Volkswagen just announced a major return to grassroots motorsports in the United States. Starting this year, VW is establishing a $300,000 contingency fund for registered participants in Sports Car Club of America events. A lot of racers compete with a range of VW cars in various SCCA classes, and they will all be eligible for extra money from VW if they win.

In addition, VW announced the new GTI Cup series that will start in 2008 and be sanctioned by the SCCA. Competitors will run fixed specification GTI Cup cars that will be available from Volkswagen beginning later in 2007. The cars are based on the latest iteration of the GTI with the 2.0L turbocharged FSI four cylinder, mated to a DSG gearbox. The engine puts out 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. In addition, the cars will have a variety of safety and performance enhancements to make them more suitable for the track.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Good to see VW Motorsport back in the US