HERNDON, Va., Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- 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, Dow Automotive, Oakley, KMC
Wheels and Fox Shocks.
Red Bull
For information about Red Bull, visit www.redbull.com
BFGoodrich Tires
Using motorsports as a proving ground for more than 30 years BFGoodrich
Tires is involved in every type of racing, including oval, sports car,
drifting, drag, desert, dirt, rally and extreme rock-crawling. BFGoodrich
Tires combines technological expertise with vast motorsports experience,
delivering a high-performance tire for every type of vehicle.
For additional information about BFGoodrich Tires, visit
www.bfgoodrichtires.com
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.
For additional information about Dow Automotive products, services and
application development centers, visit www.automotive.dow.com
Oakley
Oakley was created for world-class athletes, those who see the limits of
possibility as just another challenge. 110 countries now enjoy a full array of
market-leading products including premium sunglasses, goggles, prescription
eyewear, apparel, footwear and accessories. These products represent their
commitment to excellence - a passion that redefines what is possible for those
who defy their own limits.
For additional information about Oakley, visit www.oakley.com
KMC Wheels
KMC Wheel Company was founded in 1982 originally selling steel wheels and
accessories. In 2005 KMC was purchased by Wheel Pros Inc., the leading
distributor of wheels in North America. KMC brands have experienced rapid
growth since the acquisition in 2005 by keeping a simple business strategy of
broadening its product line, increasing its market base, expanding its brand
awareness through strategic product placements and corporate alliances. The
success of this strategy is the natural outcome of KMC's vision, which is to
be unique in the areas of design leadership, competitive product quality and
competitive cost. Wheel Pros Inc. produces and distributes one piece wheels
for the automotive aftermarket in sizes ranging from 14" to 26" with chrome,
polish or painted finishes. Wheel Pros owns and markets various world
recognized brand names and patents under such brands as KMC, XD Series and
Lorenzo Wheels.
For additional information about KMC Wheels, visit www.kmcwheels.com
Fox Racing Shox
We've made suspension for 30 years, so we know how to design and
manufacture the best suspension you can buy. We started out as an engineering
company and things haven't changed. We focus on making high performance
products without compromise. This philosophy doesn't always go over well with
the bean counters, but our owner is an engineer - and the boss is always
right! We design suspension solutions for the sports of ATV, Mountain Biking,
Motocross, Offroad and Snowmobile. We know that passion is what drives you out
on the trails and tracks of this world. It is this passion that pushes us to
make unequalled suspension.
For additional information about Fox Racing Shox, visit
www.foxracingshox.com
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of American, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon,
Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg,
Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars
and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Eos, Rabbit, New Beetle,
New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GLI, Passat, Passat
wagon, Tiguan and Touareg 2 through approximately 600 independent U.S.
dealers. All 2009 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic
Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new
vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America
online at www.vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.
