Drew with VW
What makes Volkswagen and endurance athletes go together as if their astrological signs were a perfect match?
Last weekend, we served up nonstop cycling action at the Volkswagen Sea Otter Classic, a four-day event in Monterey, CA. Along with the all-new Think Blue Tour trailer, free coffee, and ride and drives, VW also provided an owner parking lot that offered VIP spots to cycling enthusiasts who drove up in our favorite vehicles. As you’ll see from the pictures, this lot was packed, and the owners were thrilled. Volkswagen caught up with a handful of the owners to find out what makes endurance athletes and VWs such a great combination.
First and foremost, these people are endurance athletes for life; many have been VW owners for life, too. These are folks that drive a lot on the weekends, hauling their bikes, snowboards, kayaks and surfboards to chase the seasonal events from state to state. For this crowd, TDIs, SUVs and hatchbacks tend to be the vehicles of choice.
While unloading two mountain bikes from his Thule roof rack, one young man explained that he loved the way his GTI handled and its “phenomenal” cargo space. He also pointed out that after driving up from Los Angeles, his back didn’t hurt as it had during past trips in his previous vehicle, recognizing the heavily-bolstered seats.
We also caught up with a married couple in a new Jetta Sportwagen TDI. The wife travels quite a bit locally and said that she really enjoys how fun the car is to drive while also getting “stellar” mileage. While she was initially afraid that she’d be giving up the excitement of the 2000 Jetta 1.8T she replaced with the Sportwagen, that did not turn out to be the case. The DSG transmission, mated to a torque-y diesel engine offers thrills on a daily basis.
For endurance athletes, much like VW enthusiasts, their vehicles become a symbol of freedom. The great gas mileage, storage capacity, joy of driving and comfort add up to weekend road trips to pursue their passions. Athletes for life. VW owners for life.
At any given time during event hours there were about 200 VWs in this owner parking lot. This bonus will become even more popular in coming years, likely turning into its own car corral. Actually, it was such a success that Volkswagen is looking forward to doing it again in a few weeks at the Pirelli World Challenge on May 11-12 back at Laguna Seca Raceway.
Tell us what passion your VW helps you pursue.