2009 - Think Blue

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October 29, 2009.

Megenbier wins Jetta TDI Cup Season Series

Braselton, GA – For the third consecutive race weekend, the drivers of the SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup had to navigate a rain-soaked track on race day. This added an interesting but familiar twist to the final race of the year, which was contested on the 12-turn, 2.54-mile road course at Road Atlanta.

When the drivers arrived at the track, they saw that the series’ technicians had installed the grooved Pirelli rain tires that would make their 14 laps of racing action more manageable. When the race began, Juan Pablo Sierra Lendle held the lead he gained from winning the pole position, but it didn’t take Mark Pombo long to show who is boss on his home track. The Duluth, Georgia native took the lead in Turn 10 on the first lap, and he never looked back. The top three race finishers included Pombo, Andrew Cordeiro (2nd) and Juan Pablo Sierra Lendle (3rd).

Timmy Megenbier VW Jetta TDI Cup driver

“There’s something about racing in the rain that really works well for me because the two races I’ve won this year have been on a wet track,” Pombo said. “This win is really bittersweet for me because if it weren’t for a couple of bad breaks, I feel as though I might have had a chance to fight with Timmy (Megenbier) for the Championship. However, I think it’s pretty neat that I’ve won the first race for the series last year and my final race this year. I’ll be too old to race in the Jetta TDI Cup again next year, so it’s great to be able to go out on top.”

While Pombo took the Road Atlanta trophy, there was another race going on today. Timmy Megenbier and Andy Lee came into the weekend fighting for the series Championship and its $100,000 prize. Megenbier brought a 39-point lead into the race, and it was apparent from the start that he was taking a conservative approach to the race in order to maintain his spot on top. Naturally, the rain caused several dramatic spins and accidents, but the pair was able to avoid trouble with Lee placing sixth and Megenbier 11th. While Lee was able to cut into the Melrose Park, Illinois native’s lead, Megenbier’s mid-pack finish was enough to maintain a 29-point advantage over Lee and give him the Championship. Pombo’s race win vaulted him two positions in the standings to third.

Timmy Megenbier VW Jetta TDI Cup racer

“I knew what I had to do to achieve my ultimate goal of winning the Championship,” Megenbier said. “After being on the podium nearly every race this season, it was a real challenge to hold myself back so that I didn’t potentially risk my season. I had a couple of close calls out there today with the rain and people spinning in front of me, but thankfully I was able to hold on. Being named the Champion is a dream come true for me, and my hope is that this will lead to much bigger things for me down the road.”

While the series’ regulars had previous experience battling the elements, the guest drivers experienced an added obstacle today. However, both journalist Jeremy Shaw and Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford avoided trouble, with Shaw placing 12th and Whitford 18th.

Timmy Megenbier VW Jetta TDi Cup race car

“This entire weekend was quite the experience for me,” Whitford said. “First of all, I was driving a totally different car than I have competed in before. Secondly, I have never raced in the rain. Add the two together, and it sounds like a recipe for disaster. However, I was able to keep the car on track and in one piece for the entire race. Considering the conditions, I was really amazed at how well these cars held up to the demands of racing. Several years ago, nobody would have guessed that you could race a diesel, but these Jetta TDI clean diesels are awesome little cars, and I think the fans that showed up early to the track today got a great show.”

At the end of the day, it was fitting that tire grip and handling were the two factors that decided the race. First year series sponsor Pirelli had brought more than 100 tire dealers to the track, and they got to see first hand how the products perform under challenging conditions.

“While I’m sure that some of the drivers weren’t pleased to see the rain today, I don’t think we could have asked for a better demonstration of our product,” said Rafael Navarro, Pirelli Director of Media Communications and Motorsports. “Our involvement in this series has far surpassed our expectations, and I look forward to a bright future with Volkswagen and continuing to contribute to the environmentally-conscious spirit of the series in 2010.”

Timmy Megenbier VW Jetta TDi Cup race car

Road Atlanta (Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup – Round 10):

Fin. Pos./St. Pos./Car Number/Driver/Hometown/Sponsor/Best Lap Time/Best Lap Speed

1 3 20 Mark Pombo/Duluth/GA/VW Parts & Accessories/ 1:51.180 / 82.245

2 10 26 Andrew Cordeiro/Woodbridge/ON/VION/ 1:51.630 81.913

3 1 23 Juan Pablo Sierra Lendle/Puebla/MX/Castrol/ 1:51.877 / 81.732

4 2 14 Joey Atterbury(R)/Renton/WA/Hyperfuels/ 1:51.419 / 82.068

5 5 29 Devin Cates(R)/Broad Run/VA/HYPERFUELS/ 1:52.083 / 81.582

6 7 27 Andy Lee/Maricopa/AZ/Castrol/ 1:52.313 / 81.415

7 6 7 JD Mobley(R)/Castle Rock/CO/Bosch/ 1:52.505 / 81.276

8 9 24 Donny Warren(R)/Winchester/VA/Aggreko/ 1:52.721 81.120

9 11 4 Nicky Boulle(R)/Dallas/TX/Defnder/ 1:52.898 80.993

10 12 5 Ryan Ellis(R)/Ashburn/VA/VION/ 1:52.557 81.238

11 8 17 Timmy Megenbier/Melrose Park/IL/Chicagoland VW/ 1:53.013 / 80.911

22 31 Jeremy Shaw(G)/Santa Margarita/CA/ 1:53.091 / 80.855

12 19 30 Perry Richardson(R)/Los Gatos/CA/Pirelli/1:52.541 / 81.250

13 20 3 Taylor Broekemeier/Fort Collins/CO/Sherwin-Williams/ 1:52.657 / 81.166

14 17 28 Rhett Tucker(R)/Cumming/GA/SCCA/ 1:53.527 / 80.544

15 15 6 David Richert/Niverville/MB/LAMIN-X/ 1:55.155 / 79.406

16 21 32 Andrew Gun Tucker(R)/McDonough/GA/Pirelli/ 1:54.689 / 79.728

17 13 34 Juan Pablo Delgado(R)/Orizaba/VZ/Red Bull/ 1:54.455 / 79.891

23 35 Brad Whitford(G)/Winchester/MA/DC United/ 1:59.115 / 76.766

18 4 2 AJ Nealey(R)/Pasadena/MD/Brimtek/ 1:52.624 / 81.190

19 18 18 Kerstin Smutny(R)/Bothell/WA/iRacing.com/ 1:55.636 / 79.075

20 14 22 Andrew Novich(R)/Novato/CA/Oakley/ 1:54.857 / 79.612

21 16 15 Theresa Condict(R)/Lexington/MA/Bosch/ 1:57.922 77.542

(R) – Jetta TDI Cup Rookie Driver

(G) – Guest Driver

About Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup

The 2009 season marked the second year of competition for the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, which is sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing. During the season, young, up and coming drivers (between ages 16-26) competed in 10 events on eight road courses around North America in identical factory-prepared Jetta TDI clean diesels powered by Syndiesel® B5 blended biodiesel fuel. Each driver competing in the series will earn a Pro Racing license from SCCA at the conclusion of the season. In addition to more than $50,000 in prize money at stake during the season, the series champion won $100,000.

The Jetta TDI Cup car is powered by a 2.0-liter, 170 hp, four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine mated to a six-speed, double-clutch, automatic DSG transmission. The car is only slightly modified from stock with Pirelli racing tires, race suspension and brake components, driver’s racing safety seat, FIA roll cage and an on-board fire extinguisher system. Series sponsors included: Pirelli, Bosch, ViON, Castrol, Oakley, Red Bull, HYPERFUELS, Aggreko, defNder, Lamin-X, Meguiar’s, Sherwin-Williams, Chicagoland VW, Safety-Kleen, Ringer Gloves, Jim Russell Racing School and Trellis Earth.

Follow the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series action on:

www.vwmotorsportusa.com

SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Live Timing & Scoring

Volkswagen Online Newsroom

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October 23, 2009.

Jetta TDI Cup racer Mark Pombo comes clean

Mark Pombo was practically born at the track. His passion for racing was passed on by his father Pepe Pombo, winner of two SCCA National Championships in the 80s. For Mark, racing has been a lifelong dream starting at the age of 5 and continuing all the way up to his two thrilling seasons as a main contender for the Jetta TDI Cup Championship.

I was t-boned by a competitor in the driver’s door at about 80 mph. One of my first road races in late 2004 had me sitting at a dead stop right at the beginning of a huge braking zone at the fastest part of the track. I saw the entire thing coming and new it was going to be bad. I walked away though, and even got the car on the track the next day. Never skimp on safety; a high-quality roll cage is why I lived to race another day.

Bump drafting is risky, but can be the difference between the top 5 and the top 15 in qualifying. Every driver knows that a perfect lap by yourself on a high-speed circuit is never as fast as a perfect lap with a draft. Sometimes, it can be the pole versus second or third too.

Mark Pombo Jetta TDI Cup racer

I would like to think I outperformed the other drivers based on skill. I won this weekend, but there were other races I didn’t win. On the ones I didn’t win, I still don’t like to think I was outperformed based on other drivers’ skill. So I am just like most people — I rationalize the loss to myself (without making excuses of course!).

Veterans feel they have paid their dues and want to make rookies earn respect. Rookies have a chip on their shoulder and have something to prove right out of the box. Rookies typically feel like they should start out with the benefit of the doubt.

After crossing the finish line, the first person I called was my fiancée Leah Galloway. She puts up with weeks apart from each other and all my disappointments when things aren’t going well at the track. So I want share the moments of fulfillment with those who have sacrificed with me. My family often travels with me so I usually don’t have to call them.

Mark Pombo Jetta TDI Cup driver

I am living a dream right now. However, there is life after the Jetta TDI Cup. I try to never forget the fact that many people would love to be in my shoes. Sure, I view this as a step on the way up, but if for some reason this is my peak, then I still have some pretty cool stories to tell.

The more I progress in racing the more parity there is. Drivers in this series, especially the top-tier drivers can win on any given weekend. When I was younger, I felt like I could beat anyone in identical equipment, and to some degree I still feel that way. However, I have realized over the years that I can learn from everyone in this series because of how deep the talent is. I have a unique driving style, and no matter if I am fastest one weekend or not, there is bound to be someone faster than me in one turn or at least one segment of the track. As a driver, if you become content with where you are, others will close the gap trying to figure out what you are doing to go faster, so always continue to look for more speed, even if you are already the fastest.

