Volkswagen Motorsport announces exciting partnership with MARACO Management to bring the VW Polo Cup to Germany in 2026

For years, the VW Polo Cup has been a proving ground for South Africa’s top racing talent.

Many of the country’s best drivers—like Kelvin and Sheldon van der Linde, Jordan Pepper, and Keagan Masters—launched their careers in this highly competitive series.

Now, in an exciting move for motorsport fans, Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa has announced a major international expansion.

Bringing the VW Polo Cup to Germany in 2026

Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa has partnered with MARACO Management, a marketing and consulting agency, to take the VW Polo Cup to Germany in 2026.

This partnership marks a huge step toward giving young South African drivers a chance to compete on a global stage.

“This is an exciting milestone for us,” said Mike Rowe, Head of Volkswagen Motorsport.

“By introducing the VW Polo Cup in Germany, we’re not only expanding our global footprint but also ensuring that our drivers have access to the tools, training, and support they need to succeed in motorsport.”

High-Performance Polo GTI Race Cars and Driver Exchange Program

The German VW Polo Cup will feature Polo GTI Cup race cars powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 220 kW.

These race-ready beasts come with sequential six-speed gearboxes and are built proudly in Kariega, South Africa.

But that’s not all. A driver exchange program is also in the works between Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa and MARACO Management.

This initiative aims to open doors for young South African drivers to race in highly competitive European circuits—just like the Van der Linde brothers and Jordan Pepper did before them.

A Passion for Racing and International Collaboration

The VW Polo Cup is known for delivering some of the closest, most intense racing in the world.

As the saying goes, if you can win in a Polo Cup car, you can win in anything.

“This partnership highlights the power of international collaboration in motorsport,” said Thorsten Williams from MARACO Management.

“By combining diverse expertise, innovation, and passion, we’re creating incredible opportunities for young drivers.”

As part of the expansion, Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa will provide technical support, while MARACO Management will focus on driver coaching, media training, data analysis, and mental preparation.

The goal? To ensure every competitor is equipped with the skills to excel both on and off the track.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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