The ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup presents a full grid for the 2009 season: Twenty-eight young talents representing 8 nations have secured a seat in the popular touring car one-make cup which will be held as partner series to the DTM.
Eleven competitors already have racing experience with the 150 hp Cup Polo, 17 have qualified as newcomers after successful participation in the selection procedure. The class of 2009 were introduced to the public for the first time at the Essen Motor Show.
“The touring car school remains true to its roots in its twelfth year: The ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup allows young talents to break into professional motorsport,” explains Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. “Reliable Volkswagen technology, absolute performance parity and an excellent level of driving skill guarantee high-quality racing and an impressive learn effect. As long-standing partner series to the DTM, the Polo-Cup represents a first class environment at an international level which is attractive for participants, spectators and sponsors alike.”
The ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup comprises of nine races on seven DTM race weekends during the 2009 season. A requirement for the competitors is the successful completion of the assessment and qualification training which was combined for the first time this year and held at Oschersleben. At the end of October approximately 60 young racers took part in an assessment during which they were able to prove their reactions and car control at the driver safety training centre. The best 30 moved into the second round to qualify for one of the coveted grid places. Under the watchful eye of chief instructor Benedikt große Darrelmann and his experienced team they demonstrated their abilities on the race track. It was not only absolute lap time that was assessed but also driving style and discipline.
Polo Cup as role model: International one-make cups follow proven concept
The unique concept of the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup – identical technology, single preparation company and car swapping, and also comprehensive support for the young race drives – has long since advanced to export hit. Following the successful premiere of the Jetta TDI Cup in the USA and also the new Scirocco Cup, which will be held in China for the first time during the 2009 season, the Volkswagen motorsport talent school continues to set lasting standards around the world.