Mark Pombo Jetta TDI Cup racer

Wake up and take a look at what we are doing. The facts don’t lie: 25mpg* on the track with B5 biodiesel in one of the most eco-conscious fossil-fuel-powered cars in the world. It is evolution, and this is just the beginning for Volkswagen. By today’s standards in the racing world, we are pioneers.

This series is more exciting to watch than nearly all other kinds of racing because the cars are as equal as possible. We are essentially all driving the same car; nearly identical to the one you can drive off the Volkswagen showroom floor. The drivers are young and aggressive, which typically makes for exciting (and sometimes dangerous) close-quarter racing for 30 minutes. If you like car carnage, there is usually no shortage of that, either.

I’ve never really lost my cool in the car. I will say I have made many mistakes, but those are usually from pushing too hard to be the best. I’m pretty calm, cool, and collected behind the wheel.

To me, a career is something you do to provide for yourself and your family. I hope the Jetta TDI Cup will launch my career to the point where I can call it my only career. I’m not there yet, but every year I’ve gotten closer.

Mark Pombo Jetta TDI Cup racer

Before a race, I always drink a ton of fluids, and then get the occasional butterflies (like everyone). This usually causes me to make a pit stop at the restroom right before I get in the car. My family follows with a hug and a kiss when I am strapping in the car. Once in the car, I like to have a few moments to myself in the car to visualize the track and go through the gears and braking zones. Then I try to visualize different scenarios on the start and the smartest way to react. By this time, the race is usually about to begin.

I’ve never been the guy to get a song stuck in my head while racing. I think I’m too in tune with the sound of the car to get distracted with music.

Liam Kenney makes me nervous. The driver who really makes me nervous is Kenney, from last season. Because he’ll hit you instead of giving you room.

If I win the Jetta TDI Cup, the money will all go back into pursuing a racing career. Some people call that crazy!

I really liked the Portland, Oregon track last year. I feel like I have some unfinished business there, and would love to race it again.

Track etiquette is track etiquette everywhere. You either have it or you don’t. Everybody makes bonehead mistakes, but owning up to them is what I think is important. This is especially true if your mistake costs someone else a better result. What I have noticed the last couple of years is that, typically, people’s race etiquette coincides with their tax bracket (or their parents’ tax bracket). There are always exceptions, though.

I want to beat them all. One week it could be Timmy Megenbier, the next Jake Thompson, the next Andy Lee, and the next Joey Atterbury, etc.

I’d like to think I’m the fastest, nicest, and most marketable. Hopefully.

*30 city/41 highway mpg (Jetta 2.0L TDI, manual). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary.

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October 19, 2009.

TDI Cup racer Devin Cates comes clean

A second-generation racer, and only 19, Devin Cates is one of the top amateur road racers in the United States. He has proven to be a consistent threat at courses such as Road Atlanta, Caroline Motorsport Park, Nelson Ledges, Mid Ohio and his hometown track Summit Point. Winning the Jetta TDI Cup adds yet another notch to his belt, and with his experience and age, it is expected that his move up the professional driver ranks will be swift one.

The first person I call is my mom. She has always been there for me and our relationship with each other has really grown strong over the last year. I called her on my way home and told her all about the win and how it felt, she was the happiest I have ever heard her!

I want to prove I can be the best no matter who is racing. I want to constantly improve my performance to meet my own expectations, and of course prove to my dad that I can be a successful racecar driver, he has always supported my dreams and has constantly pushed me to take it to the next level.

I find myself with a song stuck in my head every now and then when I’m racing. It’s always a different song, nothing specific and it usually comes and goes. When I’m in an intense battle there is no song, if I have a big lead a song may enter my head.

When I’m on the grid I like to close my eyes, clear my head and picture all the turns in order, one at a time. Going into the race calm, with a fresh and clear mind helps me maintain my focus; a low heartbeat helps keep my emotions intact along with staying calm throughout the whole race.

When you have 25 hungry drivers on the same track, battles are sure to ensue. You just have to make sure you’re at the right place at the right time so when opportunities open up you are there to capitalize, that’s exactly what I do. I am aggressive at the right times to get myself right in striking position, then I am patient and wait until the opportunity presented itself.

VW Jetta TDI Cup Devin Cates

I think a driver breaks rules when he feels that there are no options left. Sometimes it is a desperate pass at the end of the race, or an overly optimistic view of getting both cars through the turn cleanly. When I bump someone it is more of a friendly gesture, kind of like shaking someone’s hand, it lets them know you’re willing to work with them to pull away from the guy or guys behind you.

I was hit from behind in the braking zone going into Canada Corner. My buddy Derek Jones made a slight miscalculation in the braking and sent me flying through the gravel at over 100mph, I felt the left front of the car dig into the gravel and at that point I knew I was going over. When I landed I opened my eyes and was on top of the tire wall. I remember letting out a huge yell when the car started to flip, but to be honest I was more pissed that my race was done than scared.

I punted a BMW e30, because…well he was in my way. I was running 3rd right behind Mat Pombo and Dean Copeland who were 1, 2 respectively. The e30 let both of them by on the outside and cut me off. I was so determined to win that race that I didn’t even think about lifting, and punted him right off the track. I ended up finishing 2nd but got dq’ed anyway because, as you can imagine the guy driving the e30 wasn’t too happy and “threw paper”, for which I don’t blame him.

The vets expect to have a big advantage. However, the rookies proved strong and won the first 2 races of the year. Out of the 6 winners this year, 3 of them have been veterans and 3 rookies. So I think it has been a pretty even battle between the rookies and veterans all season.

Timmy Megenbier, is the highest praised driver of the series. With the way he has been driving this year – rightly so.

Whenever I see the #22 car in my mirrors in a practice session I just pull over and let him by. He seems to like contact.

It’s a great experience getting to meet people from all over North and Central America. Getting to know what they’re all about, on and off the track. After a couple of race weekends I feel everyone started spreading out more and hanging out with different people, rather than just people who were from the same region. On the track everyone is just another racer, we all want to win and we all drive like it!

My home track Summit Point, is an awesome track with a bunch of fast, intimidating turns; my favorite! I live about an hour away and have countless laps there. I know about every speed secret and passing zone there, and if the series visited SP I feel I would have a huge advantage. I also would make sure to put on a great show for the home crowd too!

Eco-conscious racing is the future of motorsport. Volkswagen is lifting all preconceptions with the clean diesel Jetta models in the VW Jetta TDI Cup. With such a large manufacturer as the likes of Volkswagen taking the initiative to have a completely eco-conscious race series, other race series, such as ALMS, are sure to follow.

Watch the Jetta TDI Cup! 25 young drivers, all competing for a name, a title and 100k. This is a very potent combination that allows for an extremely exciting racing!

I’m hoping the Jetta TDI Cup will pave a way for me in future Pro Racing. Whatever it may be, road or oval, I’m open to any kind of opportunity. I want to make racing my career and make a living doing what I love!

I’d definitely buy some kind of intense dune buggy to race on my dirt track at home. That is if I win the Jetta TDI Cup, $100,000 in prize money.

I am out of the Championship hunt. I am just focusing on finishing out the year strong, which will hopefully open up opportunities for me next year and beyond.

Believe that you’re the best. In racing or in any sport, you have to or else you will not win, simple as that.

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October 14, 2009.

Volkswagen Golf TDI: Practical Never Looked So Good

Like it or not, most everything comes at the expense of something else. Want that new house with a pool? You may just have to sign over Junior’s college fund. But when it comes to a stylish car that’s powerful, fun, roomy, refined and affordable? Well, in that case you’re in luck. You won’t have to sacrifice a thing.

That’s because the 2010 Volkswagen Golf is on its way. And in addition to updated styling and refinements inside and out, a clean diesel Golf TDI model will be available, providing a new alternative for shoppers craving efficiency*, low emissions, and unrivaled value all in one attractive package.

Clean Diesel Technology
TDI. That’s Volkswagen’s name for its turbocharged, direct injection diesel engine technology, which allows the Golf TDI to achieve an EPA-rated 42 mpg on the highway*. Efficient diesels have been around for ages, but thanks to the U.S.’s adoption of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel and an advanced emissions system, VW’s TDI Clean Diesel models have up to 95% fewer sooty emissions than a traditional diesel engine. And unlike its non-diesel competitors, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI also delivers 236 lbs.-ft. of earth-moving torque.

Clean German Design
Sitting nearly an inch wider and just a smidge shorter, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf has a footprint almost identical to the outgoing VW Rabbit. Similar dimensions aside, the new Golf sports a more luxurious, precise style by comparison, with sleek headlight and taillight treatments outside and even more quality materials fitted to the tasteful interior.

Volkswagen 2010 Golf Rear

Comfort and Convenience
Perhaps Volkswagen just doesn’t know how to build a poorly-equipped vehicle. That’s the impression you’ll likely get after viewing the new Golf’s list of standard equipment, which includes everything from air conditioning to sport seats with height and lumbar adjustments. The Golf TDI kicks things into overdrive with a standard touch screen audio system and a sport-tuned suspension. Every Golf addresses safety with six airbags**, a tire pressure monitoring system, four-wheel antilock disc brakes, and ESP stabilization control. Options include a power moonroof, a Cold Weather Package, navigation system, and more.

Value Beyond Fuel Economy
Volkswagen has gained a reputation for building some of the most upscale, refined interiors in the business. Things get even better in the 2010 Volkswagen Golf, as Car and Driver’s Erik Johnson suggests that “the quality and design of the Golf VI’s interior is far and away better than the cabin of the previous-gen car, and that wasn’t a hobo tent or anything.” We’re not exactly sure what a hobo tent is, but we think that’s a compliment.

Pricing has not yet been announced, but shoppers can expect the Golf TDI to start in the low $20,000s***. Fuel economy figures will also mirror the clean diesel Jetta, with both vehicles achieving an EPA-rated 42 mpg on the highway*. Finally, the Golf TDI will be backed by three years or 36,000 miles of Carefree Maintenance† and may qualify for a federal tax credit.††

*EPA estimates; your mileage will vary.
***Airbags are supplemental restraints only and will not deploy under all crash circumstances. Always use safety belts and seat children only in the rear, using restraint systems appropriate for their size and age.
***MSRP not yet announced.
†The Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program covers the vehicle’s scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first on all 2010 or newer models. Coverage during the term of the new vehicle warranty at no additional charge. Some limitations apply. The Touareg TDI program covers the vehicle’s 5k, 15k, 25k and 35k AdBlue refills. The Routan program covers 6k, 12k, 18k, 24k, 30k and 36k scheduled maintenance. Does not include routine wear and tear on parts such as brakes, tires, wiper blades, light bulbs, etc. See dealer or vehicle maintenance program booklet for details.
††$1,300 tax credit submitted under Notice 2006-9 and Internal Revenue Code, Section 30B relative to 2010 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TDI with manual transmission. $1,700 tax credit submitted under Notice 2006-9 and Internal Revenue Code, Section 30B relative to 2010 Volkswagen Golf 2.0L TDI with automatic transmission. Available to taxpayers who purchase a qualified vehicle on or before December 31, 2010. Leased vehicles are not eligible for the tax credit. Only a limited number of full tax credits are available. Please consult a tax professional for more information or go to http://www.irs.gov.

