Dubai: A cross-section of drivers will pursue the title in the second year of the annual Golf GTI Cup, being organised by Motorworks in association with Al Naboudah Automobiles.
Included in the line-up are two UAE nationals along with a couple of Greeks and one driver each from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, The Netherlands and England.
In addition, Sajid Khan, Managing Director and organiser of the GTI Cup, will be driving too.
The GTI Cup was launched last season as an eight-race series for local amateur drivers. "In the inaugural year, we got eight drivers and this has increased to 14 this year. The good thing is that all eight who took part last year are taking part this year too," stated Sajid Khan.
"This just goes to show the popularity of the series and its growth in such a short time," he added.
Yazan Rijleh won the inaugural series last year and currently lies in second place this year with 37 points.
Greek Costas Papantonis is the leader with 63 points, while Michael McMullen and Mohammad Al Falasi are tied in third with 24 points each after three rounds this season.
Commenting on the sponsorship, Iris Kraska, Marketing and PR Director, Volkswagen Middle East, said: "Globally, Volkswagen has followed a policy of extensively supporting motor sports in different categories. The Golf GTI Cup is not only unique in its concept and a first of its kind in the Middle East, but also features all Golf GTI cars."
Commenting on the current season, Vijay Rao, General Manager, Volkswagen, Al Naboudah Automobiles, added: "This season, all cars are identical 2006 Volkswagen GTI Turbos with 230 bhp fully modified in race trim, featuring tyres by the events official tyre sponsor Bridgestone."
The fourth round of the eight-race calendar for 2007 will be held alongside the National Race Day, scheduled to be held at the Dubai Autodrome this weekend.
