Global tyre giant Hankook is taking its impressive performance onto the racetrack as it becomes a sponsor of the Volkswagen Racing Cup.
With up to 30 drivers set to battle for success this year the cup has become one of the most successful manufacturer-backed saloon series ever to run in the UK.
Support of the Volkswagen Racing Cup gives Hankook a massive new audience as part of the tyre giant's plans to expand its motorsport presence in the UK this year on both the racetrack and by supporting a two car team in the British Rally Championship.
For its activities on the racetrack, Hankook Motorsport manager Mike Patterson said the Volkswagen Racing Cup was the perfect championship for the global tyre giant.
Entering its sixth year, the Volkswagen Racing Cup in association with Hankook Tyres, is a key support race for the prestigious British F3 and British GT Championship UK tour with 12 rounds planned at six race meetings.
Kicking off at Oulton Park in April the series also takes in rounds at Donington, Snetterton, Brands Hatch, Croft and Thruxton where the final races will be held at the beginning of October.
Volkswagen Racing UK director Sam Roach said he was delighted to secure the support of such a high profile partner in Hankook.
"We are constantly striving to build on the impressive foundations of the Volkswagen Racing Cup and by working with companies such as Hankook we can ensure that the series remains at the pinnacle of motorsport in the UK.''
Launched in 2000, the Volkswagen Racing Cup is widely regarded as the most exciting saloon car championship in the UK.
The innovative regulations put all cars into a single class based on power to weight ratios. Open to any model of racing Volkswagen, the Cup has attracted drivers of the Beetle RSi, Corrado, Vento & Golf VR6, Golf GTI, Scirocco GTI, Polo, Lupo and Bora models.
Engine usage has been just as varied, with turbocharged and even turbodiesel power competing alongside the established 4 and 6 cylinder engines. This variety of machinery, representing Volkswagens of all ages, has made for one of the most colourful and diverse grids in motorsport with 2006 already shaping up to be a classic season for the championship.
