GT Academy – Gamers to Professional Driver for Nissan

By Jeff Cantagallo | December 29, 2014

Taking gaming to a new level: The GT Academy series started in 2008 embracing ‘not just your average gamer’ pinning them against 400,000 competitors hoping to make it to the next round of only 32 chosen.

Author Jeff C.: I have to chuckle a bit, on social media you constantly see people bashing “gamers” and people who claim they know cars and motorsports in general. This gives the gamers a means to prove they have what it takes to become a professional driver. I have to give Nissan and Sony credit, they have taken gaming to the next level and is giving gamers an opportunity of a lifetime and a chance to shut down the ‘keyboard commandos’ who are constantly poking fun.

All that is needed to qualify for GT Academy is a PlaystationNetwork® ID and Gran Turismo 6 and the skills to go up against 400,000 competitors and the skills to make it to the National Finals.

THE NATIONAL FINALS.

The focus is not just about gaming, you will also go through fitness and skill testing. The ultimate reward is to drive a real Nissan sports car in a real racing scenario.

REALITY: GT ACADEMY RACE CAMP

I’m sure as some may joke, “you are no longer in your mom’s basement, playing a video game anymore!” This is the real deal, an elite group of finalists make it to England’s legendary Silverston Raceway for an intense week long competition that will literally separate the winners from the losers. Being led by a team of professional coaches, trainers, and experienced racers.

THE PRIZE

For all of your hard work and skills the winner will be awarded an opportunity to compete in the Dubai 24 Hours. In 2014, the GT Academy team took the checkered flag, winning their division by an impressive 25 laps.

OLD NEWS

Where the heck was I when this aired? This is a pretty cool event and I am sad to say they are 6 episodes into the GT Academy and I am now just catching on; nonetheless, you can watch some of their episodes below:

Visit Nissan’s channel on YouTube to check out all of the episodes.

GT Academy Season 4 Winner: Nic Hamman

via Nissan News: The whole thing has been an awesome experience for me,” said the 21-year old Hamman. “I can’t thank everyone at Nissan, Sony PlayStation and Silverstone enough for giving me this opportunity and believing in me.

To read the full article, “Wisconsin’s Nic Hamman dominates final race to win Nissan GT Academy Season 4” visit: NissanNews.com here

Sources:
http://www.nissanusa.com/gtacademyshow/
http://nissannews.com/en-US/nissan/usa/releases/wisconsin-s-nic-hamman-dominates-final-race-to-win-nissan-gt-academy-season
Nissan / GT Academy YouTube Channel