In September, the overall front runner after five of ten races will contest the new Jetta TDI Cup in the United States, while the best rookie can travel to Japan for a Golf GTI Cup race in August.
The exchange programme is the connecting link between the worldwide Volkswagen racing series and offers the young participants the opportunity to gain valuable experience both on and off the race track.
"The exchange programme is a key component of our touring car school, and the new joint project with the United States is another fantastic opportunity for every young racer,” comments Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. "An international focus is a natural part of professional motorsport and this includes, for example, a sound knowledge of foreign languages as well as a self-confident demeanour. During their guest runs in far-away countries, our ‘exchange students’ have an outstanding opportunity to practice both of these skills.”
Apart from front runner Shane Williams from South Africa one of the favourites for a flight ticket to the United States is Alexander Rambow from Zehdenick (Germany), who is currently sharing the position of the runner-up with the Swede Andreas Simonsen and who will be contesting his home race at the EuroSpeedway. Rambow’s fans from the Brandenburg region include the pupils from form 5a of the Havelland primary school in Zehdenick, who he recently visited, telling stories from his life as a racer. "The girls and boys were absolutely enthralled and really pestered me with questions. I’m hoping that they’ll do a good job of keeping their fingers crossed for me and that they’ll bring me luck,” says the 19-year-old automotive mechatronics specialist. "I’ve set my sights high for the EuroSpeedway because fortune was typically not on my side there in the past. I’d like to shed this and re-capture the top of the standings.”
The front runner of the rookie classification is Jörg Schriek from Wickede/Ruhr (Germany). The prospect of being a guest entrant in a round in Asia enthrals the 22-year-old: "A race in Japan would really be exciting. I’ll prepare myself for the EuroSpeedway as best I can and practice the circuit on the computer because I’ve never actually driven there.”
ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup: the "touring car school”
The ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup ranks among the most popular one-make cup series and, what is more, as a "touring car school” enjoys the reputation of providing an ideal stepping stone for professional racing. The racing series, which made its debut in 1998 – then using the VW Lupo – is based on a unique set of regulations offering maximum equality of opportunity at reasonable costs for all participants. Participants are aged 16 to 24 and have to qualify for the Polo Cup via an evaluation and qualification training seminar. Talent instead of money determines participation and success. The youngsters’ championship is contested with Polo cars featuring identical technology. They are powered by a 150-hp FSI four-cylinder engine – derived from the production version - with 2.0 litres of displacement. The cars are swapped among the drivers. In the 2008 season the Polo Cup encompasses ten races at eight race weekends.
Points score, drivers’ standings after three of ten races
1. Shane Williams (South Africa), 94 points; 2. Alexander Rambow (Zehdenick) and Andreas Simonsen (Sweden), 88 each; 4. Sebastian Voges (Beckum), 66 ; 5. Maciek Steinhof, 60; 6. Stefan Kolb (Karlsruhe), 59; 7. Niclas Olsson (Sweden), 54; 8. Jörg Schriek (Wickede/Ruhr), 48; 9. Elia Erhart (Röttenbach), 45; 10. Heiko Gerth (Niedernwöhren), 39; 11. Ignacio Espinosa (Peru), 36; 12. Maximilian Sandritter (Raubling), 29; 13. Thor Qualmann (Denmark), 28; 14. Marius Slabosevicius (Lithuania), 27; 15. Felix Tigges (Wolfsburg), 25; 16. Ole Holzkamm (Kiel), 23; 17. Kennie Frydkjær Jensen (Denmark), 22; 18. Tomas Micanek (Czech Republic), 21; 19. Niels Mierschke (Fränkisch-Crumbach), 19; 20. Michael Schöch (Austria), 15; 21. Matthias Gamauf (Austria), 8; 22. Dominik Preuß (Rockenberg), 6; 23. Maximilian Karsten (Isernhagen) and Florian Spengler (Ellwangen), 4 each.
Points score, rookies’ standings after three of ten races
1. Jörg Schriek, 114 points; 2. Ignacio Espinosa, 78; 3. Maximilian Sandritter, 74; 4. Tomas Micanek, 68; 5. Ole Holzkamm, 66; 6. Matthias Gamauf, 60; 7. Florian Spengler, 56; 8. Dominik Preuß, 46; 9. Maximilian Karsten, 42; 8. Vivien Volk (Speyer), 37.
EuroSpeedway: Timetable, ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup
Friday, 16 May 2008
16.00 – 16.30 Free practice (30 min)
Saturday, 17 May 2008
08.45 – 09.40 Qualifying (2 x 20 min, 15 min break)
15.55 – 16.25 Race 1 (15 laps = 52.170 km + formation lap(s), max. 30 min)
Sunday, 18 May 2008
16.00 – 16.30 Race 2 (15 laps = 52.170 km + formation lap(s), max. 30 min)
EuroSpeedway: TV Broadcasting Schedule, ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup
Saturday, 17 May 2008
14.50 – 15.25 Premiere Sportportal, Polo Cup race 1
Sunday, 18 May 2008
20.30 – 21.00 Premiere Sportportal, Polo Cup race 2
22.00 – 23.00 DSF, Polo Cup highlights
