Volkswagen of America, Inc. has announced the selection of 30 drivers to compete in the all-new Jetta TDI Cup series, including Federal Way High School graduate David Jurca.
The drivers were chosen at a driver selection event April 3-6 at the Firebird Raceway in Phoenix, Ariz. Jurca had a strong selection process and was among the lead group of drivers.
“I came into this selection event not really knowing what to expect,” said Jurca. “We were told to be ready for driving, media testing, and two days of fitness training. Volkswagen spared no expenses and really tested us on every aspect of being a racecar driver. The pressure was high and it could really be felt among the drivers.
“After Sunday when the 30 names were announced, you could see a sense of relief amongst all the competitors. I’m thrilled to be selected for the series. It’s an enormous opportunity for my career and I intend to make the absolute most of it.”
In the end, the winner of the race series will be awarded $100,000 from Volkswagen to aid them in their next steps as a professional racer. An additional $150,000 will be given to the winner if he or she signs a contract with a professional-level team within six months of winning the Jetta TDI Cup series.
“With the Jetta TDI Cup, Volkswagen has created an amazing platform to develop young drivers and expand their knowledge about clean, quiet and powerful 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.”
The Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series is an innovative approach to motorsports – 30 factory-prepared and managed 2009 Jetta TDI clean-diesels will be piloted by talented, up-and-coming drivers, ages 16 to 26. Volkswagen’s goal is to find the driver with the most talent and help them break into the world of professional motorsports. The Jetta TDI Cup series is sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Pro Racing Inc.
The cars are 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 six-speed double-clutch automatic DSG transmission.
The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup will be televised on the Speed Channel with the series opener April 25-27 at the Virginia Raceway. The series runs through October.
Sports editor Casey Olson: 925-5565, sports@fedwaymirror.com
