st annual SCORE Baja 1000 to everyone.



Created for this year’s SCORE Baja 1000 as part of an innovative relationship between BFGoodrich Tires and Volkswagen of America and combined with partnerships through SPOT Tracker, Aura 360, and DirtNewz.com, the new online experience includes GPS tracking for all drivers in the SCORE Trophy-Truck, 1, 8, Stock Mini and 5/1600 Classes in the race plus live and streaming video. In addition, off-road fans and the media will be able to follow the event from their computers via text updates on SCORE Trophy-Truck and Class 1 competitors and a real-time leader board tracking all Classes throughout the duration of the event. The Web site will go live starting on Nov. 19, 2008 at www.2008SCOREBaja1000.com with a countdown clock. Race tracking will begin at 6 a.m. PT/ 9 a.m. ET on Nov. 21.



"This new SCORE Baja 1000 Live online experience is going to raise the bar for the SCORE Baja 1000," said Tom Jupena, marketing communications manager for BFGoodrich Tires. "BFGoodrich Tires has enjoyed a long lineage of success at the Baja 1000 while providing unparalleled support for competitors and the media. We are proud to support SCORE International and the SCORE Baja 1000 and we hope all enjoy this new online experience because it symbolizes our passion for off-road racing and competition."



In addition to bringing the 41st annual SCORE Baja 1000 to the masses, BFGoodrich Tires and Volkswagen of America are proud to host an on-site media center during the event. Located at the Corona Hotel and within close proximity to the start/finish, the media center will serve as a fully functioning newsroom including computers, a multi-function copier, work areas, wireless internet, bag check storage, and – every working journalist’s favorite – complimentary snacks and beverages. Real-time race tracking and updates provided by BFG Central will also be available at the media center. SCORE International and supporting sponsors will post press information and results for use in developing stories during the race.



“The experience we have gained at Dakar, the Jetta TDI Cup and other racing events provides us the platform to meet the unique challenges of Baja," said Clark Campbell, motorsports manager for Volkswagen of America. "Volkswagen has a long history of bringing innovation and competition to Baja since its earliest days. This year we are proud to bring clean diesel power to the desert, marking the first time that a turbo-diesel powered vehicle will compete head-to-head with gasoline-powered SCORE Trophy-Truck rivals."



“We are pleased to be able to add an innovation to race coverage with the launch of the SCORE Baja 1000 Live online experience. Our goal is to be of service to SCORE International while providing the infrastructure and support to help each journalist get additional stories and images from the event,” said Campbell. “That brings value to the media and to the supporting sponsors who make their news at the SCORE Baja 1000.”



BFGoodrich Tires’ interactive agency of record, The Martin Agency, led the development of the Web site in cooperation with Volkswagen of America’s agency, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, under the direction of senior level marketing teams from BFGoodrich Tires and Volkswagen of America’s Motorsports Division.

-more-

Volkswagen is the original four-wheeled Baja off-road machine. More than 40 years and hundreds of class and overall wins later, Volkswagen still plays a major role in SCORE International Off-Road racing and the SCORE Baja 1000. This year Volkswagen is leading the revolution in clean diesel technology, entering the SCORE Trophy-Truck class with a special-built TDI-powered Touareg.



Using motorsports as a proving ground for more than 30 years, BFGoodrich Tires is involved in every type of racing, including oval, sports car, drifting, drag, desert, dirt, rally and extreme rock-crawling. BFGoodrich Tires combines technological expertise with vast motorsports experience, delivering a high-performance tire for every type of vehicle. Visit BFGoodrich Tires online at www.bfgoodrichtires.com



###



Media Contacts: Tonya Polydoroff

BFGoodrich Tires

w: 864-458-4511

c: 864-906-0515

tonya.polydoroff@bfgoodrichtires.com



Jim Gill, M.S., APR

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

w: 703-364-7621

c: 703-463-6320

james.gill@vw.com

New Volkswagen Trophy Truck spotted

Photo source: RDC

VW coming to WRC!

VW planning to use Scirocco in the 2011 WRC and are discussing the technical regulations with the FIA

According to rallye-magazin.de VW represntatives have been discussing intensely the new WRC regulations at recent FIA technical meetings.

Rallye-magazin.de state that Motorsport aktuell have learned that VW want the width of a WRCar increased to 1820mm instead of the current 1800mm. This would indicate that Volkswagen are considering the Scirocco as a World Rally Car. VW also want to ensure that the paddle shift gear change remains on WRCars, so they can promote their in-house DSG motorsport system.

