ROME, GEORGIA. – Pirelli  has been named the official tire supplier for the 2009-2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, the first zero carbon racing series in the world.  An innovative approach to motorsports, the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup was founded in 2008 and is comprised of 30 factory-prepared and managed 2009 clean-diesel Jetta TDIs piloted by relatively unknown talented drivers aged 16 to 26. Volkswagen’s goal is to find drivers with the most talent and help them break into the world of professional motorsports.

The concept of the Jetta TDI Cup is as revolutionary as the cars raced, and each is powered by a 2.0- liter four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine. The 2009 Jetta TDI clean diesel that the race car is based on was awarded the 2009 Green Car of the Year award by Green Car Journal.  In addition, Volkswagen has partnered with Carbonfund.org to certify the entire race series as carbon free, highlighting VW’s dedication to keeping our environment clean and carbon free – a dedication shared by Pirelli. 

Pirelli’s  participation  in the Jetta TDI Cup is an important component in the continuation of the Pirelli Group’s goal of creating more “eco-compatible” products, supporting more “green” projects and taking an active role in responsible eco-education through this series and through collaboration between Pirelli’s Silvio Tronchetti Provera Foundation and the universities and companies it partners with.

“Pirelli is very excited to be the exclusive tire supplier to the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, the world’s only carbon-free racing series,” said Rafael Navarro, Pirelli Tire North America’s Director of Motorsport and Media Communications.  “This series is a very important part of our Motorsport growth in North America as it provides a platform to introduce young developing talent to our brand while reducing the impact motorsport has on the environment. Having the ability to support young talent in their progression in racing is one of the hallmarks of over a century of Pirelli Motorsport Heritage.”

“The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup schedule would be a true test of skill for any driver, let alone 30 young newcomers,” Volkswagen of America Motorsport Manager Clark Campbell said. “With the Jetta TDI Cup, we are preparing drivers for a career in motorsports and the 2009 schedule will be an impressive resume builder for them. I’m looking forward to seeing our clean diesel Jetta TDIs on the track with Pirelli tires and in front of racing fans across North America.”

Pirelli Tire North America designs, develops, manufactures and markets tires for passenger vehicles in both the original equipment and replacement markets as well as markets and distributes tires for motorcycles and motorsports. Located in Rome, Georgia, Pirelli’s Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) employs state-of-the-art technology to manufacture tires for both export and domestic markets.  For more information please visit www.us.pirelli.com.