The VW Jetta TDI is proof positive the terms green and performance are not mutually exclusive in the motorsports arena. With a turbocharged, intercooled, two liter, inline four cylinder engine that puts out numbers like 168 bhp and 280 ft/lb of torque @1900 to 2500 rpm, the Jetta has all the performance you could ask from a small sedan. And, given the fact that those numbers come from a TDI “clean” diesel engine featuring a “common rail” direct injection system, the Jetta TDI can hold its head high in the parking lot of the local food co-op as well as from Road Atlanta to Infineon Raceway.

In fact, the VW Jetta TDI does hold its head quite high at those renowned circuits as well as the six other tracks on the SCCA Pro Racing Jetta TDI Cup Schedule. One of the world’s most innovative race series, the VW Jetta TDI Cup features 30 emerging drivers age 16-26 competing in ten events on eight road courses around North America in identical, factory-prepared Jetta TDIs, powered by SynDiesel¨ B5 biodiesel. At stake? An SCCA Pro License for every driver competing in the series along with a cool $100,000 to the series champion.

Nor does the innovation stop there. With the Jetta TDI Cup series car joining iRacing.com’s expanding stable of cars, iRacing members will be able to compete in an online version of the series which will be the primary gateway for eligible young drivers to earn their way into future seasons of the SCCA Pro Series and start their careers as professional drivers.

The car iRacers will be driving is a virtual replica of the VW Jetta TDI Cup series car which, in addition to its clean diesel engine, features a six-speed, double-clutch, automatic DSG transmission and an ATE Racing ABS system with Brembo four piston, fixed calipers at the front and Lucas one piston, sliding calipers at the rear.