On Wednesday, February 9, South Africa’s most successful series, the Volkswagen Polo Cup, entered its second quarter century with a star-studded line-up.
The 2021 prize-giving ceremony, which had to be delayed due to Covid regulations, took place on Friday January 28, leaving no doubt as to who ruled the roost.
The event coincided with the official announcement of CompCare Medical Scheme as the main title sponsor for the 2022 Volkswagen Polo Cup as well as the unveiling of the iconic Polo GTi, which will make its bow during the forthcoming racing series that kicks off in March this year.
The Polo GTi vehicles that will be driven by all opponents have the same specifications, with a four-cylinder two-litre turbo engine delivering 150KW of power and 340Nm of torque at a regulated one-bar boost, which is delivered to the tarmac through Dunlop slicks.
For the 2022 series, the racing vehicles received a cosmetic facelift, while the specs remain the same as for the previous year.
The Volkswagen Polo Cup has earned a solid reputation as one of South Africa’s biggest success stories, with many of the country’s top racing drivers coming through the VW ranks. Currently in its 26th year, previous Volkswagen Polo Cup winners have proven that the championship is the ideal stepping stone for young, talented and skilled drivers to enter the pinnacle of premier championships in South Africa, as well as abroad.
Speaking at the event, Josua Joubert, the chief executive officer and principal officer of CompCare Medical Scheme, said the scheme had in recent years made a concerted effort to encourage the pursuit of adrenaline-fuelled sporting activities, at both professional and amateur levels.
“As a result, we are one of few medical schemes to provide full cover for those who participate in extreme sports. We have participated in a number of key sport sponsorships, including Brian Baragwanath’s entry into the Dakar Rally and the brave, ultra-endurance cyclist Grant Lottering pitting himself against nature – to mention a few.”
CompCare is no stranger to motorsport. The established medical scheme, which is administered by Universal Healthcare, which via Universal Racing is active in various racing categories, including the Volkswagen Polo Cup under the Team Red Racing banner.
Top contenders from Universal Motorsport included Lee Thompson, Jeffrey Kruger, Leyton Fourie and Dawie van der Merwe, who all again received top accolades at the 2021 prize-giving ceremony.
Fourie, who went on to take the 2021 VW Polo Cup title, said it had been an extreme honour to win the 25th championship, which still feels slightly unreal to him. “Thank you to everyone at Universal Motorsport and for making a dream come true. There is only one way the 2022 season will go, and this is to secure another championship for Team Red.”
Van der Merwe took the 2021 Rookie of the Year win for the Universal Motorsport team at the event, while Jeffrey Kruger took a third-position podium finish for the GTC Supacup Race Series. “We chose to actively drive the pursuit of adrenaline-fuelled sporting activities, because of the many health, fitness and mental benefits that they hold,” commented Joubert.
“Increased mental focus, strength, extreme concentration and physical fitness and endurance that are up to international standards, are part and parcel of high-performance sport participation, which pushes participants to their physical and mental limits. “As a medical scheme that actively pursues and promotes the well-being and health of our members, this truly resonates with our brand, making us a perfect sponsor of the 2022 CompCare Volkswagen Polo Cup,” Joubert said.
“As one of the few medical schemes that provide cover for adventure and professional sports, CompCare is committed to enabling young South Africans to pursue their passion on the racetrack. Investing in the well-being of our nation’s future sportsmen and sportswomen – those who inspire us all to reach further than ever before in living life to its fullest – is one of our greatest passions here at CompCare. This vision aligns perfectly with the aims of the CompCare VW Polo Cup, which are to advance the future of this highly respected racing series, and that of South African motorsport,” Joubert concluded.
Source: MNA PR
