Launched in 2000, the Volkswagen Racing Cup is widely regarded as the most exciting saloon car championship in the UK and for 2010 it remains the sole saloon support race in the prestigious British Formula 3/British GT Championship package.
Open to any model of racing Volkswagen, the Cup has attracted drivers of the Beetle RSi, Corrado, Vento & Golf VR6, Golf GTI of every generation, Jetta, Scirocco, Polo, Lupo and Bora models. For a car to be allowed to race in the championship, it will need to be issued with a Volkswagen Racing logbook. To be eligible for this, it must either be a car that has competed in the championship in the past two years, or if it is new to the championship, it must be less than 10 years old.Engine usage has been as varied as car choice, with turbocharged and even turbodiesel power joining the established four and six cylinder engines. This variety of machinery, representing Volkswagens of all ages, has made for one of the most colourful and diverse grids in motorsport, and is always a real hit with spectators.
The innovative regulations put all cars into a single class based on power to weight ratios. The idea of a lightweight Polo GTI challenging a powerful V6 Beetle and a torquey TDI Golf for overall victory is a real experience for drivers, teams and spectators alike.An important facet is the continuing stability of the regulations, which is a fundamental principle behind the championship. Unlike 'one-make' championships, cars developed for the Volkswagen Racing Cup can be assured of many years of racing under stable regulations. This means that teams and drivers can invest in the cost of a new car confident in the knowledge that the car will remain eligible and its value will be retained over years to come.
With Volkswagen Racing UK running the series stability is ensured as well as the sort of profile that the championship deserves over future years. The championship features the major benefit of Sky Sports television coverage, plus a high quality hospitality service, and other benefits for competitors throughout the season.The double-header race format of the racing features seven weekends in the UK, which keeps the time and cost commitment of teams and drivers lower than most other series, and provides spectators with a very full day of Volkswagen action.
High standards of driving and presentation befitting a championship with manufacturer backing and television coverage are expected of all participating drivers and teams. But above all, the Volkswagen Racing Cup remains a friendly championship where team spirit and camaraderie in the paddock count for more than on-track heroics.
The series caters for 2 wheel drive vehicles from VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda introduced before 2006. We saw a very varied grid in 2009 and this looks set to continue.
The regulations are based around an ‘assumed' maximum power output for a given engine in a given specification. A summary of the regulations is provided below : Class A
@300bhp per tonne.
Engine swaps are permitted.
Mk1 Seat Cupra Cup cars in Cup spec allowed at @250bhp per tonne due to their superior chassis modifications.
Multi point cages.
Perspex windows.
Front and rear wings.
Turbocharged engines may use any turbocharger, and must run with a 34mm air restrictor.
Class B
@220-230bhp per tonne.
Ideal home for cars no longer eligible for VW Cup due to age.
Multi point cages.
Perspex windows.
Only Standard fitment turbochargers permitted.
Class C
Entry level class.
6 Point Rollcages only.
No Perspex windows.
Categories for more standard engine specifications.
Likely Vehicles.
The organisers expect to attract vehicles of the following types : 1, DIESEL V.A.G. models. 2, Ex. Vento Challenge cars. 3, Ex. Polo G40 Cup cars. 4, Ex. ‘Slick 50' Golf Mk1 & 2 variants. 5, Ex. VW Cup cars. 6, Ex. Trackday V.A.G. models.
7, Seat Cupras, 8, Modified V.A.G. road cars which are adapted for race use.
Series ethos.
The series will build on the basic ethos of the Golf Championship (organized by the same team) and the organisers will actively promote :
Highly competitive racing. .
Strict driving standards (non-contact !).
Excellent value for money.
Friendly and helpful environment in which to race.
Group C Racing Series ( 0 Articles )
Class 1
Group C1 / GTP and C1 Atmo cars 1988-1990 aero spec. (to include all 956 962 and 962c cars with 17" + wheels)
C1 Atmo 3.5L (Cars may only use proven period spec 3.5L Cosworth engine)
Class 2
Group C1 / GTP cars 1982-1987 (to include 956 and 962 Porsche with 16" wheels)
Class 3
Group C Junior / Group C2 / IMSA Lights, all years. Cosworth DFV engines must be of a type, specification and capacity that was used in period in that particular type of car.
Class 4
Special Invitation Class for any Group C / GTP car considered by the Club to:
- Be of Special Historical Interest to the Club or Promoters of any of the Club's races. - Be of particular benefit to the Club.- Have previously and regularly supported the Club's Race Series.
