VW announces Ameo Cup driver line-up

Out of 620 registrations received, 10 drivers were chosen from an intensive selection process, which judged them on the basis of driving skills, fitness, learning abilities and discipline.

These rookies will join eight experienced guns from previous seasons of Polo and Vento Cups, with last two year’s runner-up Karminder Singh being the star driver.

Singh had won a full-season scholarship by taking a triple victory at the Buddh International Circuit earlier this year.

He will be accompanied by last year’s junior champion Jeet Jhabakh, Pradeep Rao and Aditya Pawar, among other familiar names.

Kohlapur’s Dhruv Mohite, who has previously raced in JK Tyre’s Euro JK championship, will also make his debut in the Ameo Cup.

Affan Sadat and Tauhid Anwar from Bangladesh will complete the driver line-up.

Volkswagen is expected to field several international guest drivers this season as part of an exchange programme run by Volkswagen Motorsport globally.

Sirish Vissa, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport India, commented: “The number of racing talents that register for the selection process of our one-make series is remarkable and it is becoming increasingly difficult for us to shortlist the amateur racers from this talented lot.

“We have witnessed improvement in the racing knowledge of these young budding racers from the time we started our one make series back in 2009.

“Each year we receive multiple entries from aspiring racers and it is our goal to develop and nurture such young racing talent in this country.

“This year we have selected 10 young racers along with two from Bangladesh who have shown interest in honing their race craft and making their mark in competitive racing in the country.”

The new season of Volkswagen Ameo Cup begins on the weekend of 15-16 July at Coimbatore’s Kari Motor Speedway.

After two further rounds in Chennai, the championship will conclude at the Buddh International Circuit on 8th October.

Full driver line-up