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September 16, 2009.

TDI Cup Racer Andy Lee Comes Clean

Andy Lee knows about sacrifice. Six years ago his mother sold her house to help him start his career in racing. Since then, Lee has taken that same level of dedication to the track. When he’s not searching for sponsorship money, he walks the tracks and does his homework to get an edge over the competition. His hard work finally paid off as he tore up the track at the Autobahn Country Club and took home first place.

When I’m about to have an impact with something I feel more disappointed then scared. All I can think about during a crash is how much it’s going to cost to fix everything. I have never worried too much about getting hurt.

The TDI Cup cars are so evenly matched that you almost always end up running in close quarters with someone. It’s very easy to misjudge what the guys around you are going to do all the time and sometimes you get it wrong. The other reason people touch is out of frustration. It’s so difficult to pass in this series and some drivers get what we call the “red mist” where they basically try to move someone out of their way and hope no one notices.

There have been tracks that I felt connected to right from the beginning. The Autobahn is one of those tracks. Mid-Ohio felt the same also but I lacked one crucial ingredient there: LUCK. You can do everything right some weekends but the results just aren’t in the cards.There are a lot of drivers in this series that can win on any given weekend but they don’t do enough pre-race prep to ready themselves.

In the TDI Cup we’re not allowed to practice on the tracks where we race, so I study on-board videos and track maps before an event. I try to talk to drivers who have raced there before, and I check the weather forecast. I also try to get into town a day early to walk the track and watch other series run to get an idea of how I want to plan my strategy. Homework is crucial and some of the drivers don’t do enough of this and that’s why they aren’t winning.

All and all I have been impressed with the performance of the rookies this year. They are certainly racing cleaner than we did last year. The vets, myself included, thought we were going to show the rookies who’s boss, but then at VIR the rookies won both races. I think the vets decided we needed to even the score and since then the vets have won the last three races. It’s all in good fun. I respect everyone on the track but it’s always fun to bust each other’s chops here and there.

My first instinct after crossing the line was to call my mom. Throughout my life she has always backed me up 100% when it came to my dreams of being a professional racecar driver, no matter how far fetched it seemed.

After the win I called her and she screamed into the phone so loud I nearly went deaf! It was nice to give her the good news.

Of course there is life after the TDI Cup but what exactly I have no idea. I have to be able to raise sponsor money over the off-season and that will determine everything. I would like to compete in Grand-Am if possible.

I’m not better than most, I just want it more than most!

When I was growing up I had a lot of people telling me I wouldn’t amount to much. I was a horrible student and I got into trouble here and there in high school. I eventually dropped out of high school to pursue my racing career and that made a lot of people think I was going to be a complete failure. When people doubt me it makes me want to prove them wrong. Doubt has always provided me with a great deal of motivation.

I’m not looking to beat one driver… I want to beat all of them!!!

Racing will continue to get greener, it’s inevitable. The sport needs to act more responsible if it wants to survive. There are always going to be people that will dislike racing because of all the oil problems this country is having. I think racing should have been making bigger strides to be more fuel-efficient a long time ago.

Racing technology always finds its way into consumer cars, and I think Volkswagen recognizes this and is making an effort to move the sport in the right direction. It’s only a matter of time before we are racing hybrids and electric cars.

I tell people it’s like a reality show on wheels. If you have never watched racing before, this is the perfect series to start with. You have 25-30 young drivers battling each other for success. Anyone who follows the series will associate themselves with a driver and want them to win.

Where we differ from reality shows is we’re not doing it for the money, because we’re not making much if any. We are doing it for the love of the sport and we all want to be the best.

Racing on a budget teaches you self control. If you let your emotions get the best of you on track, then you better have a lot of sponsor money to fix your car afterwards. Up to this point I have never been able to afford to act out on the track. That’s not to say I don’t have moments where I want to move somebody out of my way, but I just can’t.

If I could have anything I wanted, I’d like to get a phone call from Penske, Roush, or Ganassi at the end of the year. In a perfect world you want someone to notice your abilities and give you a shot at a higher level. Who knows, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. At least not to me, but I’m a dreamer.

The night before every race I watch one my favorite movies. It inspires me and reminds me how hard I’ve worked to get where I am. The week leading up to an event I try to relax and surround myself with friends and family. This helps me start the event with a positive mindset.

Lots of jabbering goes on inside my helmet. If people could hear it they would probably die laughing. I talk all the time during the race to motivate myself or to calm myself down.

This year, nobody really makes me nervous. At least not like Chris Castagna did last year. He is an extremely solid racer but he had a way of passing you that always seemed on the ragged edge. He would wait till the last possible moment before pulling out to pass and there was really nothing you could do to defend it. I miss that kid this year.

If I won the Jetta TDI Cup, I’d like to sponsor an aspiring driver, someone who is in the same place as I was growing up. Unfortunately I will have to use the prize money to race next year.

If I could add an 11th race, it would be Pikes Peak International Raceway. I am originally from Colorado Springs, and that’s where a lot of my family and friends live. It would be nice to race in front of the home crowd.

In the beginning of the season our cultural differences seemed to divide us into little groups off the track. You tend to gravitate towards people who are from the same places. Now that we have raced together for half of a season, the groups are breaking up a bit. We are all getting more comfortable with each other.

On track we are all the same. We all want to win.

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September 9, 2009.

VW Announces 2010 Jetta TDI Cup Qualifying Paths

With the 2009 SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup winding down, organizers have launched the search for next season’s best young drivers to compete in the landmark clean diesel racing series.

“I’ve been racing since I was four years old, but the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup was my first professional racing experience,” said returning driver Timmy Megenbier. “Volkswagen has worked extremely hard to make this series a great value for the participating drivers while assuring that all of the cars are equal. As a result, the on-track results really come down to driver skill, which unfortunately isn’t the case in all forms of motorsports. The series has also allowed me to make many contacts that I feel will help me reach the next level in my career.”

Megenbier has been a dominant force in the 2009 series, and is the current Championship points leader with three races left. So far, the series veteran has chalked up three wins, six podium appearances, and two poles, while leading 42 percent of all laps this season (41 laps).

Racers interested in following in Megenbier’s footsteps should begin their journey with VW’s online application. Final driver selection will be held in early February 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada and is the last step in qualifying for the factory series. During selection, candidates will undergo a comprehensive evaluation on the asphalt and in the classroom. After driving tests, media-readiness assessment and a physical fitness examination, 25 young racers will be chosen to participate in the 2010 season.

“Volkswagen takes young driver development very seriously,” said Clark Campbell, Motorsports Manager, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We obviously test the candidates on driving ability, but we also look at their skills outside of the car. In motorsports, how you handle yourself away from the track is also vitally important. It takes the total package to climb the career ladder, and we provide our drivers with all of the coaching and resources necessary for them to be successful.”

Selected drivers get factory maintained and prepared racecars, media support and promotions, a first class at-track hospitality area as well as ongoing driving instruction.

Driver Requirements
Potential driver candidates must be between the ages of 16 and 26 as of January 1, 2010 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 regardless of location. Applicants must be able to submit a season entry fee of $45,000 by December 11, 2009 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. Further information on application and series rules is available at www.vwmotorsportusa.com.

Interested drivers have three ways to qualify:

• Online application – Applicants can visit www.vwmotorsportusa.com for an online application. On the site, candidates can submit their amateur racing resumes and other details about their past experience. Series officials will then select candidates from these applications to participate in the driver selection program. All applications must be submitted along with the series entry fee by December 11, 2009.

• iRacing.com Jetta TDI Cup online racing season – In conjunction with iRacing.com Motorsport Simulations, Volkswagen has created an online racing experience unlike any other. The Jetta TDI Cup series car has joined the list of racecars offered on iRacing.com, and iRacing has launched an online version of the series. The iRacing.com Jetta TDI Cup series participants will be battling to earn their way into the 2010 final driver selection event. 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. More information is available at www.iracing.com.

• Karting qualifier competitions – Earlier this summer, the series began hosting standalone karting 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 will receive a fully funded ride. Information on the karting qualifier events is available at www.volkswagenjettacup.com.

About the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup
The 2009 season marks the second year of competition for the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, which is sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing. During the season, young up-and-coming drivers (between ages 16-26) will compete in 10 events on eight road courses around North America in identical, factory-prepared clean diesel Jetta TDI’s powered by Syndiesel® B5 blended biodiesel fuel. Each driver competing in the series will earn a Pro Racing license from SCCA at the conclusion of the season. In addition to more than $50,000 in prize money at stake during the season, the series champion will win $100,000.

The Jetta TDI Cup car is powered by a 2.0-liter, 170 hp, four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine mated to a six-speed, double-clutch, automatic DSG transmission. The car is only slightly modified from stock with Pirelli racing tires, race suspension and brake components, driver’s racing safety seat, FIA roll cage and an on-board fire extinguisher system. Series sponsors include: Pirelli, Bosch, ViON, Castrol, Oakley, Red Bull, HYPERFUELS, Aggreko, defNder, Lamin-X, Meguiar’s, Sherwin-Williams, Chicagoland VW, Safety-Kleen, Ringer Gloves, Jim Russell Racing School and Trellis Earth.

Follow the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series action on:
www.vwmotorsportusa.com
SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Live Timing & Scoring
Volkswagen Online Newsroom
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August 25, 2009.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI Clean Diesel Sedan Overview

Introducing America’s Most Affordable Clean Diesel Sedan

If there’s one thing facing today’s car buyer, it’s choice. From models to colors and accessories, the options can seem endless. Despite this, few cars have truly been capable of delivering fun, power, fuel efficiency*, and affordability in one smartly designed package.