According to insiders VW are drastically reducing their Dakar Series programme with the Touareg and may pull out after Dakar 2009. VW boss Kris Nissen and other VW motorsport representatives have been attending recent WRC events gathering data adding to speculation that they will commit to the WRC.

VW's warm desert wind blows away the competition in the Eifel One-two finish for VW Scirocco and Eibach in the 24-hour race

At the very start of its career, the new Scirocco made an immaculate debut in the legendary 24-hour race that took place from 24th to 25th May at the Nürburgring: truly one of the most gruelling races in the world for both man and machine. At the first attempt, the race cars – fitted with Eibach Suspension Components – claimed a one-two finish in the SP3T class– for turbo cars in the 2-litre class. Scirocco no. 3 also made it over the finish line, taking fifth place in the class.

In the total field of 230 cars that started the race, the VWs took the 11th, 15th and 32nd places. Quite remarkable as many competitors were driving much more powerful “fireballs” into battle than the 325hp coupés named after the desert wind, and particularly as the cars had also just been resprung as part of a close-knit programme. But, with the perfectly-balanced VW concept including the EibachSuspension Components, the rival competitors extra engine power failed to have the desired effect, demonstrating that sheer horse power isn’t everything. Having professionals at the helm also made a significant contribution to the success. The two “class winners” were driven over the finish line by Jimmy Johansson, Florian Gruber, Thomas Mutsch and Hans-Joachim Stuck as well as Carlos Sainz, Giniel de Villiers and Dieter Depping.


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PR-Contact:

Heinrich Eibach GmbH
Swantje Eibach
Am Lennedamm 1
D-57413 Finnentrop
Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 2721 / 511 - 235
Fax: +49 (0) 2721 / 511 - 49 235
se@eibach.de IKmedia GmbH
Andreas Hempfling
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Germany
Phone: +49 (0) 9122 / 985 - 181
Fax: +49 (0) 9122 / 985 - 255
ah@ikmedia.de

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Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup on ESPN SportsCenter

Dear Friends,

The new Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup motorsport series will be featured on a commercial block during this Friday night's
edition of ESPN "SportsCenter". Be sure to tune in to ESPN to see this exciting promotional footage about the new
Jetta TDI Cup clean diesel racing series.

Here are the details:

* Friday, May 23rd on the 11:00 PM EST edition of SportsCenter. ( 10:00PM CST - 9:00PM MST - 8:00PM PST )
* Volkswagen will be the only advertiser on the program.
* Jetta TDI Cup will have eight total minutes of airtime on the broadcast.


Be sure to tune in and see what the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup clean diesel racing is all about!


Good, Clean Diesel Fun. It's what the people want.




www.vwmotorsportusa.com

SCORE Int’l selects Volkswagen as official Grand Marshall For 40th Tecate SCORE Baja 500 Anniversary Celebration

SCORE MEDIA CONTACT: Dominic Clark 702.735.7123

May 21, 2008

13 overall wins for VW-powered vehicles
SCORE Int’l selects Volkswagen as official Grand Marshall
For 40th Tecate SCORE Baja 500 Anniversary Celebration

May 29-June 1 event in Ensenada has entries from 24 States, 9 countries;
VW major part of sport since it started

