The 2009 SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup is entering the final four races of its second season, and organizers have begun looking ahead to the 2010 edition of the only clean diesel racing series in the United States.
If you don't know about the TDI Cup races, read our review of the first race back in '08HERE.
For young drivers, VWoA posted an online application page at www.vwmotorsportusa.com.
The final driver selection event will be held in early February 2010 in Las Vegas, NV and is the last step in qualifying for the factory series. During the event, candidates will undergo a comprehensive examination on the asphalt and in the classroom. After driving tests, media-readiness assessment and physical fitness examination, 25 drivers will be chosen to participate. Once selected, VW provides factory maintained and prepared racecars, media support and promotions, a first class at-track hospitality area as well as ongoing driving instruction in hopes of advancing the drivers' careers to the next level.
Of course there are some prerequisites to applying. Candidates must be between the ages of 16 and 26 and hold a passport from the U.S., Canada or Mexico. In addition, drivers entering the series for the first time must not have competed in any professional racing series. Applicants must be able to submit a season entry fee of $45000 in order to be considered for the final driver selection event. The entry fee will be fully refunded to those not chosen as a 2010 series driver.
There are also two other ways to qualify for the final driver selection. The first is in conjunction with iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations. VW has created an online version of the series through www.iracing.com. The top iRacing.com driver to earn a position in the 2010 series will be awarded their season entry fee and will drive the iRacing.com car. You can also qualify via karting. Earlier this summer, the karting series began hosting standalone competitions at Boston's F1 Outdoor karting facility. The top finishers from each event will move on and compete in the final driver selection event. Like the iRacing.com path, the top-rated karting qualifier driver to earn a spot in the 2010 series and will receive a fully-funded ride.