Enter the new Volkswagen Jetta TDI® Clean Diesel. With fuel efficiency rated at up to 41 MPG*, and a price starting at $22,270 MSRP** (not to mention federal tax incentives†), this turbocharged German-engineered sedan makes choosing a lot easier.

Clean Diesel Technology

Power for Volkswagen’s fuel-frugal sedan comes from the VW’s TDI direct injection technology. In simple terms, diesel fuel is sprayed directly into the engine where it mixes with hot, compressed air and causes an explosion. This internal combustion translates to power, something the Volkswagen Jetta TDI delivers in abundance. And something it delivers cleanly. Through the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) and a sophisticated emissions system, the Jetta TDI is up to 95% cleaner than past diesel engines.

Clean Design

As significant as Volkswagen’s TDI technology is, it would be wasted if it powered a vehicle no one wanted. No need to worry about that with the Jetta TDI. Like all Jetta models, the TDI vehicle features a comfortable cabin decorated with rich materials and intuitive controls.

Comfort and Convenience

Based on the mid-level Jetta SE, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI is outfitted with a generous list of standard features including a premium sound system and heated front seats. A touch screen navigation system (with helpful directions to the nearest diesel refueling station) is optional. Every Jetta TDI sedan also comes standard with six airbags††, antilock disc brakes, and Volkswagen’s Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP).

Value Beyond Fuel Economy

When it comes to compact sedans, value is often delivered with respect to affordable prices and efficient engines. The same could be said of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI sedan, but the TDI goes further with features, style and design befitting pricier cars, a fun factor not found in most small sedans and hybrids, and a $1,300 federal tax credit†. Add to that Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance (three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first, of no charge scheduled maintenance)§, and achieving up to 41 MPG on the highway* almost seems like icing on the cake.

Related Links:

See all VW TDI vehicles

Learn more about Volkswagens and TDI

*30 city/41 highway mpg (2.0L TDI Manual). EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary.”

**“Starting MSRP of $XX,XXX for an Jetta TDI clean diesel with [manual/automatic] transmission. Model shown is a 2009 Jetta TDI with optional…[If necessary, depending on the photo].[list all visible optional features here] with a starting MSRP of $XX,XXX. Prices exclude taxes, title, other options and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.”

†Tax credit submitted under Notice 2006-9 and Internal Revenue Code, Section 30B relative to the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L TDI Sedan and SportWagen. Available to taxpayers who purchase a qualified vehicle on or before December 31, 2010. Leased vehicles are not eligible for the tax credit. Only a limited number of full tax credits are available. Please consult a tax professional for more information or go to http://www.irs.gov.

††Airbags are supplemental restraints only and will not deploy under all crash circumstances. Always use safety belts and seat children only in the rear, using restraint systems appropriate for their size and age.

§The Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program covers the vehicle’s scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Coverage during the term of the new vehicle limited warranty at no additional charge. Some limitations apply. See dealer or vehicle maintenance program booklet for details.

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July 29, 2009.

TDI Cup Racer Timmy Megenbier Comes Clean

At 18, Timmy Megenbier is one of the youngest drivers on the track. But his history in kart racing also makes him one of the most experienced. After finishing 18th in points last season he shifted into higher gear and powered through to win back to back races this season at Utah and Ohio. We sat down with Megenbier to get his take on racing clean and racing hard.

The first person I called after the race was my mom. She’s given up so much for my career.

I won because I figured out the track before the race. Bobby Rahal told me there are two types of drivers: those who are talented, and those who are determined. I am very determined. At Miller I was lucky enough to be both.

Before the race I say a prayer to keep all of us safe and then I go into race mode. I also think about my data and other things I need to work on.

There is no one driver I want to beat, just every driver.

People should watch the Jetta TDI Cup because it’s the most level playing field you can compete on. It’s an event that just happens to be an eco-conscious auto race. Come see a race in person. Let us show you how committed Volkswagen is to being eco-conscious.

It’s the story of the young bull and the old bull. Just because the rookies are new to the Jetta TDI Cup, it doesn’t mean they aren’t fast. They are going for the same goal as the veterans.

I have nothing to prove to myself. This is my job. I’m just trying to do it better then the rest.

I’m hoping the Jetta TDI Cup will help turbo charge my career. That’s turbo diesel of course.

To me, winning the Jetta TDI Cup would mean a future. It is a learning experience. I really enjoy meeting everyone and listening to what they do for fun where they live. In the end we are all the same. Once the helmet is on we are no longer different. We speak the same language, use the same hand gestures and go for the same goals. We are all the same “race.”

I backed a car into the wall at over 100mph in my first Skip Barber National race. My friend Dave was calling me. I was pretty out of it and didn’t know whether it was Dave or God calling me.

Last time I let my emotions control me, I crashed. If you become impatient you make mistakes. At this time last year I didn’t even have any points. This year I’m in first. It goes back to the old bull/young bull story again, and I think I’m an older young bull. LOL!

The only driver who makes me nervous is Timmy Megenbier.

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July 20, 2009.

VW Jetta TDI Cup reaches midway point of season

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup – Round 5
Circuit: Autobahn Country Club – Joliet, IL (21 turns, 3.56 miles)
Date/Time: Practice/Qualifying – Saturday, July 25 at 10:30 am CT / 5:50 pm CT
Race – Sunday, July 26 at 4:55 pm CT
Race Length: 30 minutes

Autobahn Preview
When the green flag flies for the Autobahn Grand Prix race weekend on July 25 and 26 at Joliet, Illinois’ Autobahn Country Club, it will signal a return to road racing in the Chicago area after nearly 40 years. It also will mark the halfway point of the 2009 season for the SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, which is one of seven series competing during the race weekend. With four races under their belt, the 25 Jetta TDI Cup drivers will be challenged by the 21-turn, 3.56-mile road course. Autobahn is the second-longest track that the series competes on during the season and has the most turns.

Unlike other circuits on the Jetta TDI Cup schedule where many of the drivers have previously competed in other series, only Melrose Park, Illinois’ Timmy Megenbier has driven at Autobahn in the past. While he’s never raced there, Megenbier has driven his personal Volkswagen Jetta GLI at an arrive-and-drive event at his “home track.”

“It’s a fairly flat track, but it’s really long and very technical,” Megenbier said. “The layout of the track and the number of turns mean that you need to be on your game and get your braking points just right on every lap in order to get the optimum speed out of the car. If you miss just one corner, it can really mess up your lap, and you’re going to give other drivers a chance to pass you. The challenge that this track presents is going to make for some interesting racing, and I hope that my knowledge of the circuit will give me a bit of an edge come race weekend.”

So far this season, three drivers have found their way into the victory lane with series rookies Joey Atterbury and Jake Thompson winning at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) and Megenbier taking the wins at the past two events at Miller Motorsports Park and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. With his win at Mid-Ohio, Megenbier moved into the Championship lead with a 19-point margin over second-place Atterbury.

Despite a mishap in the second race at VIR, Megenbier has been the dominant force in the series so far, having led 52 percent of all laps run. He’s also finished on the podium in three events and scored one pole position. Megenbier credits his performance this season to the experience he gained while competing in the series in 2008, when he showed flashes of brilliance but also encountered problems in several races.

“Last season, I went out there and tried to drive the wheels off the car every race and didn’t time my passes particularly well,” Megenbier said. “This year, I’ve tried to run consistent laps and work on saving my tires. I’ve come to realize that you don’t have to win races by a wide margin. Nobody remembers how much you won by. They just remember that you won.”

The key to success so far this season seems to be consistency with only Atterbury, Andy Lee and AJ Nealey finishing in the top 10 in every race. Their performances have kept the points battle tight despite Megenbier’s strong run. Only 36 points separate the top-four drivers in the series standings (see below for full standings).

Maricopa, Arizona’s Lee has been quietly putting together a solid season. Despite having only one podium finish (third at Mid-Ohio), the series veteran has never finished lower than sixth. His results have kept him in the Championship hunt where he’s currently fourth in the standings.

“I’ve really been focusing on consistency because I learned last year that the drivers who were consistently in the top-seven range were the ones who were there fighting for the Championship at the final race,” Lee said. “While I’m happy with the results so far, I’m certainly not satisfied. I feel like I’m getting stronger every race, and I definitely want to move up a few spots on the podium. If I can do that without having an off race, I feel like I’ll be in contention when we get to Road Atlanta.”

Adding further incentive to the upcoming race at Autobahn is the opportunity to compete in the Jetta TDI Cup’s sister series in Germany, the Polo Cup. The points leader after the race at Autobahn will travel to Oschersleben, Germany to compete against European drivers in the Volkswagen spec series there on August 2. Renton, Washington’s Atterbury, who is second in the standings is hoping that a strong run at Autobahn will help him make up a 19-point deficit in the standings and send him to race in Europe.

“Being able to race in Europe would be a great experience for me or any of the other drivers,” Atterbury said. “The circuits are designed a bit differently there, and the competition seems to be a bit stiffer than we have here, so I’m sure it would be quite a challenge. At the same time, it would be great to measure myself against the drivers there. It would also be awesome to be able to race in Volkswagen’s home country. Obviously, I have some points to make up, and it’s going to be tough to beat Timmy on his home track, but I’m going to try to keep him in my mirrors and hope for the best.”

VW Jetta TDI Cup
Follow the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series action on:
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Jetta TDI Cup Race and Series Notes

Chicago Volkswagen dealer also a Volkswagen racer

Chicago’s Richard Fisher is a rarity in the Volkswagen dealer world. Not only does his group of three Chicagoland VW stores (The Autobarn VW of Evanston, The Autobarn VW of Mt. Prospect and The Autobarn VW of Countryside) sell more new and certified pre-owned Volkswagens than any other group in the Midwest, but also Fisher is an avid racer of Volkswagens.

His love of all things motorsports led him to become a founding member of Autobahn Country Club, where he can be seen hitting the track in a variety of vehicles, including his GTI, which he races in the SCCA’s T3 class. And he’s good, too. Last month, he took second place at the June sprints at Road America.

Fisher and the rest of the Chicagoland Volkswagen dealer group have been big supporters of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup and are sponsoring the #17 car of Timmy Megenbier, which carries the ChicagolandVW.com sponsorship banner. Fisher believes that this series provides a great connection with consumers to display the real-world capabilities of the Jetta TDI.

