With the second season of Pirelli’s involvement as official tire of the SCCA Pro Racing Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup fast approaching, both Pirelli and series officials have begun making preparations for the 2010 season.

Pirelli P Zero Racing Slicks are standard on every Jetta TDI competing in the series.   
“This is a fantastic opportunity for race fans – and fans of clean-diesel power – to witness the growth of many successful motorsport careers,” says Tom Gravalos, Pirelli Tire North America’s Vice President of Motorsports, Marketing and OE Sales.

Pirelli’s first year sponsoring the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup was 2009.

“Between the SPEED TV broadcasts and seeing the race first-hand from the stands, there are great opportunities for America to engage in the series and see the genesis of great driving talent, “ Gravalos adds. “As our motorsports efforts expand in North America, so to will our focus on grassroots, amateur and professional racing. Pirelli Tires are made for the race track, and with over 100 years of Motorsport victories under our belt, we’re excited to grow even more with the world’s first green racing series.”

The 10-race schedule for next year includes six circuits from the 2009 schedule and the series’ first visit to Mexico.

“In building the 2010 schedule, we have been able to achieve a great mix of historic tracks and newer facilities in excellent geographic markets in North America,” says Clark Campbell, motorsport manager, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “During the first two seasons of our series, we have clearly demonstrated the benefits of Volkswagen’s clean diesel TDI technology, and we’re looking forward to an exciting 2010 season.”

To review series rules, or to submit a driver application for the 2010 season, visit www.vwmotorsportusa.com. Up to 125 candidates will be selected to attend the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup final driver selection event that will be held Feb. 7-9 in Las Vegas to determine the final 25-driver line up for the 2010 season.

For fans who couldn’t get enough VW Jetta TDI Cup action last season, SPEED TV will broadcast the entire 2009 race season beginning throughout December.