LOS ANGELES—Moving away from the tradition individual selection, SCORE International has announced that a manufacturer—Volkswagen—part of the sport of desert racing since it began in 1967, has been selected as the Grand Marshall for this month’s 40th anniversary celebration of the Tecate SCORE Baja 500, the second-oldest desert race in the world.
Round 3 of the five-race 2008 SCORE Desert Series, the World’s Foremost Desert Racing Series, featuring over 300 entries, competing in 27 Pro and 6 Sportsman classes for cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs, will be held May 29-June 1 in Ensenada, Mexico. Traditionally one of the most popular events on the SCORE schedule, over 100,000 spectators are expected to enjoy the world’s best desert racers in action at this year’s 40th anniversary of the Tecate SCORE Baja 500.
With late entries accepted up to race morning, entries are expected for the 441.15-mile race from 24 U.S. States from Hawaii to Connecticut along with the additional countries of Mexico, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy and Japan. The green flag will drop for the elapsed-time race at 6 a.m. on Saturday (May 31) for the motorcycle and ATV classes in the Tecate SCORE Baja 500, followed by the car and truck classes three hours after the last ATV at approximately 9:30 a.m. In the elapsed-time race, motorcycles and ATVs will start one every 15 seconds, while the faster car/truck classes will start one every 30 seconds and the slower ones will start in 15-second intervals. All starters will have a 20-hour time limit to become official finishers.
“SCORE is humbled and honored that Volkswagen would accept our invitation to be recognized as the first manufacturer to ever be selected as ‘Grand Marshall’ of a SCORE desert race,” said Sal Fish, SCORE CEO/President since shortly after it was founded in 1973. “It is only fitting that the vehicle that has been such an integral part of our sport since its beginning should be congratulated in this manner.”
Representing Volkswagen, SCORE’s first official vehicle in 1973 and currently back in the same relationship with SCORE, at the race will be Clark Campbell, Volkswagen of America Motorsport Manager. In 1973, the eclectic VW Thing was SCORE’s Official Vehicle and now it is the sophisticated Volkswagen Touareg mid-sized SUVs.
Volkswagen has been a mainstay in desert racing, with a long and winning history, including in the Tecate SCORE Baja 500.
Vehicles powered by sturdy and depending air-cooled Volkswagen engines have earned a race-high 13 overall victories in this race. The first was in 1971 when veteran Hollywood stunt driver Bobby Ferro drove a Funco-VW to victory circle.
Last year, Volkswagen of America successfully raced two Dakar Rally turbo-diesel Volkswagen Race Touareg 2’s in a special class in the Tecate SCORE Baja 500, finishing an impressive 11th and 18th overall out of a SCORE-record 492 total starters.
Currently, Volkswagen is building a turbo-diesel Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 to begin competing in the elite SCORE Trophy-Truck division. Plans call for the new TDI diesel race vehicle, driven by American desert racing stars Mark Miller and Ryan Arciero, to debut at this November’s 41st annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.
This race began in 1969 under the auspices of the old NORRA organization and SCORE began its enduring run on July 26, 1974. This year is the 35th anniversary of the first SCORE race in Baja.
Founded in 1973 by the late Mickey Thompson, current SCORE CEO/President Sal Fish has been the principal in the desert racing organization since 1974.
SCORE currently has three Pro classes open exclusively to VW Baja Bugs, Beetles, Rabbits (Class 5, Class 5/1600) and VW Sedans (Class 11). Three additional classes (Class 1-2/1600, SCORE Lite and Class 9) are required to have VW powerplants exclusively in open-wheel desert race cars. The Unlimited Class 1 and Class 10 car classes have an option of using a VW motor.
The 2008 SCORE Desert Series also includes the chase for the $20,000 Volkswagen Point Leader Bonus which is part of the $100,000 Volkswagen cash contingency program for the year. Volkswagen has also posted a special $5,000 cash contingency bonus for the highest-finishing VW-powered race vehicle in this race and in November’s Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich. 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 Bettle, New Bettle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. For more information, visit Volkswagen of America online at http://www.vw.com/.
For the first time in the 40-year history of the Tecate SCORE Baja 500 desert race, the colorful pre-race Manufacturer’s Midway and Contingency, both the start and finish line will all be located in the heart of Ensenada, Mexico on Boulevard Costero adjacent to the historic Riviera del Pacifico Cultural Center. It will be first time in race history that the pre-race activities and the finish will be held on this historic boulevard.
Pre-race festivities will launch on Thursday, May 29 when Mexico’s El Vigia newspaper hosts its annual SCORE Meet the Racers Fiesta from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Ventana al Mar Plaza.
The SCORE Manufacturer’s Midway will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, May 30. Racer registration will again be held in the Grand Ballroom of the San Nicolas Hotel. Registration hours will be from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 29 and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday May 30.
The awards celebration will be held poolside at the San Nicolas on Sunday, June 1 at 10 a.m.
Current SCORE official annual sponsors are: BFGoodrich Tires-official tire, Sunoco Race Fuels -official fuel supplier, Bilstein-official shock, Volkswagen of America-official vehicle, Instant Mexico Auto Insurance-official Mexican auto insurance, Slime-official tire sealant, Red Bull--official energy drink and Bosch Power Tools-official power tool. Associate sponsors are: Tecate Beer, Coca-Cola of Mexico, Las Vegas Events, Terrible Herbst Inc., Blue C Enthusiast Advertising,
Kartek Off-Road, American Suzuki, SignPros, P.C.I. Race Radios, McKenzie’s Performance Products and Advanced Color Graphics.
Additional race sponsor for the 40th Tecate SCORE Baja 500 is Proturismo of Ensenada.
For more information regarding the series, contact SCORE at its Los Angeles headquarters 818.225.8402 or visit the official website of the SCORE Desert Series at http://www.score-international.com/.