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Clean Diesel Race Series In Iowa As Part of Hooters Pro Cup Weekend

The Jetta TDI Cup will make its first appearance in Iowa this weekend at Iowa Speedway in the fifth race of the VW Jetta TDI Cup on Saturday, September 20 at 5:30 p.m. The race will mark the beginning of a demanding schedule for the final half of the series that will have the drivers racing three consecutive weekends until the finale at Road Atlanta. The 30 young drivers will face a full day on Saturday with practice, qualifying and the race all taking place on the same day, a challenging first in this inaugural season of the clean diesel series. David Jurca, Federal Way, Wash., currently leads the series as the top points earner thus far. Continue reading ‘Jetta TDI Cup races at Iowa Speedway in the fifth race’

Having recently undergone major renovations, the track surface and facilities at Lime Rock Park were in excellent condition. Friday morning started off with a free practice session which would reveal tire problems that would set the mood for the rest of the weekend.

Click image to view gallery

After the first practice session many of the Jetta TDI Cup drivers suffered blistering and delaminating tires. The Volkswagen team was outstanding and without hesitation in addressing the situation as they used all resources possible to determine what was causing this problem. I was fortunate not to have any tire issues in my practice session, and was very happy when I found out that I had the second fastest time in the session. Continue reading ‘Jetta TDI Cup: DeNino Wins Pole and Finishes Fifth at Lime Rock’

Michael DeNino has been traveling a bit after the Portland race. When we last talked to him, he was in Florida only days after. He managed to write up a report for us and send it over.

Thanks DeNino! Great job at the race!

Click image to view his gallery from the race

Portland, Oregon marked the third stop of the Jetta TDI Cup season. Having never traveled to this city, I was excited to head out west. After having some experience driving a sedan from the previous two races, I was optimistic that my performance would improve in Portland.

Continue reading ‘Michael DeNino: Jetta TDI Cup - Portland report’

Michael sent over his next report in the series. With 2 weeks off since VIRginia, we wanted to know what he does in between these weekends. Be sure and read the end, he wants your questions!

I have received a lot of enthusiastic questions from people about the VW Jetta TDI Cup race series, as well as the new TDI power plant.

One of the most common questions I have received has been: how do you practice or prepare between races?

Michael DeNino jumping in his Jetta TDI Cup car

Racing is unique in the sense that you really don’t get too much time to practice the sport. To give you an idea, in most racing series you typically get one or two practice sessions, a qualifying session, and a race during the course of one weekend. I will usually spend more time cycling or training in one day than I will spend on the track for an entire race weekend. With very limited track time, an even greater emphasis is put on good preparation and planning. I do spend some weekends at my local go-kart track when I have the chance. Karting is a great way to hone your skills and keep sharp reflexes.

Aside from watching videos to learn the track, planning my objectives for the weekend and planning out logistics, there are also a few other ways in which I prepare for an event.

Staying in good health is the most important aspect to perform well and there is no exception when it comes to motor sports. With the help of PitFit Training, I maintain a strict diet in addition to following a rigorous fitness program. Keeping my web site (michaeldenino.com) up to date as well as fulfilling the request of other media sources are some of the other things which I accomplish between races. Because racing is a business, the modern race driver must be a business man as well as an athlete. Acquiring sponsorship is a never ending objective and one which consumes a great deal of time.

Now I want to hear your thoughts!

What questions do you have? Whether you’re a racing fan, diesel nut, or just a Volkswagen enthusiast in general, I want to hear your impressions.

Post any questions you have or ideas for topics in the comments section. I will write posts throughout the season covering the topics and questions which you describe.

- Michael DeNino