VW Polo Cup is the one common thread that connects all of South Africa’s top racing talent right now. Kelvin and Sheldon Van der Linde, Jordan Pepper and Keagan Masters, you name them, they started circuit racing in VW Polo Cup. Now, Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa has announced a dynamic partnership with MARACO Management to take the homegrown series international. The marketing and consulting agency will take VW Polo Cup motorsport to Germany in 2026.
VW POLO CUP
“Partnering with MARACO Management to introduce the VW Polo Cup in Germany is an exciting milestone for us. This partnership reflects our commitment to nurturing emerging talent, advancing motorsport technology and expanding our footprint globally. We are eager to provide drivers with the tools, training, and support they need to succeed both on the track and in their careers,” says Mike Rowe, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport.
The German VW Polo Cup series will feature Polo GTI Cups, powered by 2.0-litre turbo engine making 220 kW and equipped with sequential six-speed gearboxes. The race cars are proudly built at the Volkswagen plant in Kariega. Furthermore, as part of the partnership, a driver exchange programme is being developed between Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa and MARACO Management. Like the Van der Lindes and Pepper, the programme hopes to provide young talent future opportunities to race in expensive and highly competitive European-based series.
PASSION FOR RACING
“This VW Polo Cup partnership highlights the strength of international collaboration in motorsport. It brings together diverse expertise, innovation and a shared passion for racing. It showcases how working across borders can create powerful synergies. This will hopefully set the stage for groundbreaking achievements and a truly global motorsport,” says Thorsten Williams, MARACO Management.
Additionally, Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa will provide technical support while MARACO Management will offer driver coaching. Moreover, drivers will benefit from media training, data coaching and sports mental training. This will ensure that every competitor is equipped with skills to excel on and off the track. “The VW Polo Cup Series in 2026 will be a key development for both brands and for the future of motorsport,” concluded Rowe.
ARE YOU HAPPY TO SEE VW POLO CUP GROW GLOBALLY?
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