Reigning Volkswagen Racing Cup Champion Joe Fulbrook has made a last-minute U-turn in his track plans and is now to return to the Hankook-backed championship in 2009 to defend his title.
Fulbrook, 38, had been looking for a change of scenery after four full seasons in Britain’s most competitive saloon racing series. He changed his mind when he saw how many of his old adversaries were coming back to the championship.
‘I have enjoyed racing against these guys so much over the years that I couldn’t resist another crack at it,’ said the Berkshire businessman. ‘My Bora is still a competitive and reliable car, and we’ve found some extra pace from the suspension and chassis in testing recently, so I don’t see why another championship win shouldn’t be possible.’
Fulbrook’s return means that seven of the 2008 season’s eight race-winners plan to be in action when the championships kicks off on Easter Monday (13 Apr) at Oulton Park in Cheshire.
‘We are delighted that Joe is returning,’ said Volkswagen Racing UK Director Melissa Wright, ‘because when he is around the paddock there is never a dull moment… Not only that, but it means that we have a grid absolutely packed with talent and potential race-winners.’
Fulbrook’s return is backed by his long-time sponsor, Warranty Direct, and a new deal for spares with Volkswagen parts supplier Windrush Slough TPS. Joe’s challenge would not be possible, he says, without the valued assistance of RP Motorsport’s Russ Preston, and ST Engineering’s Tiny Townsend. Fulbrook’s successful team is currently seeking another driver to join the squad, with or without their own car.
Joe won his first race in his maiden season in the championship, in 2005, and placed third overall in 2007 ahead of his ’08 championship success.
The Volkswagen Racing Cup in association with Hankook is additionally supported by Augustus Martin, Ceva Logistics, ECM Vehicle Delivery, Milltek Sport, Mondial Assistance, KW Automotive, Superchips, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Volkswagen Financial Services UK.
Looking for more? Have a look below.
- Anna Walewska joins the Volkswagen grid in the 2009 Volkswagen Racing Cup
- Volkswagen Racing Cup: Fulbrook claims title, Kurton and Dziurzynski the race wins
- Volkswagen Racing Cup: Fulbrook & Dziurzynski at Silverstone
- Volkswagen Racing Cup: Double top for Fulbrook at Snetterton
- Volkswagen Racing Cup: Beetle power for racing cup star Culley
