VW Jetta: David Richert Autobahn race notes

Mistake Costs Richert Top 10

Joliet, Illinois -- After a flying start at the Autobahn Grand Prix this weekend, David Richert found himself up with the leaders until a small mistake cost him a season best finish.

Starting 11th on the grid, Richert got a great jump on the cars around and immediately scooped up several positions. Running as high as 9th at one point, Richert was running nose to tail with the lead pack of cars. But after a couple of laps while pushing the limits through Turn 5, the back end of Richert's Jetta TDI Cup car stepped out in a big way sending the racer on a high speed path towards the edge of the track. Despite being able to save the car without spinning, Richert was still forced to run off the edge of the pavement and lost over 10 positions in the process.

The race ended several laps later under a full course yellow as another driver parked their car in the tire wall. Richert finished Round 5 of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup in 18th place but may move up to 17th if a penalty for passing under yellow is handed out to another driver. "I have mixed feelings about the race weekend..." stated Richert, "...it was great for my confidence because I know I can run up front now, but I'm still disappointed to have made that small mistake costing me so many positions".

Round 6 of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup goes August 15th at one of North America's greatest race tracks, Road America in Wisconsin.

-credit: drr