Molkenboer Autosport, in cooperation with Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa and MARACO Management, is bringing a new Polo Cup to the Netherlands. The ambition is to enter the Supercar Challenge as early as this year. In 2027, the team aims to organize its own Polo Cup Benelux championship in collaboration with V-Max Racing Management (VRM), with at least twenty cars on the grid. The class is intended to remain affordable by sourcing parts directly from South Africa and by providing intensive guidance to inexperienced drivers.

Molkenboer Autosport

Based in Elburg, Netherlands, Molkenboer Autosport is active in motorsport through car rental, sales, technical support, and its own racing team. Jesse Uddoh, a driver in the BMW 318Ti Cup, previously raced against the team in the PTC Cup. “Molkenboer is a team that always wants to get the maximum out of it,” he emphasizes.

New Opportunities, Low Costs

With the disappearance of the Fiesta and Clio Cup championship, there is room for a new entry-level class. “There is clearly a gap in the market,” says owner Niels Molkenboer. Although the Polo Cup does not receive support from the Dutch Volkswagen importer, he does not expect any problems. “We will draw up a contract stating that the purchase only becomes final once we reach twelve cars.”

With backing from Volkswagen Motorsport South Africa, which operates its own Polo Cup series and provides similar technical support to the German Polo Cup, the project benefits from an established supply structure that keeps costs down. “The car costs €69,950, including air jacks; it’s also possible without them. In Europe, it would be about €30,000 more,” says Molkenboer. Parts are also sharply priced: “An LED headlight costs €300, a door €290, a display €100. An engine or body shell €8,500.”

Buyers receive additional discounts when they collect parts themselves, either at the workshop or at the circuit. Shipping incurs extra costs.

The car itself is a well-proven package, having been raced in South Africa for several years, reducing the likelihood of the teething problems often associated with newly developed cars.

Racing for Everyone

Beginner drivers receive mental coaching and data support throughout the season. Data is shared between the drivers. The Polo Cup is raced without driver aids. Regarding the absence of ABS, Molkenboer is clear: “On slicks you have so much grip that you really have to try hard to lock up.” If the majority wants ABS, it will be considered. The endurance package will include ABS regardless, due to participation in the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS).

Uddoh has clear advice for drivers considering participation: “I would recommend the Polo Cup to a beginner if you have time to train, learn to understand the car, and if you have sufficient budget.”

According to Molkenboer, the class is an ideal stepping stone. “This is perfect preparation for DTM, GT3, or the Porsche Supercup. Front-wheel drive and no driver aids: a pure race car.”

Ambitions

Molkenboer wants to have twenty cars on the grid in 2027 and run a dedicated Volkswagen Polo Cup. The calendar should be comparable to that of the Supercar Challenge. This year, the team already plans to race two Polos. “We will compete in the Supercar Challenge in 2026. We will definitely be there with two cars.”

Looking ahead to 2027, Molkenboer is clear: “Then we will have our own cup with VRM. Only Polos, not mixed with other classes.”

The project will first be seen in competition during the full Supercar Challenge season, ahead of the planned 2027 launch of the Polo Cup championship.

Follow the Polo Cup Benelux as the project continues to take shape ahead of its planned debut.