When it comes to race coverage, Speed TV is more likely waste air space on the gas-swilling beer-fueled spectacle that is NASCAR than anything remotely green. That said, the cable station is taking a break from turning left to give the Jetta TDI Cup a little attention – agreeing to air seven races from the 2009 season throughout the month of December.

The Jetta TDI Cup is a special racing event organized by Volkswagen. Identical race-prepped Jetta TDIs go head to head at tracks around the country, powered by turbo 2.0-liter diesel engines with 170 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. VW hand-picks racers from around the country, and since the whole point of the series is to drum up interest in diesels, all of the drivers are 26 years old or younger. The coolest part? VW says the race-spec Jettas manage 24 mpg on track and pull at least 4 races before filling up. Not too shabby.

Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup TV Broadcast Schedule* (all times Eastern):

December 6, 5 pm – VIRginia International Raceway – Race #1
December 6, 5:30 pm – VIRginia International Raceway – Race #2
December 6, 6 pm – Miller Motorsports Park – Race #3
December 6, 6:30 pm – Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course – Race #4
December 13, 5 pm – Autobahn Country Club – Race #5
December 13, 5:30 pm – Road America – Race #6
December 20, 5:30 pm – Mosport International Raceway – Race #7

* Additional broadcasts dates will be announced at a later date.

Photo courtesy of Volkswagen America.

Source GermanCarScene