“Volkswagen’s TDI engine is a great solution to our fuel-economy challenges, and putting the Jetta TDI on the race track, where the cars are still getting great mileage, really helps us drive that point home with consumers,” Fisher said. “It also proves the performance capabilities of the car. It’s a fun car to drive, and if it’s good enough for the racetrack, then it’s good enough to want to put in your garage.”

Megenbier gives his Jetta street car a makeover

Melrose Park’s Timmy Megenbier takes his position as a Jetta TDI Cup driver very seriously. So seriously that he gave his personal car, a 2007 Jetta GLI, a makeover to replicate his #17 ChicagolandVW.com racecar. In addition to the decals that perfectly match the ones found on his racecar, Megenbier and his father also lowered the car, modified the suspension and installed new brakes and wheels so that a casual observer would definitely mistake his Jetta GLI for the one found at the racetrack.

Timmy Megenbier VW Jetta TDI Cup Driver
“I have a close relationship with the Chicago-area Volkswagen dealers, and I do a lot of promotional appearances for them. So, my dad and I decided that it would be fun to modify my car so that we could take it to various appearances and events to promote the series,” Megenbier said. “It definitely turns heads on the road, and people don’t know it’s not my racecar because it looks so close to the real thing. People are always asking questions about it, so it gives me a great opportunity to talk about my career and involvement in the Jetta TDI Cup.”

The people want a racier Jetta – Jetta TDI Cup Edition

When the people said that they wanted to be able to purchase a Jetta that was styled like the Jetta TDI Cup racecar, Volkswagen listened. The 2010 model year will mark the launch of the Jetta TDI Cup Edition of the popular model.

The similarities to the racecar will be evident at first glance. The Jetta TDI Cup Edition features the front bumper, side skirts and rear valance that are on the racecars. However, the upgrades on the Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition go beyond cosmetic, with the addition of the brakes and sway bars found in the performance-oriented GLI sedan combined with a European sport-tuned suspension. The car is powered by Volkswagen’s powerful 2.0L TDI clean diesel engine, producing 140hp and 236lbs-ft of readily available torque, mated to the six-speed DSG transmission.

The Jetta TDI Cup Edition model will have a limited production and be priced under $27,000.

Points Standings
Position/Car Number/Driver Name/Hometown/Points
1/17 Timmy Megenbier, Melrose Park, IL – 140
2/14 Joey Atterbury (R), Renton, WA – 121
3/19 Jake Thompson (R), Calgary, AB – 111
4/27 Andy Lee, Maricopa, AZ – 104
5/2 AJ Nealey (R), Edgewater, MD – 89
6/3 Taylor Broekemeier, Fort Collins, CO – 87
7/23 Juan Pablo Sierra Lendle, Puebla, Mexico – 76
8/8 Derek Jones, Philadelphia, PA – 72
9/4 Nicky Boulle (R), Dallas, TX – 70
10/20 Mark Pombo, Duluth, GA – 68
11/7 JD Mobley (R), Castle Rock, CO – 58
12/26 Andrew Cordeiro, Woodbridge, ON – 56
13/29 Devin Cates (R), Broad Run, VA – 56
14/5 Ryan Ellis (R), Ashburn, VA – 41
15/22 Andrew Novich (R), Novato, CA – 35
16/30 Perry Richardson (R), Los Gatos, CA – 35
17/24 Donny Warren (R), Winchester, VA – 31
18/6 David Richert, Niverville, MB – 25
19/15 Theresa Condict (R), Lexington, MA – 16
20/34 Juan Pablo Delgado (R), Orizaba, Vericruz, Mexico – 16
21/16 Eric Morse (R), Pittsburgh, PA – 15
22/11 Kyle Wharff (R), Miramar, FL – 13
23/28 Rhett Tucker (R), Cumming, GA – 10
24/18 Kerstin Smutny (R), Bothell, WA – 5
25/32 Andrew Gun Tucker (R), McDonough, GA – 2

(R) – Jetta TDI Cup Rookie Driver

About the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup

The 2009 season marks the second year of competition for the SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series. During the season, up-and-coming young drivers (between ages 16 and 26) will compete in 10 events on eight road courses around North America in identical factory-prepared Jetta TDI clean diesel models. Each driver competing in the series will earn a Pro Racing license from SCCA at the conclusion of the season. In addition, the series champion will win $100,000.

The Jetta TDI Cup car is powered by a 2.0-liter, 170-horsepower, four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine mated to a six-speed, double-clutch, automatic DSG transmission. The car is only slightly modified from stock, with Pirelli racing tires, race suspension and brake components, driver’s racing safety seat, FIA roll cage and an on-board fire extinguisher system. Series sponsors include: Pirelli, Bosch, ViON, Castrol, Oakley, Red Bull, HYPERFUELS, Aggreko, defNder, Lamin-X, Meguiar’s, Sherwin-Williams, Chicagoland VW, Safety-Kleen, Ringer Gloves, Jim Russell Racing School and Trellis Earth.

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July 16, 2009.

TDI Tank Wars Fuel Economy Tips from the Pros

Want to dominate the TDI fuel-efficiency challenge? Or maybe you just want to see what your TDI can really do? Either way, fasten your seat belts and let the pros show you how it’s done. With proven techniques from our official Tank Wars coaches, Jetta TDI Cup racers Gary Williams Jr. and David Jurca, you’ll be adding miles between fill-ups in no time.

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July 16, 2009.

TDI Cup Racer Jake Thompson Comes Clean

We sat down with the winner of Race 2 to get his take on racing in the first auto racing series designed to be green.

We are all in it to win. I think to be a good driver, you need to have a mindset where you push everything to the limit. Even the rules.

The driver I most want to beat is the one that everyone considers to be the fastest. To me, racing isn’t about points or strategy. It’s about being able to drive faster than everybody else. I want to be known as the fastest, so I want to take down whoever holds that crown.

If I were to win the Jetta TDI Cup, I wouldn’t make any big, bizarre purchase. All of the $100,000 prize money would be spent on more racing and furthering my career, but I guess most people would call that bizarre.

Right now, there isn’t anybody on the track who makes me nervous. The racing has been really clean. It’s early in the season, so everybody wants to finish races and get the points. Ask me again in two months when people start to get desperate, and I know there will be a different answer.

I have a lot to prove to myself. When I first started karting, I had a fair bit of success, but as I got older I could never get the results I wanted. I always thought that my size (6ft2) held me back in karting, but obviously you start to doubt if you have the talent or not. Your body size doesn’t really matter in a touring car like the Jetta TDI, so I am already having better results in cars than I had in my last 5 years of karting. I’ve been able to prove to myself that I can do this.

It seemed natural to flip him the bird. Last year at a kart race, I ended up giving the middle finger to the flagman as I went by at 70mph. In karting you do rolling starts, so as you come to the line, if you’re not in proper position they wave off the start and send you around for another try. I was starting 3rd and my teammate was on pole, so we were lined up behind each other on the inside, and coming out of the last corner to get the green, the outside lane jumped us big time, so much that 4th place was ahead of the pole sitter. I had my hands in the air waving frantically for them to call off the start, so when he dropped the green flag it seemed natural to flip him the bird.

I’m usually too nervous to eat right before the race. So far this year I have been filling myself up with lemonade, which has lots of electrolytes and seems to do a good job keeping me hydrated. Then when it’s time to get in the car, I like to get in early, but without my helmet on, and the seatbelts just done up loosely, so I can relax and try to get my head in the right place. When we get the five-minute signal, I put on my helmet and tighten the belts. Those are the most nerve-wracking moments of the weekend, sitting on the grid, just thinking about what’s about to happen.

Green racing is happening now. Just look at the TDI vehicles winning at Le Mans. In the past, the idea was the bigger the motor the faster the car. Today, with the way rules are written, it is all about efficiency, who can get the most out of a certain displacement, etc. That paves the way for greener technology going back into road cars.

I grew up going to the Indy Car Race in Vancouver, and the atmosphere at the street races is fantastic. If the Jetta TDI Cup were to race at one more circuit, I think it would be awesome to be at one of the big street races, like Long Beach, St. Petersburgh, or the Edmonton Indy, which is close to home for me.

I’m a Canadian so, I think it’s funny that I get announced as being from Calgary, Canada. Everyone else gets announced by their hometown & state (i,e. Portland, Oregon or Chicago, Illinois), but instead of being from Alberta, my home province, we all get lumped together as Canada, like we live in one little igloo village somewhere north of the border. I was laughing about it with one of the American Drivers (no names mentioned, AJ Nealey!) telling him I was from Alberta, and he asked me what the names of the other two provinces were (there are 10!).

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July 6, 2009.

TDI Cup Racer Joey Atterbury Comes Clean

Joey Atterbury is no stranger to racing. He started his career in 2007 in ICSCC Spec Miata events around the Northwest, where he was named “Novice of the Year.” As a novice in the second season of the Jetta TDI Cup, he made good on his name and won the first race of the season. We sat down with Atterbury to get his take on running clean and racing hard.

I don’t think we purposely break the rules, but out on the racetrack everyone is going for that 1st position. It’s a matter of being in the right place at the right time, and sometimes you have to make that opportunity happen and hopefully it doesn’t include any contact. For myself, patience is key and being able to take advantage of the car in front/behind at any time possible is a great strategy to win.

The first person I called after crossing the finish line was my father. He has been my biggest supporter through my whole race career and continues to be there for me every step of the way. I couldn’t ask for a better sponsor and fan!

I love to compete. Especially against several drivers in the series. So far the most fun this season has been with Taylor Broekemeier. That kid is fast and consistent out there and is always willing to battle you to the end of the race!

Eco-conscious racing is the future, plain and simple. It is better for everyone that VW has decided to undertake this series, it once again proves that racing can be as competitive as it’s ever been, yet still be eco-conscious. It’s a win-win scenario!

What would I tell non-viewers? That it’s 30 of the best up-and-coming drivers in North America competing in identical cars, while still being eco-conscious. It provides the most intense competition since the cars are identical and VW has done an amazing job keeping the series a true eco-conscious racing series.

I don’t let emotions get to me on the track. When I put that visor down on my helmet, everything else switches off and I am purely focused on racing, this is what needs to happen in order to be successful out on the racetrack with such close competition.

I hope that the Jetta TDI Cup will launch my career in Pro Racing. This has been my dream ever since I was a little kid and I hope to be doing it for the rest of my life. Who knows, maybe I’ll have an opportu nity to keep on pro racing for a long time just because of this series and the attention we get.

