NASA’s GTI-Cup series began in 1997 as a national "spec" race class with the intent of providing an affordable racing series of cars with limited modifications and spec components in order to provide close competition, limited expenses, and positive exposure. This series was modeled after NASA’s successful Mazda Pro-RX7 series. GTI-Cup is still a national spec race series available to any NASA region however it is most active in Northern California. Neuspeed and New Dimensions were the lead sponsors but dropped their sponsorships in 2001. Although no sponsor is currently supporting GTI-Cup, the series is a fun and affordable way to get involved in the sport of auto racing. Volkswagen Rabbits are reliable, cheap to operate, easy to work on and are a blast to drive. These cars are still competitive race cars despite their advancing age as evidenced by two GTI-Cup cars taking the top two pole positions in the E3 Class in NASA’s inaugural 25-hour Endurance Race at Thunderhill in 2003 and....in the 2005 25-Hour a GTI-Cup car took first in E3 class and 18th overall in a starting field of 58 cars.
Car
Specification Summary:
1. Engine
1.8 Liter 8.5:1 Compression engines
Oil Coolers allowed
K&N Filter and Cold Air Intake
2. Drivetrain
Stock transmission & gears from any 75-84 Rabbits
No limited slips, shims or welded differentials
No gear or final drive changes
3. Exhaust
Any exhaust system (no header)
4. Intake
Stock CIS fuel injection
Stock throttle body from any model (77-84)
5. Chassis
77 to 84 Rabbits and GTI's
Minimum weight all models 2150lbs with driver
Air Dams may be added
6. Suspension
Spec Neuspeed Suspension Kit includes:
Neuspeed "Race" Springs
Sway bars
Bilstein Shocks
Uses Stock strut housing w/Bilstein inserts
Poly bushings
No camber plates
7. Wheels
Any stock 14x6 VW wheels
Spec tire -Toyo Proxes RA-1 205-55R 14
8. Brakes
Stock 9.4" Vented Rotors w/ Hawk Blue front pads
Steel Braided Lines optional
Stock Rear Drums
9. Safety Equipment
Standard NASA safety equipment (Cage, Net, Fire Ext., Belts...etc.)
NASA Weblink Describing GTI-Cup
2005 Supplemental Rules for Nor Cal GTI Race Group
Spreadsheet Cost Estimate Example to Build
GTI
Cup Race Car
Assumes a decent
running
$500 donor car
More
On the History of the Golf GTI
