VW Jetta: Series Road America race two notes

Jarvis Gennari Earns Back-to-Back Wins at Road America
Points Race Tightens With Just Two Events Remaining

ELKHART LAKE, Wis. (August 22, 2010) -- Before this weekend, Jarvis Gennari had not found Victory Circle in the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup, but as he heads out of Wisconsin, the Series rookie has two wins to his name. Not only did the Boca Raton native find victory yesterday, but he also duplicated that feat this morning at Road America after coming all the way from a starting position of 14th.

"What an incredible weekend," said Gennari. "Being able to earn back-to-back wins is an amazing feeling. Not only were these my first Series wins, but they're also the first victories for me in a racecar of any kind. Up until this season, I've only competed in karting, so today really marks a milestone in my career. Starting from 14th and making my way through the pack was incredible. I definitely got into a rhythm out there and before I knew it, I had taken the checkered flag. That was just an incredible feeling -- as soon as I realized I'd won, I started tearing up in my helmet. Not only did I have a great event, but I'm also right there in the Championship hunt. Having a breakthrough weekend like this was not only a confidence boost, but it's also the highlight of my eight years in racing."

There was some exciting racing taking place at the 4.048-mile permanent Road Course in Elkhart Lake this morning. Not only did today's winner, Gennari, move up thirteen spots during the event; but there were a couple of other big moves through the field as well. Juan Pablo Sierra Lendle started the race in 22nd and made his way all the way up to fifth. Series rookie, JJ Tomlinson, also charged through the ranks; after starting 15th, he was able to bring the No. 28 Jetta TDI Cup car home in eighth place.

There are just two races left in the 2010 season and the points race will most certainly come down to the final event, as just 44 points separate the top-five drivers. Gennari was penalized thirty points in this weekend's first event, but upon further video review, those points have been restored. As a result, this weekend's back-to-back winner moves into the Championship lead with 267 points. Wyatt Gooden, who came to Road America leading the point standings, drops to second place with 246 points and Series veteran, Jake Thompson, is right behind him with 242. Juan Pablo Sierra Lendle, who made up some serious ground with his performance today, stays with the leaders after earning a fifth-place finish this morning and sits in fourth place (234 points), while JD Mobley rounds out the top-five with 223 points. The Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup heads to Puebla, Mexico for another double-race weekend on September 25 & 26, so it's anyone's guess which one of these up-and-coming drivers will come away with their first Series Championship.

During today's event at Road America, one guest driver, Cooper MacNeil, a SCCA Nationally Licensed Touring 2 driver, joined the 25 drivers of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup. MacNeil began his racing career just months after his 16th birthday in September 2008 by attending a Bob Bondurant racing school and he's only picking up speed. In just two years as a professional driver, he has participated in 45 races in a number of series including SCCA, NASA, Grand-Am and German VLN. During today's event, MacNeil started 21st and finished 17th in today's race. MacNeil also participated in yesterday's race where he started 14th and finished 21st.

"I had a much better start today," MacNeil said. "The Jetta TDI Cup car really handled great throughout the entire race. The car stops well and there's lot of grip -- those Pirelli slicks are fantastic. I think this is a great Series, as it provides solid experience for these drivers. Plus, with the cars being equally prepared you definitely have a good idea of where you stand in the field. I had a wonderful time this weekend and I'm happy I got to be a part of it."

-source: vw