Before a race I talk to the other drivers about how to race clean and still be fa st. In my opinion I think that this is key, I would much rather have someone work with me than crash into the side of me because we were having a small battle and not thinking about the entire race. Once I am in the car I focus as much as possible on the first lap, not just the first corner but the entire lap and where it puts me and my strategy for the whole race. You always have to be thinking ahead.

Some of the new racers make everyone nervous. The one that stands out in my mind is Andrew Novich. So far that kid has been a magnet to any and every car around him in all of the sessions on track.

I think that it’s great to be able to race with people from all over North America. I’ve never been able to do this and the opportunity that VW has given is just amazing, we have people that come from cars as big as Mustangs and as small as Miata’s, not to mention auto-x and karters that range from as far south as Mexico all the way up to Canada. Everyone gets along no matter where they are from, I think it’s extremely cool to know everyone from all over and see how they have progressed in racing.

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June 25, 2009.

Jetta TDI Cup: Megenbier Takes Home Second Win

Melrose Park, Illinois native takes the Championship points lead

Lexington, OH (June 21, 2009) – After a DNF in Round 2 of the SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup season, Timmy Megenbier has been a driver on a mission. Today, he claimed his second consecutive victory of the season in Round 4 of the season after leading 13 of 17 laps at Lexington, Ohio’s Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Pole sitter Devin Cates led the field into the first turn on lap one, but went off course in the second turn, opening the door for the second and third-place starters, Joey Atterbury and Timmy Megenbier to advance their positions. Atterbury and Megenbier battled for the remainder of the race with Megenbier taking the lead on lap five. He held on for the remainder of the race to take his second and second consecutive victory of the young season. Megenbier’s win moves him into the Championship lead.

“I really couldn’t have asked for anything more today,” Megenbier said. “Heading into the race, I knew where the good places to pass were going to be, and I just waited for the opportunity to make it happen. I have to give it to Joey (Atterbury) for racing clean today and not trying to block my move. I simply out-braked him, and he let me go. It feels amazing that I’ve been able to make it two in a row now and have moved into the Championship lead. Hopefully, I’ll be able to make it three in a row at our next race, which is at my home track.”

Atterbury and Andy Lee rounded out the podium. Lee’s third-place finish marks the best result for the Maricopa, Arizona native in two seasons. After a difficult qualifying session, Lee started ninth, but didn’t waste any time moving forward. He also ran the fastest lap of the race and the weekend – 1:39.605 (81.610 mph).

“I was pretty disappointed yesterday after qualifying because I definitely think I should have been able to start higher than ninth,” Lee said. “With that starting position, I knew it was going to be a battle for me, so I concentrated on running consistently strong laps and being patient. Thankfully, this strategy paid off with a good result. After almost a season and a half, it feels great to finally be on the podium. I feel like I’m really starting to make some progress in this series, so I can’t wait to get to our next race in Chicago.”

Lee wasn’t the only driver who scored solid, season-best finishes. Andrew Cordeiro (4th), Nicky Boulle (5th), and JD Mobley (7th), all had their best races of the season so far. The day didn’t go so well for series points leader, Jake Thompson who finished 11th. The result drops him to third in the series standings. The top five drivers in the Championship after four races are: Megenbier (140), Atterbury (121), Thompson (111), Lee (104) and AJ Nealey (89).

Mark Gillies of Car & Driver magazine finished 13th, the best finish this season for a guest driver. The Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series returns to action for Round 5 of the 10 event season, July 25–26 at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet, Illinois.

VW Jetta TDI Cup round 3

Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Round 4 (17 Laps)

Position/Car Number/Driver/Hometown/Sponsor/Best Time/Best Speed

1 3 17 Timmy Megenbier/Melrose Park/IL/Chicagoland VW/ 1:39.832 / 81.424

2 2 14 Joey Atterbury(R)/Renton/WA/SCCA/ 1:39.624 / 81.594

3 9 27 Andy Lee/Maricopa/AZ/Castrol/ 1:39.605 / 81.610

4 12 26 Andrew Cordeiro/Woodbridge/Ont/VION/ 1:39.758 / 81.485

5 11 4 Nicky Boulle(R)/Dallas/TX/Defnder/ 1:39.890 / 81.377

6 5 8 Derek Jones/Philadelphia/PA/Aggreko/ 1:40.684 / 80.735

7 13 7 JD Mobley(R)/Castle Rock/CO/Bosch/ 1:40.674 / 80.743

8 6 23 Juan Pablo Sierra Lendle/Puebla/MX/Castrol/ 1:39.996 / 81.291

9 8 2 AJ Nealey(R)/Pasadena/MD/Sherwin-Williams/ 1:40.162 / 81.156

10 22 22 Andrew Novich(R)/Novato/CA/Oakley/ 1:40.753 / 80.680

11 16 19 Jake Thompson(R)/Vancouver/BC/Lamin-X/ 1:40.053 / 81.245

12 15 3 Taylor Broekemeier/Fort Collins/CO/Oakley/ 1:39.934 / 81.341

7 21 Mark Gillies(G)/Ann Arbor/MI/iRacing.com/ 1:40.394 / 80.969

13 10 5 Ryan Ellis(R)/Ashburn/VA/VION/ 1:40.157 / 81.160

14 19 24 Donny Warren(R)/Winchester/VA/Aggreko/ 1:40.385 / 80.976

15 18 15 Theresa Condict(R)/Lexington/MA/HYPERFUELS/ 1:41.384 / 80.178

16 1 29 Devin Cates(R)/Broad Run/VA/HYPERFUELS/ 1:41.106 / 80.398

17 14 6 David Richert/Niverville/MB/Bosch/ 1:41.324 / 80.225

18 20 16 Eric Morse(R)/Pittsburgh/PA/Amplify/ 1:41.665 / 79.956

19 21 34 Juan Pablo Delgado(R)/Orizaba/MX/Red Bull/ 1:42.854 / 79.032

20 23 28 Rhett Tucker(R)/Cumming/GA/DC United/ 1:41.595 /80.011

21 4 20 Mark Pombo/Duluth/GA/VW Parts & Accessories/ 1:41.329 / 80.221

22 24 32 Andrew Gun Tucker(R)/McDonough/GA/Pirelli/ 1:43.595 / 78.467

23 17 30 Perry Richardson(R)/Los Gatos/CA/Pirelli/ 1:42.073 / 79.637

(R) – Jetta TDI Cup Rookie Driver

(G) – Guest Driver (not eligible for Championship results)

About Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup

The 2009 season marks the second year of competition for the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, which is sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing. During the season, young, up-and-coming drivers (between ages 16–26) will compete in 10 events on eight road courses around North America in identical factory-prepared clean diesel Jetta TDI’s powered by Syndiesel® B5 blended biodiesel fuel. Each driver competing in the series will earn a Pro Racing license from SCCA at the conclusion of the season. In addition to more than $50,000 in prize money at stake during the season, the series champion will win $100,000.

The Jetta TDI Cup car is powered by a 2.0-liter, 170hp, four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine mated to a six-speed, double-clutch, automatic DSG transmission. The car is only slightly modified from stock with Pirelli racing tires, race suspension and brake components, drivers racing safety seat, FIA roll cage, and an on-board fire extinguisher system. Series sponsors include: Pirelli, Bosch, ViON, Castrol, Oakley, Red Bull, HYPERFUELS, Aggreko, defNder, Lamin-X, Meguiar’s, Sherwin-Williams, Chicagoland VW, Safety-Kleen, Ringer Gloves, Jim Russell Racing School, and Trellis Earth.

Follow the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series action on:

www.vwmotorsportusa.com

SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Live Timing & Scoring

Volkswagen Online Newsroom

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June 23, 2009.

TDI Academy: Clean Diesel vs. Gasoline

Clean Diesel vs. Gasoline: Introduction
Clean Diesel vs. Gasoline: Engines
Clean Diesel vs. Gasoline: Fuels/Emissions
Clean Diesel vs. Gasoline: True Costs
Clean Diesel vs. Gasoline: Summary

Clean Diesel vs. Gasoline: Introduction

Kudos to technology and good ol’ creative thinking. Without you, we’d live in a world devoid of pairings like vanilla ice cream and chocolate chip cookie dough, or cell phones that allow us to access our email or browse the hardware store’s assortment of hammers. There are countless such examples of matches painfully obvious with the benefit of hindsight, but on the flip side are marriages that will be forever puzzling. That’s especially true with words. In fact, until recently the words “clean” and “diesel” were not normally paired together. That changed with the debut of a new generation of so-called oil burners, including Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI, Jetta SportWagen TDI, and Touareg 2 TDI. Not only do these models run on cleaner fuel, they also deliver more torque and superior fuel economy* while providing what many classify as a fun driving experience. Best of all, VW’s TDI engine-equipped vehicles meet the same strict emissions standards set for gasoline-powered vehicles.

Clean Diesel vs. Gasoline: Engines

Drive down any U.S. highway and you’re apt to encounter more diesel engines than you can shake a sustainably-harvested stick at, but chances are the vast majority will be powering big rigs delivering goods. In contrast, diesel-powered passenger cars have accounted for only 3.6 percent of all vehicles registered in the U.S.,** though that just might change with the nationwide availability of clean diesel fuel and Volkswagen’s TDI models.

Today’s diesel engine can trace its roots back to the early 1890s, at which time Rudolf Diesel engineered and patented a more efficient version of the gasoline-powered internal combustion engine (ICE). Both diesel and gasoline engines are technically ICEs, meaning their inner workings consist of a crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, and intake and exhaust valves. And both require the introduction of a volatile fuel to operate, but that’s where the similarities end. Inside a gas engine, a precise air/fuel mixture is pumped directly into a cylinder, at which time a spark plug ignites the mixture, causing a mini explosion that creates power by pushing down on the piston and rotating the crankshaft.

A diesel engine, on the other hand, lacks spark plugs, a distributor, and an electronic ignition system. Instead, air is pumped into the cylinder, compressed to a much greater degree, and as a result, gets very hot. When the hot air is at maximum compression, fuel is sprayed into the cylinder, causing a mini explosion without the need for a spark.

That high-compression detonation is what caused the clatter sound often associated with old diesels, used in everything from Mercedes-Benz sedans to the Volkswagen Dasher and boasting not-so-memorable statistics like 0-60 mph runs of more than 15 seconds. Modern engine designs have eliminated much of the clatter, and the introduction of turbochargers offered a big boost in terms of performance. But diesels still must deal with tremendous internal pressure relative to their gas competitors. As an example, the Volkswagen Jetta uses a cast iron engine block and alloy cylinder heads in gas and TDI models.

