APR VOLKSWAGEN RACING CUP

Welcome to the Volkswagen Racing Cup, the UK's most successful manufacturer-backed saloon car racing championship. Sponsored by APR, the Cup is run by Volkswagen Racing UK and administered by the BRSCC. The VW Cup has gone from strength to strength since it was launched in 2000 and is now the regular sole saloon car support race to the prestigious British Formula 3/British GT package for it's 14 rounds.

Open to any model of racing Volkswagen, the Cup has attracted drivers of the Beetle RSi, Corrado, Vento & Golf VR6, Golf GTI of every generation, Jetta, Scirocco, Polo, Lupo and Bora models. For a car to be allowed to race in the championship, it will need to be issued with a Volkswagen Racing logbook. To be eligible for this, it must either be a car that has competed in the championship in the past two years, or if it is new to the championship, it must be less than 10 years old.

Engine usage has been as varied as car choice, with turbocharged and even turbodiesel power joining the established four and six cylinder engines. This variety of machinery, representing Volkswagens of all ages, has made for one of the most colourful and diverse grids in motorsport, and is always a real hit with spectators.

The innovative regulations put all cars into a single class based on power to weight ratios. The idea of a lightweight Polo GTI challenging a powerful V6 Beetle and a torquey TDI Golf for overall victory is a real experience for drivers, teams and spectators alike.

An important facet is the continuing stability of the regulations, which is a fundamental principle behind the championship. Unlike 'one-make' championships, cars developed for the Volkswagen Racing Cup can be assured of many years of racing under stable regulations. This means that teams and drivers can invest in the cost of a new car confident in the knowledge that the car will remain eligible and its value will be retained over years to come.

With Volkswagen Racing UK running the series stability is ensured as well as the sort of profile that the championship deserves over future years. The championship features the major benefit of television coverage on both Channel 4 and MotorsTV, plus a high quality hospitality service, and other benefits for competitors throughout the season.

The 14 round double-header format features seven weekends, including a trip to Spa Francorchamps, which keeps the time and cost commitment of teams and drivers lower than most other series, and provides spectators with a very full day of Volkswagen action.

High standards of driving and presentation befitting a championship with manufacturer backing and television coverage are expected of all participating drivers and teams. But above all, the Volkswagen Racing Cup remains a friendly championship where team spirit and camaraderie in the paddock count for more than on-track heroics.

Photos courtesy of www.jakobebrey.com