New Caddy Racer makes VW Racing Cup debut

Following its unveiling at the CV Show and with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles director Simon Elliot behind the wheel, the all-new Caddy Racer made a competitive debut at the Snetterton rounds of the Volkswagen Racing Cup.

This unique racing van is powered by a 270hp 2.0-litre petrol turbo engine, driving the front wheels via a six-speed Volkswagen Racing quick-shift manual gearbox. The rear axle has been uprated to the multi-link system found in the road-going Golf Mk VI, competition disc brakes are fitted and of course there’s a full roll cage.

For the first time it had been driven in anger, and battling against a selection of lighter and more aerodynamically efficient cars, the Caddy Van qualified a creditable 15th for the first race. Elliot managed to make up a couple of places and crossed the line 11th, setting the grid position for Race Two.

The pairing made a very strong start and had moved up to eighth position by the first corner. An incident caused by a driver further up the field then saw the Caddy’s progress halted and Elliott was unlucky to drop back down the field after taking avoiding action.

Over the remaining laps, as he became more familiar with the characteristics of his new steed, Elliot was able to further exploit its potential and was involved in a number of close battles, posting his quickest lap time of the two races before crossing the line in 14th place.

Returning for his second season in this highly competitive racing series, Elliott said: “It’s great to finally be back out on track for what is shaping up to be a more exciting season than ever. The new Caddy Racer feels strong already and I am really pleased with our debut performance.

"We were unlucky to finish just outside the top ten this weekend, but we have made some strong steps forward with it’s development and that will be the aim for the next rounds. Since it was launched at the end of last year, the new Caddy has won a number of awards (including the VansA2Z Van of the Year 2011 accolade), and I am hopeful that the new Caddy Racer can add to this success.”

TV coverage of the Snetterton rounds of the Volkswagen Racing Cup can be seen on Motors TV UK on 4 June 2011 at 19.25. Rounds Five and Six of the Volkswagen Racing Cup take place at Brands Hatch on 18/19 June.

After the race, Hayfisher Productions' David Price caught up wth Simon Elliott.