With that in mind, diesels are typically built with stronger blocks and parts, but in the case of the Jetta TDI, engineers were able to keep the car’s overall curb weight in line with the gas-powered variant. Thanks to the turbocharger, Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI engine generates a respectable 140 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 236 lb.-ft. of lively torque at only 1,750 rpm. Compare that to the Toyota Corolla’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with 132 horsepower and 128 lb.-ft. of torque, and the Honda Civic’s 1.8-liter four-cylinder that’s good for 140 horses and 128 lb.-ft. of twist.

One final issue focuses on difficult starts in cold weather, a result of a need for hot air in the diesel’s combustion process. This situation has been addressed by direct injection and the use of advanced engine computers.

Clean Diesel vs. Gasoline: Fuels/Emissions

In technical terms, diesel fuel has an energy density of about 147,000 BTUs; gasoline has an energy density of 125,000 BTUs. In other words, it takes less diesel fuel to do the same work as a gallon of gas. Combine that with a diesel engine’s design, and you’ve got an engine/fuel combination that is 30-35 percent more efficient than its gasoline-powered competition.

But how is diesel “clean”? We all remember the black clouds of smoke and noxious fumes. Gasoline and diesel fuel are both derived from crude oil, but diesel was subjected to less refining and as a result had a heavier odor and a dark color that resulted in black clouds of sooty exhaust.

But that was then, and the result was emission levels that were not accepted in all states.
Things started to change in 2007 when all new diesel vehicles sold in the United States were required to run on ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel. ULSD has a sulfur content of 15 parts per million (ppm), compared to 500 parts per million in regular diesel fuel, which will be completely erased from the U.S. marketplace by the end of 2010. Much of the dirty, black smoke that many people associate with diesel exhaust is due to rich sulfur content; with more refined ULSD, less sulfur leads to cleaner emissions.

In the case of the Jetta TDI and Jetta SportWagen TDI, ULSD works in concert with a particulate filter in the exhaust system, creating a clean diesel car. As the name implies, the filter traps harmful particulates, including nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons. As more particulates accumulate, back pressure builds in the exhaust to the point where a sensor triggers more fuel to be injected into the system, which initiates the burning of the particulates and creates cleaner emissions.

The Touareg TDI, on the other hand, uses AdBlue® technology. In this case, urea is blended with the exhaust to neutralize much of the noxious emissions. Thanks to the cleaner fuel and advanced emissions/exhaust systems, diesel-powered vehicles like the Jetta TDI and Touareg TDI meet strict Bin 5 emissions ratings, and qualify for a lean burn technology tax credit of up to $1,300, depending on the model.*** And, as an added bonus, TDI drivers can fill their tanks with either 100 percent ULSD or B5 (a blend consisting of five percent biodiesel and 95 percent ULSD) and still be fully covered by the Volkswagen’s new car limited warranty.

Clean Diesel vs. Gasoline: True Costs

Sometimes, the cheap way isn’t always the right way, and there’s no denying that new clean diesel models can be pricier than their gas competitors. That premium covers the added cost of designing and building engines with beefier internal parts, more precise tolerances, and increasingly complex emissions systems.

But not so fast: there are a number of additional important factors to consider, many that shed positive light on Volkswagen’s clean diesel models. Consider that a diesel engine will never need a new distributor or replacement spark plugs and wires, will offer a fuel economy advantage of 30-35 percent on average, and will typically outlast its gas counterpart by a wide margin. Factor in available federal tax incentives*** plus the fact that Volkswagen’s TDI models follow the same service interval as their non-TDI siblings, and the case for diesel starts to look a little stronger. Falling diesel prices aren’t anything to complain about either.

Serving to improve the situation yet again is Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program,† under which scheduled maintenance is covered by the manufacturer for the first three years or 36,000 miles of ownership.

Of special interest to Jetta TDI owners will be the particulate filter in the exhaust system that transforms hydrocarbons into cleaner emissions (including water and nitrogen). This diesel-specific part needs to be replaced at 120,000 miles. The Touareg 2 TDI’s AdBlue urea technology requires a fill-up every 6,000-10,000 miles, which is initially covered by the no-charge scheduled maintenance program during the first three years or 36,000 miles (whichever occurs first).†

Clean Diesel vs. Gasoline: Summary

For some, the image of an old diesel firing off black smoke will be a hard one to forget. But the fact is the days of dirty diesels are gone, and considering incentives and maintenance costs, clean diesel technology is much more affordable than most people think.

*Jetta TDI EPA estimates 30 mpg city / 41 mpg highway. Your mileage will vary.

**Percent of diesel passenger vehicles registered in 2005. Source: Dieselforum.org

***Tax credit submitted under Notice 2006-9 and Internal Revenue Code, Section 30B relative to the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L TDI Sedan and SportWagen and Touareg 2 TDI. Available to taxpayers who purchased a qualified vehicle on or before December 31, 2010. Leased vehicles are not eligible for the tax credit. Only a limited number of full tax credits are available. Please consult a tax professional for more information or go to http://www.irs.gov.

†The Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program covers the vehicle’s 10K, 20K and 30K scheduled maintenance intervals except for the Volkswagen Routan. The Routan Carefree Maintenance Program covers the vehicle’s 6K, 12K, 18K, 24K, 30K and 36K scheduled maintenance intervals. Coverage is during the term of the new vehicle limited warranty, at no additional charge. The program covers three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. See dealer or vehicle maintenance program booklet for details. Does not include routine wear and tear on parts such as brakes, tires, wiper blades, light bulbs, etc.

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June 15, 2009.

TDI Academy: Clean Diesel vs. Hybrid

Introduction
We realize there’s an awful lot of hype out there about new powertrains that promise to solve a long list of our planet’s most pressing problems, from global warming to the nationwide shortage of buffalo wings.

So we’re going to give it to you straight. Because we figure that if we lay out the pros and cons of the two main alternatives — gasoline-electric hybrids and clean diesels — you’re smart enough to reach your own conclusions. Of course, we’re also pretty confident Volkswagen’s TDI clean diesel models will look pretty good by comparison.

That understandable bias aside, let’s take a closer look at these two popular car choices:

Gasoline-Electric Hybrids
The first thing you should know about hybrid vehicles, which combine a traditional gasoline engine with a battery pack and one or more electric motors, is that they’re not all created equal.

Generally speaking, there are two types: Mild hybrids like the Honda Civic Hybrid use their electric motors mainly to boost the performance of their smallish gasoline engine, which means they typically get better mileage on the highway than they do around town. Full hybrids like the Toyota Prius, on the other hand, can operate on battery power alone for short distances, making them more fuel-efficient in stop-and-go traffic than they are on the highway. While several hybrid models place highly on the EPA’s list of the greenest vehicles on the road, there are several issues you should be aware of:

No one expects a hybrid to be all that exciting to drive, but be aware that most also have small quirks—like a surging feeling when you step on the brake pedal—that owners say takes some getting used to.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that a “Hybrid” badge automatically means a particular model is the best choice for the environment. In fact, there are a number of new non-hybrid models on the road that are actually more fuel-efficient and/or less-polluting than some hybrids.
The greater complexity of hybrid powertrains means there’s more that can go wrong. This includes replacing the vehicle’s large, expensive battery pack at the end of its useful life.
Check to see if the federal government’s Alternative Motor Vehicle tax credit is still available on the hybrid you’re considering. Many of the most popular models no longer qualify.

TDI Clean Diesel
When it comes right down to it, Volkswagen’s new generation of turbocharged “clean diesel” models combine impressive fuel economy* with the simplicity and durability of diesel engines. In addition, the TDI engines in both the Jetta sedan, SportWagen and the Touareg SUV are certified to meet the same tough government emission standards—known as “Tier 2 Bin 5”—as the cleanest gasoline-electric hybrids.

Finally, the abundant low-end torque TDI engines—combined with Volkswagen’s sporty European handling—make Volkswagen’s three clean diesel models hands-down winners in the fun-to-drive department. Other factors to consider:

Because of their sturdier construction, it’s not uncommon for diesel engines to still be going strong after 250,000 miles with little more than regular maintenance (which is now complementary on all VW models for the first 36 months or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first**).
With a 14.5-gallon fuel tank and EPA estimates of 41 mpg on the highway*, the Jetta TDI can go nearly 600 miles on a single fill-up. Of course, this also depends on your driving style and the type of roads you travel.
While gasoline and diesel prices fluctuate, TDI models’ fuel economy numbers mean you’re still likely to end up spending less at the pump compared to some hybrids.
All three Volkswagen TDI models are still eligible for the federal government’s Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle tax credits of up to $1,300, depending on the model you purchase.***

*Jetta TDI EPA estimates 30 mpg city / 41 mpg highway. Your mileage will vary.

**The Volkswagen Carefree Maintenance Program covers the vehicle’s 10K, 20K and 30K scheduled maintenance intervals except for the Volkswagen Routan. The Routan Carefree Maintenance Program covers the vehicle’s 6K, 12K, 18K, 24K, 30K and 36K scheduled maintenance intervals. Coverage is during the term of the new vehicle limited warranty, at no additional charge. The program covers 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. See dealer or vehicle maintenance program booklet for details. Does not include routine wear and tear on parts such as brakes, tires, wiper blades, light bulbs, etc.

***Tax credit submitted under Notice 2006-9 and Internal Revenue Cod, Section 30B relative to the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L TDI Sedan and SportWagen and Touareg 2 TDI. Available to taxpayers who purchased a qualified vehicle on or before December 31, 2010. Leased vehicles are not eligible for the tax credit. Only a limited number of full tax credits are available. Please consult a tax professional for more information or go to http://www.irs.gov

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May 21, 2009.

TDI Academy: Tackling TDI technology

Truth: Volkswagen TDI FAQs
We realize Volkswagen’s TDI® technology may be new to some of you. With that in mind, we’ve put together a primer that covers all those things you always wanted to know about these “clean diesel” vehicles but didn’t know who to ask:

What does TDI stand for?
The TDI acronym is short for “Turbocharged Direct Injection,” an innovative engine design that delivers a combination of performance, fuel economy*, and low emissions. Learn more about TDI vehicles.

VW TDI Engine

How does Volkswagen’s TDI technology work?
On the intake side of the equation, all TDI engines use a computer-controlled injection system that sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber at very high pressures that help promote more complete combustion. On the exhaust side, Jetta TDI models use a self-cleaning filter that traps and periodically burns off nitrous oxides (NOx) and particulates, while Touareg TDI models use a special catalyst and urea-injection system that reduces NOx emissions by up to 95 percent. Learn more about TDI vehicles.

