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[an error occurred while processing this directive] Volkswagen Announces Drivers and Sponsors HERNDON, Va., The all-new purpose-built Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI, powered by a clean diesel TDI engine, will be driven by motorsport veterans Mark Miller and Ryan Arciero as Volkswagen competes in the 41st running of the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. Mark Miller has been selectively dominating the sport of off-road racing for over twenty years. His unprecedented driving skills were recognized by one of the top leaders in Volkswagen motorsport, and in 2005 Mark made a full time commitment as a factory works driver for the Volkswagen Motorsports team based in Hanover, Germany. "To become a professional racing driver was the best decision of my life. I just should have made it earlier," said Mark Miller. In his youth he actually sacrificed a promising career in motorbike racing to study. As Volkswagen factory driver he now traces the path in reverse: The investment manager withdrew from the business to concentrate solely on his motorsport activities. Miller's strength: He is one hundred percent committed; for example he undertakes an intensive fitness program. His mental strength helps him to concentrate but stay relaxed at the same time: "One of my plus points is that I don't target any unrealistic goals and in doing so don't put myself unnecessarily under pressure," Miller added. Miller, who is one of the few Americans to start the Dakar Rally, is regarded as multi-talented. In 1979, he competed in the SCORE Off-road Challenge for the first time on a motorcycle in his homeland, was successful in a NASCAR truck series, and scored several wins in the Trophy Truck class of the famous Baja 1000 and Baja 500 rallies. Growing up in the racing world Ryan has experienced first-hand what victory feels like. Maintaining the legacy of his legendary racing family Ryan is determined to continue 50 years plus of Motorsports success that the Arciero family has worked so strongly to achieve. Whether Ryan is racing a 1000 mile off-road race or turning laps on the pavement, the skills and experience he gained have produced one of the most diverse drivers and successful racing resumes. As a Volkswagen factory driver, Ryan was instrumental in the inaugural season of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Series, where he coached and mentored a group of thirty up and coming talented young drivers on what it takes to succeed in the world of professional motorsports. "The last time I won the Baja 1000 was in 2004 and it is something that drives me more and more everyday to get back to that feeling inside of being the best at what I do and to win one of the most demanding races in the world. For that day or that moment you are the best, number 1, and that feeling for me is like no other," said Arciero. "To now line up at the start of the 2008 Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 in the all-new Volkswagen clean diesel powered Baja Race Touareg TDI Trophy Truck for the very first time will also be a great feeling that I am really looking forward to," added Arciero. Willie Valdez Jr. will be Mark Miller's navigator, and Benny Metcalf Jr. will be Ryan Arciero's navigator in the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. Both Valdez Jr. and Metcalf Jr. have amassed multiple wins in various off-road racing classes both in the United States and Mexico. The Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI is sponsored by Volkswagen of America, Inc.,
Red Bull
BFGoodrich Tires
Volkswagen of America, Inc.
DOW Automotive
Dow Automotive is a leading global provider of technology-driven solutions that meet consumer demands for vehicles that are safer, stronger, quieter, lighter, cleaner, more comfortable and stylish. The organization provides plastics, adhesives, glass bonding systems, sealants, emissions control technology, films, fluids and structural enhancement and acoustical management solutions to OEM, tier and aftermarket customers around the world.
Oakley
KMC Wheels
Fox Racing Shox
Volkswagen-Red Bull Baja Race Touareg TDI Specifications
Powertrain Engine 5.5 Liter, 90 degree V-12 TDI Twin Turbo Diesel Valve train 4 valves per cylinder, DOHC Induction Dual Garrett TR 30 R with dual 43.5mm air-restrictors, 2.94 bar (absolute) pressure Emissions Dow Automotive Diesel Particle Filters (2) Horsepower 550 HP (405kW) Torque 625 ft-lb (850Nm) Layout Mid-engine, rear wheel drive Transmission Xtrac 6 Speed Sequential Rear Axle Custom Built solid 9” Rear Axle Suspension
General
Sponsors: Sponsored by Red Bull, BFGoodrich Tires, Dow Automotive, Oakley, KMC Wheels, Fox Shocks.
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