The latest example of Volkswagen's iconic hatchback the Golf GTI, the Mk VI, will make its motorsport debut in the latest rounds of the Volkswagen Racing Cup with FUCHS Lubricants. The series heads to Brands Hatch with healthy grids expected for Rounds Five and Six.
The car will make its debut to celebrate the 35th birthday of the Golf GTI and will be running a special 'Golf GTI 35' livery for the weekend. The car, prepared for the track by Volkswagen Racing UK, will be driven by former BTCC driver Nick Beaumont.
Melissa Wright of Volkswagen Racing UK said: “The original Golf GTI was launched in June 1976 and so our June meeting at Brands Hatch seemed the appropriate moment to launch the latest racing version of the car. It is early days to expect the Mk VI to be taking the fight to the Mk V model, which has become the mainstay of the championship, but the new car has tested well and shows lots of promise.
“It's important that we, as the championship promoter, help to keep the series fresh with the introduction of new models and technology, especially the new engines being introduced to road models by Volkswagen.”
With the first four races producing four different winners, the VW Cup is consistently producing close, unpredictable racing, while also boasting the healthiest grid size of any upper-level national saloon championship.
Steve Wood heads the standings heading to Kent, despite being the only driver in the top four yet to have won a race, with the Golf driver picking up a double podium result last time out. Eight points behind is Aaron Mason, who took a win at Snetterton in his Golf GTI, with reigning champion Steve Chaplin not far behind in his 'Herbie' Beetle RSI, taking one win so far and not finishing off the podium all season.
The other race winners are James Walker and double champion Joe Fulbrook, both of whom took a win at the season opener at Oulton Park on Easter Monday. Golf driver Walker sits fourth in the points, just ahead of his dad Richard, while Bora driver Fulbrook lies sixth after a disastrous weekend in Norfolk, however he hopes to repeat his double Brands win from 2010.
In addition to title backer FUCHS Lubricants, the Volkswagen Racing Cup is supported by Hankook Tyres, Paragon, Milltek Sport, Superchips, Ceva Logistics and ECM Vehicle Delivery.
