David Richert Wins Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Media Competition; Earns Drive in Germany

HERNDON, Va. Oct. 8, 2008 – David Richert, of Niverville, Manitoba, Canada, won the first Jetta TDI Cup Media Contest by securing more media coverage then any of the other 29 drivers in the clean diesel series. This result was made even more significant by the fact that Richert, 26, completed the season ranked 25th, but managed to parlay his media efforts into enough coverage to secure him a trip to Germany to drive in a race of the ADAC Polo Cup, the same prize awarded to the series points champion Josh Hurley.

"It has been an honor to represent the Volkswagen brand and promote clean diesel throughout the race season,” said Richert. “As drivers, what we do off the race track is often more important than what we do on the track. Winning the VW Media Contest and earning the opportunity to race at Hockenheim is a huge boost for my racing career. I applaud Volkswagen for creating this initiative and providing us with the necessary tools to succeed.”

Designed to teach drivers the importance of media exposure to their racing careers, the Jetta TDI Cup Media Contest encouraged the building of relationships with key members of the media, especially in the drivers’ home towns. In order for the media activity to be counted in the contest, drivers were required to develop story ideas, pitch media, track and submit all forms of media throughout the series.

As a local farmer with a dream to race cars, Richert generated enough interest within his home town and surrounding areas, that he was asked to help the mayor of Winnipeg unveil new city signs earlier this year. He also made a visit to a children’s hospital in Connecticut, and threw out the first pitch in a minor league baseball game. The relationships he formed with his local media led to multiple radio interviews, television appearances and continuous coverage in his local papers.