VW TDI Exhaust

What helps make Volkswagen’s TDI models eco-conscious?
First, they’re extremely fuel-efficient. For example, the 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine under the hood of Jetta TDI sedan with manual transmission and SportWagen models return EPA fuel economy estimates of 30 miles-per-gallon city and 41 miles-per-gallon highway (your mileage will vary) , numbers that put an awful lot of gasoline-electric hybrids (and all E85 ethanol-capable “flex fuel” vehicles) to shame.

Then there’s Volkswagen’s “clean diesel” technology itself, which cuts the harmful emissions that gave old-school diesels a bad name by 90 percent. In fact, the new TDI engines in both Jetta and Touareg models now meet the world’s toughest emission control standards, known in government-speak as Tier II, Bin 5.

Which may help explain why the editors of Green Car Journal voted the Jetta TDI their 2009 Green Car of the Year®**. But prove it to yourself: use our savings calculator and see just how efficient and eco-conscious TDI technology is, compared to the competition.

Will TDI engines run on biodiesel?
All of the new of Volkswagen TDI clean diesel models are warranted to run on a biodiesel blend known as B5, which consists of 5 percent biodiesel and 95 percent petroleum diesel. And by the way, that’s covered by our new car limited warranty.

What are TDI models like to drive?
In a word, great fun. Oh wait, that’s two words. Add European-tuned suspensions and you have vehicles that are downright entertaining to drive.

For proof of this performance potential you need look no further than the racetrack, where the Jetta TDI has spawned its own racing series known as the Jetta TDI Cup™. The Touareg TDI is no slouch either, having competed in some of the world’s most grueling off-road competitions including the Dakar Rally and the Baja 1000. Not convinced? Watch the Jetta TDI take on the Toyota Prius in a series of performance tests.

Aren’t diesel engines loud, smelly and dirty?
Actually, quite the opposite. In fact, the powertrains in today’s TDI-powered models have been refined to the point you’d be hard-pressed to notice any difference between them and their gasoline-powered siblings in everyday driving. See for yourself: watch our TDI coffee filter test.

VW TDI Exhaust

Can driving a TDI-powered Jetta or Touareg improve my love life?
Ahem…let’s just say it wouldn’t surprise us. Wait…the lawyers are telling us to say “No comment.” Next question?

Where can I buy these TDI clean diesel models?
Here’s the good news for diesel-lovers. With the recent nationwide roll-out of ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel, both Jetta TDI and Touareg TDI models are now available at VW dealers in all 50 states. And, coming soon, the 2010 VW Golf TDI.

I’ve heard TDI buyers can get tax incentives – is that true?
Unlike many popular hybrids, all three TDI models qualify for the federal government’s Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Federal Income Tax Credit***. That amounts to a potential $1,300 savings on the Jetta sedan and Jetta Sportwagen and $1,150 on the Touareg TDI. Learn more here.

*Mileage estimates are based on EPA test procedures plus drag estimates. Mileage estimates are based on EPA test procedure. Your mileage will unless otherwise noted, vary. Obey all speed and traffic laws.

**2009 Jetta TDI clean diesel has been awarded the 2009 Green Car of the Year® by Green Car Journal. For more information see GreenCar.com. 38 city / 44 highway real world fuel economy based on AMCI testing. 29 city/40 mpg highway (automatic) EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary.

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May 19, 2009.

VW Touareg TDI arrives with $1,150 tax credit.

Buyers eligible for a $1,150 Federal Income Tax Credit*

HERNDON, VA — Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today the all-new Touareg TDI will be available in dealer showrooms in all 50 states this May. Purchasers of the 2009 Touareg TDI are eligible for a $1,150 Federal Income Tax Credit.* The Internal Revenue Service has issued a certification letter affirming that the Touareg TDI qualifies for the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Federal Income Tax Credit.

“The $1,150 tax credit provides an even greater value to the upcoming Touareg TDI,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “All of our clean diesel vehicles offer consumers power, utility, performance, and safety. The Touareg TDI is an excellent addition to our clean diesel model line.”

The Touareg TDI showcases the best of both worlds, an alternative fuel Sport Utility Vehicle that provides fuel efficiency and go anywhere driving capability. Touareg TDI meets the stringent emissions standards of all 50 states.

Also standard for 2009 is Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program. With this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty — three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

EPA estimates the Touareg TDI’s fuel economy at 17 city and 25 highway mpg (your mileage will vary).

* Tax credit submitted under Notice 2006-9 and Internal Revenue Code, Section 30B relative to the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 3.0L TDI. Available to taxpayers who purchase a qualified vehicle on or before December 31, 2010. Leased vehicles are not eligible for the tax credit. Only a limited number of full tax credits are available. Please consult a tax professional for more information or go to http://www.irs.gov.

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February 17, 2009.

Tax credit for VW’s TDI Clean Diesels

As if the everyday savings at the pump weren’t enough, the IRS recently confirmed all three Volkswagen TDI Clean Diesel models qualify for the federal government’s Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle tax credit. Given out to the nation’s most efficient vehicles, the credit will be worth 1,300 dollars this coming tax season. Power. Efficiency. And one big honkin’ tax break. It’s what the people want.

Learn more about the eligible Volkswagen models here:
Jetta TDI
Jetta SportWagen TDI
Touareg TDI

The qualifying vehicles and their credit amounts are:

Model Year	Make	Model	Credit Amount
2009	Audi	Audi Q7 3.0L TDI	$1,150
2009	BMW	335d Sedan	$900
2009	BMW	x5xDrive35dSports Activity Vehicle	$1,800
2009	Mercedes	GL 320 BLUE TEC	$1,800
2009	Mercedes	R 320 BLUE TEC	$1,550
2009	Mercedes	ML 320 BLUE TEC	$900
2009	Volkswagen	Jetta 2.0L TDI Sedan	$1300
2009	Volkswagen	Jetta 2.0L TDI SportWagen	$1300
2009	Volkswagen	Touareg 3.0L TDI	$1,150

Source: http://www.irs.gov

*Tax credit submitted under Notice 2006-9 and Internal Revenue Cod, Section 30B relative to the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 2.0L TDI Sedan and SportWagen and Touareg 2 TDI. Available to taxpayers who purchased a qualified vehicle on or before December 31, 2010. Leased vehicles are not eligible for the tax credit. Only a limited number of full tax credits are available. Please consult a tax professional for more information or go to http://www.irs.gov.

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February 10, 2009.

Volkswagen announces 2009 Jetta TDI Cup driver lineup

Herndon, VA – After four days of intense testing at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, Volkswagen is proud to announce they have selected the next 30 drivers for the upcoming season of the Jetta TDI Cup. Drivers were evaluated both on and off the track to determine skill level, potential and overall ability. After various driving, media readiness and physical fitness requirements were assessed, the series’ 30 participants were selected from a field of hundreds. The Volkswagen-operated spec series, which is entering its second season, will take the green flag on its SCCA Pro Racing-sanctioned events on April 24th, at Virginia International Raceway. Drivers selected to compete in the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup include:

Joey Atterbury – Renton, WA
Andy Lee – Maricopa, AZ
Nicky Boulle – Dallas, TX
Timmy Megenbier – Melrose Park, IL
Taylor Broekemeier – Fort Collins, CO
JD Mobley – Castle Rock, CO
Nelson Canache – Norcross, GA
Eric Morse – Pittsburgh, PA
Christopher Castagna – Boston, MA
AJ Nealey – Pasadena, MD
Devin Cates – Broad Run, VA
Evan Pflock – Redondo Beach, CA
Theresa Condict – Lexington, MA
Mark Pombo – Duluth, GA
Andrew Cordeiro – Woodbridge, ON
Perry Richardson – Los Gatos, CA
Michael DeNino – Gaithersburg, MD
David Richert – Winnipeg, MB Canada
Ryan Ellis – Ashburn, VA
Juan Pablo Sierra Lendle – Puebla, Mexico
David Heinz – Bethel Park, PA
Kerstin Smutny – Bothell, WA
Chris Holman – Ontario, Canada
Jake Thompson – Vancouver, BC Canada
Derek Jones – Philadelphia, PA
Rhett Tucker – Cumming, GA
Caleb Kenney – Berkeley, CA
Donny Warren – Winchester, VA
Adam Kretschmer – Brampton, ON Canada
Kyle Wharff – Miramar, FL

The Jetta TDI Cup car is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine with 6-speed, double-clutch, automatic DSG transmission. The car is only slightly modified from stock with race suspension and brakes.

Follow the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series action on: www.vwmotorsportusa.com
Volkswagen Online Newsroom: media.vw.com
Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/JettaTDICup
Twitter: http://twitter.com/VWJettaTDICup

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January 22, 2009.

Volkswagen Touareg TDI wins Dakar Rally

Herndon, VA – Sixteen days. 9,000+ kilometers, and mosquitoes the size of hummingbirds. The Dakar Rally has classically been known as one of, if not the singularly, most difficult racing challenges on the face of the planet. In a rally where 49 people have died in just 39 years of competition, simply making it to the finishing line in one piece remains a major accomplishment. So you’ll understand if we’re just the tiniest bit pleased with ourselves when in 2009, a Volkswagen Touareg not only took first, but second place as well.

The 2009 Dakar Rally was won by the Volkswagen Factory driving team of Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz, with their Volkswagen teammates Mark Miller and Ralph Pitchford coming in a very close second. This historic victory (the first ever for a diesel powered vehicle) marks a big win for Volkswagen motorsport and perhaps an even bigger win for efficient motoring; the two Touaregs on average achieving over three times the fuel economy of their closest competitors.

Due to some rather dicey security concerns, for the first time in its thirty year history, the Dakar Rally debuted in South America. The new 9,000+ kilometer course was one of the toughest and most challenging in the storied history of the Rally. The course started and finished in Buenos Aires, Argentina and traveled through Argentina and Chile on terrain that included everything from some of the highest sand dune fields on earth, extreme passages through water, and hard stony ground, to traversing the Andes Mountains. If the terrain wasn’t challenging enough, the Volkswagen Motorsport team also had to combat temperature extremes that ranged from 104 degrees Fahrenheit to below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

www.vw.com

Dakar Race

Dakar Race dune

Dakar Race sand

Dakar

Giniel DeVilliers win

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