TOPEKA, Kan. (Nov. 18, 2008) - Following a highly successful 2008 season, Volkswagen of America, Inc. and SCCA Pro Racing have announced nine of the 10 rounds that will compose the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup.For the series sophomore season, the Jetta TDI Cup will visit some of the most storied road courses in North America, and two new courses already making their mark on the road racing scene. The combination presents a formidable challenge to the young drivers yet to be selected for the 2009 Jetta TDI Cup, while providing experience at courses theyre guaranteed to face as professional race car drivers. The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup schedule would be a true test of skill for any driver, let alone 30 young newcomers, Volkswagen of America Motorsport Manager Clark Campbell said. With the Jetta TDI Cup, we are preparing drivers for a career in motorsports and the 2009 schedule will be an impressive resume builder for them. Im looking forward to seeing our clean diesel Jetta TDIs back on track and in front of racing fans across North America.The season begins with a doubleheader at picturesque VIRginia International Raceway, site of the first-ever Jetta TDI Cup race in 2008. The series joins Grand-Ams Rolex series April 24 26.After taking the month of May off, the series heads to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Racing alongside Grand-Am, June 19 21, it will be the Jetta TDI Cups first visit to the classic American road course in Lexington, Ohio.The following round at the Autobahn Country Club, in Chicago, Ill., is another first-time visit for the series. Opened in 2005, the track will conduct its first professional race weekend, July 24 26, with the Jetta TDI Cup joining The Atlantic Championship.A short trip north takes the series to one of the countrys oldest and most celebrated road courses: Road America. The Jetta TDI Cup makes its first appearance at the four-mile track in Elkhart Lake, Wis., alongside the American Le Mans Series and SCCA World Challenge August 14 16.Clean diesel racing will return to Mosport International Raceway in 2009. The Jetta TDI Cup pairs with the American Le Man Series once again, Aug. 28 30, at the ultra-fast Canadian course, held in high regard by drivers worldwide. New Jersey Motorsports Park will again host a Jetta TDI Cup doubleheader. Sleek German engineering and clean diesel technology will mingle with raw American horsepower when the series joins the ARCA RE/MAX Series September 11 13.With the thrilling 2008 Jetta TDI Cup finale still fresh on everyones minds, it was obvious the 2009 season would have to end at Road Atlanta once again. The final round of the season will be part of the American Le Mans Series prestigious Petit Le Mans event, Sept. 25 27. We took a very aggressive approach to the 2009 schedule, Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Program Manager Kyle Novak said. SCCA Pro Racing awards each driver with a Pro Racing license at the end of the season and its our job to make sure theyve earned it. The venues these drivers will face in 2009 are going to make them better drivers and provide them valuable exposure.Any aspiring drivers between the ages of 16 and 26 who wish to register for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup can sign up at www.vwmotorsportusa.com. Registration will close Jan. 2. A four-day driver selection process will take place Feb. 1 4 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Schedule
